Information Related to Health & Safety Procedures
updated: November 13, 2023
Review the information below to understand our procedures, determine if our tree climbing experience is right for you, and how to come prepared for your climb.
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Even though recreational tree climbing is an outdoor experience, participation can still expose climbers to health & safety risks. While all climbing is done with rope & harness using professional tree climbing equipment and techniques, participation still exposes climbers to risks associated with the nature of the activity. Our procedures follow industry accepted practices designed to reduce the risks associated with outdoor recreational activities and climbing trees.
Below you will find information on how we organize our check-in process and run our climbs. We utilize the information in the WEDC Guidelines for Outdoor Recreation activities and recommendations from the medical community and local authorities to help guide us in reducing health-related risks. We utilize the information in the GOTC Guidelines for Recreational Tree Climbing Program Climbs and manufacturer recommendations to help guide us in reducing safety-related risks. Physical activity and experiences in the outdoors are very important for human health and well-being. Our tree climbing experience provides the energizing affects and benefits that are inherent with adventure activities and we remain dedicated to reducing health and safety risks for climbers, spectators, and staff. Be sure to make time to get a daily dose of the outdoors and please consider joining us in the treetops! |
Some of the steps we take to reduce risks:
All climbs are run by trained facilitators, guides, and instructors.
All equipment used meets recreational tree climbing industry standards (e.g. all equipment in the climber support system is expressly for use in technical tree climbing and rated for 5,000 pounds or greater load capacity).
Personal Protective Equipment is inspected and sanitized regularly and between participant use.
Details regarding all climb events are emailed to the address you provide at registration.
- A pre-climb email will be sent in the days prior to your scheduled climb event with dress recommendations for participants.
- The waiver will be included with the email so you can review and sign ahead of time. (Waivers & pen are available onsite)
- All climbers need to provide a signed waiver at each climb they attend.
All equipment used meets recreational tree climbing industry standards (e.g. all equipment in the climber support system is expressly for use in technical tree climbing and rated for 5,000 pounds or greater load capacity).
Personal Protective Equipment is inspected and sanitized regularly and between participant use.
Details regarding all climb events are emailed to the address you provide at registration.
- A pre-climb email will be sent in the days prior to your scheduled climb event with dress recommendations for participants.
- The waiver will be included with the email so you can review and sign ahead of time. (Waivers & pen are available onsite)
- All climbers need to provide a signed waiver at each climb they attend.
GROUP SIZE:
- Our climb capacities are set according to operational capability related to the tree and staffing.
- Public climbs (Rec, Open, Adult, etc.) capacities are typically 7-16 participants (varies according to location, staffing, climb duration).
- Private Climbs - capacity & event structure is coordinated to accommodate your group size & preferences.
- Learn-to-Climb classes & workshops are typically limited to 2-3 students. (Private & Company trainings are flexible)
CHECK IN:
- We collect the waiver and suit-up each climber as they arrive.
- Only climbers are allowed inside the flagged climbing area; provided they have submitted a signed wavier and wearing an approved climbing helmet.
- Registrants who are feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19, Flu, or other contagious condition should refrain from attending.
PARTICIPANT SPACING/CLIMBING AREA:
- Our climbing area is designated with a flagged perimeter to keep spectators separated from the participant group and outside of the area where climbers will be climbing above.
- There is a designated queue area for participants while on the ground, with adequate room for an individual wishing to distance themself from others.
- Climbing ropes are spaced approximately 3-6 feet apart or greater, horizontally.
- When it is a climber's turn to get on a rope, they are able to choose from the available ropes that are not in use.
- A climber may opt to wait for a specific rope(s) that meets their desired level of challenge or comfort level for spacing from other ropes.
- Safety procedures require close encounters between staff and each participant when:
- Getting climber in and out of climbing gear
- Attaching climber to rope and performing gear safety checks prior to ascent
- Providing guidance and instruction to climber once clipped on rope
- Belaying climber during descent
SANITIZATION:
- We have multiple sets of personal climbing gear and alternate sets regularly.
- We have multiple sets of climbing ropes and alternate sets regularly.
- Climbing gloves are available for use; which are sanitized after each use, rested approximately 24 hrs between use, and washed or replaced regularly. (climbers can bring their own - snug fitting gloves recommended)
- Climber helmets are sanitized after each user, typically rested approximately 24hrs between use, and inspected regularly for structural concerns and health concerns such as lice.
- Personal helmets are not able to be worn while climbing (i.e. no bike helmets).
- Participants may bring and wear a buff, head sock, or thin head cap under the helmet. Hats and hoods attached to a shirt/jacket are not able to be worn under the helmet.
FACE MASKS:
- Participants are encouraged to wear a face mask based on your personal comfort related to level of risk.
- Private Climb organizers can determine face mask requirements appropriate for your group/event.
- Disposable KN95 masks are available at each climb in youth and adult sizes.
Per the CDC, N95 and KN95 masks reportedly offer the best protection for yourself. (CDC.gov - Types of Masks)
- Staff will wear a face mask when working face-to-face with a participant who is wearing a mask.
- Our climb capacities are set according to operational capability related to the tree and staffing.
- Public climbs (Rec, Open, Adult, etc.) capacities are typically 7-16 participants (varies according to location, staffing, climb duration).
- Private Climbs - capacity & event structure is coordinated to accommodate your group size & preferences.
- Learn-to-Climb classes & workshops are typically limited to 2-3 students. (Private & Company trainings are flexible)
CHECK IN:
- We collect the waiver and suit-up each climber as they arrive.
- Only climbers are allowed inside the flagged climbing area; provided they have submitted a signed wavier and wearing an approved climbing helmet.
- Registrants who are feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19, Flu, or other contagious condition should refrain from attending.
PARTICIPANT SPACING/CLIMBING AREA:
- Our climbing area is designated with a flagged perimeter to keep spectators separated from the participant group and outside of the area where climbers will be climbing above.
- There is a designated queue area for participants while on the ground, with adequate room for an individual wishing to distance themself from others.
- Climbing ropes are spaced approximately 3-6 feet apart or greater, horizontally.
- When it is a climber's turn to get on a rope, they are able to choose from the available ropes that are not in use.
- A climber may opt to wait for a specific rope(s) that meets their desired level of challenge or comfort level for spacing from other ropes.
- Safety procedures require close encounters between staff and each participant when:
- Getting climber in and out of climbing gear
- Attaching climber to rope and performing gear safety checks prior to ascent
- Providing guidance and instruction to climber once clipped on rope
- Belaying climber during descent
SANITIZATION:
- We have multiple sets of personal climbing gear and alternate sets regularly.
- We have multiple sets of climbing ropes and alternate sets regularly.
- Climbing gloves are available for use; which are sanitized after each use, rested approximately 24 hrs between use, and washed or replaced regularly. (climbers can bring their own - snug fitting gloves recommended)
- Climber helmets are sanitized after each user, typically rested approximately 24hrs between use, and inspected regularly for structural concerns and health concerns such as lice.
- Personal helmets are not able to be worn while climbing (i.e. no bike helmets).
- Participants may bring and wear a buff, head sock, or thin head cap under the helmet. Hats and hoods attached to a shirt/jacket are not able to be worn under the helmet.
FACE MASKS:
- Participants are encouraged to wear a face mask based on your personal comfort related to level of risk.
- Private Climb organizers can determine face mask requirements appropriate for your group/event.
- Disposable KN95 masks are available at each climb in youth and adult sizes.
Per the CDC, N95 and KN95 masks reportedly offer the best protection for yourself. (CDC.gov - Types of Masks)
- Staff will wear a face mask when working face-to-face with a participant who is wearing a mask.
Resources & References:
Treetop Explorer, LLC. - 620 Maple Avenue, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186 - (262) 894-4949. - [email protected]
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