Climbing Systems
Safety and Certification
The Energy Group recognizes the following hitches and associated climbing systems are used by LCTT professionals in performing tree trimming work where bucket trucks are not accessible. All Energy Group climbers must gain certification by Energy Group as to the climber’s proficiency and demonstrated safe use of the specific hitch and climbing system. Climbers can only be certified to one climbing system and hitch at a time. It is not safe to constantly switch using climbing systems or hitches. Repetition in use is the key to safety in climbing. The Energy Group recognizes that, in some instances, the choice and use of a particular hitch can be subject to body size, personal preference and climbing experience. Employees may choose a certified climbing hitch that they prefer as long as they can gain certification to correctly and safely demonstrate the safe use of the hitch and climbing system.
Open System Climbing
Open system (also called split-tail system) climbing with specific hitch types are considered primary life support. Climbers must always maintain at least primary life support when climbing and also when appropriate add secondary life support with a lanyard or buck strap. The open system method of climbing secures the hitch to the saddle or harness on a separate connection such as a single eye cordage or double eyed cordage where the cordage is used to form the hitch around the climbing line. Also, in an open system the climbing rope is secured to the climber’s saddle or harness on one end of the rope with a knot and a locking carabiner. The running end of the climbing line is where the hitch is tied and the remainder of the running end of the climbing line hangs to the ground.
The benefit of the open system is that the climber is able to navigate around branches on the ascent or descent faster and easier than using a closed system. The open system allows the climber when reaching a branch in their climbing path to set their lanyard as backup life support, then unlock the carabiner securing the hitch cordage, move the hitch cordage connection around the branch and secure the carabiner back to the saddle or harness. Now the climber is able to efficiently move around the branch and continue their ascent or descent.
The following hitches are accepted for use in Open System LCTT climbing:
Prusik Hitch
The Prusik hitch is considered a bi-directional symmetrical hitch meaning that it will provide friction control in both directions moving up or down on the climbing line. The Prusik hitch requires a double eye cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 28”, 30” or 32” depending on the arm length and preference of the climber. This hitch is formed by making two or three wraps routing the open end of the cord through the center loop of the cordage, leaving the two-eye equal length cord ends to be secured by a carabiner to the saddle. After the hitch is tied and secured with the carabiner, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Schwabisch
The Schwabisch is an asymmetrical hitch. Because it is asymmetrical in design the friction control works in one direction going down the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend the climbing line. The Schwabisch hitch requires a double eye cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 28”, 30” or 32” depending on the arm length and preference of the climber. This hitch is formed by making one turn around the climbing line in a downward direction, and then taking the end of the eye and eye tail or piece of cordage up above the original turn and making four more turns around the standing part of the line in a downward direction, going around the climbing rope in the opposite direction from the original turn. The ends should both exit from the same side of the knot beneath the bar and are then secured by connecting the two eyes of the cord to a carabiner that is then secured to the saddle. After the hitch is tied and secured with the carabiner, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Distal
The Distal hitch is an asymmetrical hitch. Because it is asymmetrical in design the friction control works in one direction going down the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend the climbing line. The Distal hitch requires a double eye cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 28”, 30” or 32” depending on the arm length and preference of the climber. The hitch is formed by making one turn around the climbing line in a downward direction, and then taking the end of the eye and eye tail or piece of cordage up above the original turn and making four more turns around the standing part of the line in a downward direction, going around the climbing rope in the same as the original turn. The ends will exit from opposite sides of the knot beneath the bar and are then secured by connecting the two eyes of the cord to a carabiner that is then secured to the saddle. After the hitch is tied and secured with the carabiner, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Michoacán
The Michoacán hitch is an asymmetrical hitch. Because it is asymmetrical in design the friction control works in one direction going down the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend the climbing line. The Michoacán hitch requires a double eye cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 28”, 30” or 32” depending on the arm length and preference of the climber. The hitch is formed by making five turns around the climbing line in an upward direction. The upper end of the eye and eye tail or piece of cordage, is then brought down and under the other end of the eye and eye tail, capturing it, before the hitch is completed by feeding the upper end between the standing part of the rope and the first turn. The lower end will exit from one side of the knot, captured by the upper end, which exits from beneath the first turn on the other side of the knot. Both ends are then secured by connecting the two eyes of the cord to a carabiner that is then secured to the saddle. After the hitch is tied and secured with the carabiner, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Blake’s Hitch
The Blake’s hitch is an asymmetrical hitch. Because it is asymmetrical in design the friction control works in one direction going down the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend the climbing line. The Blake’s hitch in an open system requires a single eye or split-tail cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 5-foot long to accommodate all climbers. The Blake’s hitch is formed by first making a figure 8 knot within 4 inches of the saddle connection point. This is for aerial rescue safety and good practice for all climbers using the Blake’s hitch. The distance away from the saddle to the hitch is called the bridge. The bridge length is custom to the climber’s arm reach. Next after tying the figure 8 knot make four turns around the running end of the climbing line in an upward direction. The tail is then brought down between the user and the bridge, crossing beneath and capturing the bridge, then brought up beneath the bottom two turns and through the side of the hitch. After the hitch is tied, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. The tail excess of the cord beyond the hitch must then be formed into a stopper knot for additional security. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Taut Line Hitch
The Taut Line hitch is a symmetrical hitch. Because it is symmetrical in design the friction control works in both directions going up and down the running end of the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the top or bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend or descend the climbing line. The Taut Line hitch in an open system requires a single eye or split-tail cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 5-foot long to accommodate all climbers. The Taut Line hitch is formed by first making a figure 8 knot within 4 inches of the saddle connection point. This is for aerial rescue safety and good practice for all climbers using a Taut Line hitch. The distance away from the saddle to the hitch is called the bridge. The bridge length is custom to the climber’s arm reach. Next after tying the figure 8 knot make two turns also called wraps around the running end of the climbing line in an upward direction. The tail is then brought down over the bridge line, then brought behind the lower end of the running line and around two turns or wraps through the loop of the hitch. After the hitch is tied, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. The tail excess of the rope beyond the hitch must then be formed into a stopper knot for additional security. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Note:
It is The Energy Group’s policy that closed system hitches only be used as a secondary system to be used as a “safety back-up” or secondary life support when climbing. All climbers must know and be able to demonstrate the correct tying of a closed system “safety back-up” hitch in the event of an equipment failure when in the tree and must be able to descend with a closed system hitch safely.
Closed System with Blake’s Hitch
A closed system is used in climbing where the hitch is formed using just the climbing line (no carabiners), which is first secured to the saddle with an extension of the end of the climbing line (4 to 7 feet of line) that is used to tie the hitch to the running end of the climbing line. The most common hitch used in closed system climbing is the Blake’s hitch. The Blake’s hitch is formed by first making a figure 8 knot within 4 inches of the saddle connection point. This is for aerial rescue safety and good practice for all climbers using the Blake’s hitch. The distance away from the saddle to the hitch is called the bridge. The bridge length is custom to the climber’s arm reach. Next after tying the figure 8 knot make four turns or wraps around the running end of the climbing line in an upward direction. The tail is then brought down between the user and the bridge, crossing beneath and capturing the bridge, then brought up beneath the bottom two turns or wraps and through the side of the hitch. After the hitch is tied, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. The tail excess of the rope beyond the hitch must then be formed into a stopper knot for additional security. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Closed System with Taut Line Hitch
A closed system is used in climbing where the hitch is formed using just the climbing line (no carabiners), which is first secured to the saddle with an extension of the end of the climbing line (4 to 7 feet of line) that is used to tie the hitch to the running end of the climbing line. A common hitch used in closed system climbing is the Taut Line hitch. The Taut Line hitch is formed by first making a figure 8 knot within 4 inches of the saddle connection point. This is for aerial rescue safety and good practice for all climbers using a Taut Line hitch. The distance away from the saddle to the hitch is called the bridge. The bridge length is custom to the climber’s arm reach. Next after tying the figure 8 knot make two turns also called wraps around the running end of the climbing line in an upward direction. The tail is then brought down over the bridge line, then brought behind the lower end of the running line and around two turns or wraps through the loop of the hitch. After the hitch is tied, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. The tail excess of the rope beyond the hitch must then be formed into a stopper knot for additional security. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Energy Group Climber Certification Requirements
Energy Group climbers must be certified to climb by physical demonstration of one open system climbing hitch and the closed system Blake’s hitch. The purpose of requiring both climbing systems in the certification process is to verify that the climber is able to use the closed system Blake’s hitch as a secondary life support when in the tree or if needed to descend in a case of emergency if the primary open system equipment malfunctions.
Safety and Certification
The Energy Group recognizes the following hitches and associated climbing systems are used by LCTT professionals in performing tree trimming work where bucket trucks are not accessible. All Energy Group climbers must gain certification by Energy Group as to the climber’s proficiency and demonstrated safe use of the specific hitch and climbing system. Climbers can only be certified to one climbing system and hitch at a time. It is not safe to constantly switch using climbing systems or hitches. Repetition in use is the key to safety in climbing. The Energy Group recognizes that, in some instances, the choice and use of a particular hitch can be subject to body size, personal preference and climbing experience. Employees may choose a certified climbing hitch that they prefer as long as they can gain certification to correctly and safely demonstrate the safe use of the hitch and climbing system.
Open System Climbing
Open system (also called split-tail system) climbing with specific hitch types are considered primary life support. Climbers must always maintain at least primary life support when climbing and also when appropriate add secondary life support with a lanyard or buck strap. The open system method of climbing secures the hitch to the saddle or harness on a separate connection such as a single eye cordage or double eyed cordage where the cordage is used to form the hitch around the climbing line. Also, in an open system the climbing rope is secured to the climber’s saddle or harness on one end of the rope with a knot and a locking carabiner. The running end of the climbing line is where the hitch is tied and the remainder of the running end of the climbing line hangs to the ground.
The benefit of the open system is that the climber is able to navigate around branches on the ascent or descent faster and easier than using a closed system. The open system allows the climber when reaching a branch in their climbing path to set their lanyard as backup life support, then unlock the carabiner securing the hitch cordage, move the hitch cordage connection around the branch and secure the carabiner back to the saddle or harness. Now the climber is able to efficiently move around the branch and continue their ascent or descent.
The following hitches are accepted for use in Open System LCTT climbing:
Prusik Hitch
The Prusik hitch is considered a bi-directional symmetrical hitch meaning that it will provide friction control in both directions moving up or down on the climbing line. The Prusik hitch requires a double eye cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 28”, 30” or 32” depending on the arm length and preference of the climber. This hitch is formed by making two or three wraps routing the open end of the cord through the center loop of the cordage, leaving the two-eye equal length cord ends to be secured by a carabiner to the saddle. After the hitch is tied and secured with the carabiner, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Schwabisch
The Schwabisch is an asymmetrical hitch. Because it is asymmetrical in design the friction control works in one direction going down the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend the climbing line. The Schwabisch hitch requires a double eye cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 28”, 30” or 32” depending on the arm length and preference of the climber. This hitch is formed by making one turn around the climbing line in a downward direction, and then taking the end of the eye and eye tail or piece of cordage up above the original turn and making four more turns around the standing part of the line in a downward direction, going around the climbing rope in the opposite direction from the original turn. The ends should both exit from the same side of the knot beneath the bar and are then secured by connecting the two eyes of the cord to a carabiner that is then secured to the saddle. After the hitch is tied and secured with the carabiner, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Distal
The Distal hitch is an asymmetrical hitch. Because it is asymmetrical in design the friction control works in one direction going down the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend the climbing line. The Distal hitch requires a double eye cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 28”, 30” or 32” depending on the arm length and preference of the climber. The hitch is formed by making one turn around the climbing line in a downward direction, and then taking the end of the eye and eye tail or piece of cordage up above the original turn and making four more turns around the standing part of the line in a downward direction, going around the climbing rope in the same as the original turn. The ends will exit from opposite sides of the knot beneath the bar and are then secured by connecting the two eyes of the cord to a carabiner that is then secured to the saddle. After the hitch is tied and secured with the carabiner, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Michoacán
The Michoacán hitch is an asymmetrical hitch. Because it is asymmetrical in design the friction control works in one direction going down the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend the climbing line. The Michoacán hitch requires a double eye cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 28”, 30” or 32” depending on the arm length and preference of the climber. The hitch is formed by making five turns around the climbing line in an upward direction. The upper end of the eye and eye tail or piece of cordage, is then brought down and under the other end of the eye and eye tail, capturing it, before the hitch is completed by feeding the upper end between the standing part of the rope and the first turn. The lower end will exit from one side of the knot, captured by the upper end, which exits from beneath the first turn on the other side of the knot. Both ends are then secured by connecting the two eyes of the cord to a carabiner that is then secured to the saddle. After the hitch is tied and secured with the carabiner, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Blake’s Hitch
The Blake’s hitch is an asymmetrical hitch. Because it is asymmetrical in design the friction control works in one direction going down the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend the climbing line. The Blake’s hitch in an open system requires a single eye or split-tail cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 5-foot long to accommodate all climbers. The Blake’s hitch is formed by first making a figure 8 knot within 4 inches of the saddle connection point. This is for aerial rescue safety and good practice for all climbers using the Blake’s hitch. The distance away from the saddle to the hitch is called the bridge. The bridge length is custom to the climber’s arm reach. Next after tying the figure 8 knot make four turns around the running end of the climbing line in an upward direction. The tail is then brought down between the user and the bridge, crossing beneath and capturing the bridge, then brought up beneath the bottom two turns and through the side of the hitch. After the hitch is tied, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. The tail excess of the cord beyond the hitch must then be formed into a stopper knot for additional security. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Taut Line Hitch
The Taut Line hitch is a symmetrical hitch. Because it is symmetrical in design the friction control works in both directions going up and down the running end of the climbing line. The hitch releases when pressured on the top or bottom end of the hitch allowing the hitch to ascend or descend the climbing line. The Taut Line hitch in an open system requires a single eye or split-tail cordage of specific diameter such as 8mm, 9mm and 10mm (generally smaller than the climbing line diameter) and specific length such as 5-foot long to accommodate all climbers. The Taut Line hitch is formed by first making a figure 8 knot within 4 inches of the saddle connection point. This is for aerial rescue safety and good practice for all climbers using a Taut Line hitch. The distance away from the saddle to the hitch is called the bridge. The bridge length is custom to the climber’s arm reach. Next after tying the figure 8 knot make two turns also called wraps around the running end of the climbing line in an upward direction. The tail is then brought down over the bridge line, then brought behind the lower end of the running line and around two turns or wraps through the loop of the hitch. After the hitch is tied, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. The tail excess of the rope beyond the hitch must then be formed into a stopper knot for additional security. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Note:
It is The Energy Group’s policy that closed system hitches only be used as a secondary system to be used as a “safety back-up” or secondary life support when climbing. All climbers must know and be able to demonstrate the correct tying of a closed system “safety back-up” hitch in the event of an equipment failure when in the tree and must be able to descend with a closed system hitch safely.
Closed System with Blake’s Hitch
A closed system is used in climbing where the hitch is formed using just the climbing line (no carabiners), which is first secured to the saddle with an extension of the end of the climbing line (4 to 7 feet of line) that is used to tie the hitch to the running end of the climbing line. The most common hitch used in closed system climbing is the Blake’s hitch. The Blake’s hitch is formed by first making a figure 8 knot within 4 inches of the saddle connection point. This is for aerial rescue safety and good practice for all climbers using the Blake’s hitch. The distance away from the saddle to the hitch is called the bridge. The bridge length is custom to the climber’s arm reach. Next after tying the figure 8 knot make four turns or wraps around the running end of the climbing line in an upward direction. The tail is then brought down between the user and the bridge, crossing beneath and capturing the bridge, then brought up beneath the bottom two turns or wraps and through the side of the hitch. After the hitch is tied, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. The tail excess of the rope beyond the hitch must then be formed into a stopper knot for additional security. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Closed System with Taut Line Hitch
A closed system is used in climbing where the hitch is formed using just the climbing line (no carabiners), which is first secured to the saddle with an extension of the end of the climbing line (4 to 7 feet of line) that is used to tie the hitch to the running end of the climbing line. A common hitch used in closed system climbing is the Taut Line hitch. The Taut Line hitch is formed by first making a figure 8 knot within 4 inches of the saddle connection point. This is for aerial rescue safety and good practice for all climbers using a Taut Line hitch. The distance away from the saddle to the hitch is called the bridge. The bridge length is custom to the climber’s arm reach. Next after tying the figure 8 knot make two turns also called wraps around the running end of the climbing line in an upward direction. The tail is then brought down over the bridge line, then brought behind the lower end of the running line and around two turns or wraps through the loop of the hitch. After the hitch is tied, it is then dressed and set to a tighten the hitch getting it ready for use. This is called TDS. The tail excess of the rope beyond the hitch must then be formed into a stopper knot for additional security. A physical demonstration of the hitch performing correctly with the climber’s weight in the saddle is required to be performed while the climber is on the ground. A micro pulley may be used in this hitch setup to allow for slack tending.
Energy Group Climber Certification Requirements
Energy Group climbers must be certified to climb by physical demonstration of one open system climbing hitch and the closed system Blake’s hitch. The purpose of requiring both climbing systems in the certification process is to verify that the climber is able to use the closed system Blake’s hitch as a secondary life support when in the tree or if needed to descend in a case of emergency if the primary open system equipment malfunctions.
