Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out safe, consistent methods for selecting, inspecting, tying and using ropes and knots in tree work, from basic rigging to complex aerial operations. It helps Australian arboriculture businesses control the significant fall, crush and equipment failure risks associated with rope-based access and rigging, while supporting WHS compliance and professional work standards.

Ropes and knots are critical life-support and load-bearing systems in tree work, used for climbing, positioning, lowering branches and controlling heavy loads over people, property and live traffic. When they are selected, used or maintained incorrectly, the consequences can be catastrophic: falls from height, dropped limbs, uncontrolled swings and serious crush injuries. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for the safe use of ropes and knots in arboricultural operations, covering everything from pre-use inspection and compatibility of components through to rigging setups, communication and post-use care.

Developed for Australian tree work environments, the SOP helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation by defining what ‘good practice’ looks like for rope-based systems. It standardises how your crews choose rope types, tie approved knots, set up climbing and rigging systems, and retire damaged or out-of-spec equipment. By implementing this procedure, you reduce reliance on informal habits, improve training outcomes, and give both climbers and ground crew a shared, documented method for conducting rope and knot tasks safely and efficiently on every job.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of falls from height, dropped branches and rigging failures through consistent, documented rope and knot practices.
• Ensure ropes, knots and associated hardware are selected, inspected and used in line with Australian WHS expectations and relevant industry standards.
• Standardise training for new and existing arborists, improving competence and confidence in climbing, rigging and load control techniques.
• Minimise equipment damage and premature rope failure by setting clear rules for storage, cleaning, retirement and recordkeeping.
• Improve team communication between climbers and ground crew with defined commands, checks and verification steps for rope-based operations.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Climbing Arborists
• Ground Crew in Tree Work
• Tree Work Team Leaders
• Arboriculture Business Owners
• WHS Managers in Arboriculture and Vegetation Management
• Local Council Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Utility Vegetation Management Supervisors
• Horticulture and Landscape Supervisors involved in Tree Work
• Training Coordinators and RTO Instructors (Arboriculture)

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height due to rope, knot or system failure
• Dropped limbs, tools or equipment from improper rigging or knot tying
• Rope failure from abrasion, cuts, UV degradation or chemical exposure
• Uncontrolled swings or pendulum movements of climbers or loads
• Entanglement or snagging of ropes in chainsaws, chippers or other machinery
• Manual handling injuries from poor rope handling and rigging techniques
• Struck-by and crush injuries from poorly controlled lowering operations
• Equipment mismatch or overloading of ropes, slings and hardware

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Ropes, Knots and Rigging Components)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Climbers, Ground Crew, Supervisors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Authorisation Requirements
• 6.0 Rope Types, Ratings and Selection Criteria
• 7.0 Approved Knots and Their Applications (Climbing, Rigging, Anchoring)
• 8.0 Pre-use Inspection of Ropes, Knots and Associated Hardware
• 9.0 Safe Setup of Climbing Systems (Single and Double Rope Techniques)
• 10.0 Safe Rigging and Lowering Procedures for Branches and Timber
• 11.0 Communication Protocols Between Climber and Ground Crew
• 12.0 Load Assessment, Working Loads and Exclusion Zones
• 13.0 Controls for Environmental Conditions (Wind, Rain, Heat, Electrical Hazards)
• 14.0 Rope Handling, Storage, Cleaning and Maintenance
• 15.0 Criteria for Rope and Hardware Retirement and Tag-out
• 16.0 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures and Aerial Rescue Considerations
• 18.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 19.0 Document Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in each state and territory)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS 1891.4: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance
• AS/NZS 1891.1: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Harnesses and ancillary equipment
• AS 4142.3: Fibre ropes – Care and use
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• Relevant state-based Arboriculture and Tree Work guidance material (e.g. SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe QLD)