treedog72
ArboristSite Lurker
New Years Eve I was contracted to do a cut and leave. Four pine trees. Just put them on the ground. I was coming down out of the last tree on a tautline hitch. I ASSUMED my groundsman had tied on a long rope when in fact it was a short rope. I tied into a small nub and was looking up instead of down. Next thing I know the tail of my rope had went through my hitch. Needless to say... I free fell thirty feet. I broke my back in five places and totally ruined my evening! I wanted to share my story not to actually tell the story but to tell the lessons I learned from this incident. First of all, always use your OWN gear. Secondly, always communicate with your crew. See, I did alot of ASSUMING that day. I assumed my crew tied on a long rope. I assumed my crew tied a stopper knot in the tail of my rope. I was also using someone elses gear. I nornally repel out of a tree with my figure 8.
My gear was not available that day so I used someone elses. Finally, always take the time to tie in correctly. I should have never tied into a small nub. I was in a hurry and it almost cost me my life. 28 days after I fell I climbed again! I have been climbing ever since. I am no longer in a hurry! treedog72
My gear was not available that day so I used someone elses. Finally, always take the time to tie in correctly. I should have never tied into a small nub. I was in a hurry and it almost cost me my life. 28 days after I fell I climbed again! I have been climbing ever since. I am no longer in a hurry! treedog72
