EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
3. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION,
ITS INTENDED PURPOSE, AP-
PLICATION AND LIMITATIONS.
The Hitch Climber System is a designed collection
of PPE components forming a doubled (running)
rope Work Positioning system. These components
-
tion and the neighbour component compatibility
and in combination with other appropriate work at
height tools, the Hitch Climber System facilitates
aiding the performance of a task.
The Hitch Climber System was developed for work
at height in complex structures where the transition
from ascent to descent occurs relatively frequently
(e.g. within trees). Users must be fully conversant
with the structures upon which they work and any
constraints imposed by those structures. Hitch
Climber Systems allow ascent and descent without
Work at height systems where the rope moves (run-
ning rope systems), demand special consideration to
rope damage e.g. abrasive and/or sharp edges. Care
should be taken to ensure that the running rope (or
any other part of the system) is routed away from
surfaces that may damage the rope (or any other
-
tion is appropriately placed to ensure the rope and
other components are protected.
Whenever possible, this system shall be personal
issue. Any relevant documentation, especially in-
structions for use for each PPE component, shall
be issued to the user, read and fully understood
Do not discard instructions. Keep instructions for
future reference. If the system is sold or passed on
to another user, the Instructions for use must ac-
company the equipment. If the system is transferred
to another country, it is the responsibility of the
seller/previous user to ensure that the Instructions
for use are in the correct language for that country.
In adverse environments, the function of Hitch Climb-
care may be needed to ensure that the friction hitch
grabs reliably and that autolock karabiner gates
close and lock. Ice, mud, rain, cold, snow and tree
exudates are examples of localised or climatic con-
ditions that may demand greater attention from the
user. Beware, tree exudates may create conditions
similar to those made by lubricants or adhesives.
Contamination of ropes with tree exudates may
lead to rope hardening and reduce friction hitch
grab reliability. Maintain ropes so that their func-
tion is reliable. Ideally, ropes should always be dry,
Great care shall be taken to ensure that objects (such
as leaves or twigs) are not trapped by the friction
hitch. Friction levels may be lowered, the grab func-
tion may fail, resulting in descent. To minimise this
risk, users shall plan their route carefully through
trees (and other structures where debris may be
encountered) to avoid this situation.
Check also at all times that objects (including kara-
biners, rope crossings, twigs etc.) do not contact
the reliable grab function. This is most likely to oc-
cur in ‘busy’ structures and during complex rescue
to displace friction away from the friction hitch. It is
vital that user vigilance is maintained at all times to
avoid unanticipated descent. See The Hitch Climber
Guide to the Canopy for informative details of how
System: https://www.teufelberger.com/en/products-
services/tree-care.html or www.treemagineers.com.
Use according to ANSI Z133-2017:
ANSI Z133-2017 requires arborist climbing lines (i.e.
lines designated to support the climber while aloft
in a tree or attached to a crane) to have a minimum
diameter of 1/2 inch (12.7mm) with the following
exception: In arboricultural operations not subject
to regulations that supersede ANSI Z133, a line of
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