Tree Climbing: From Recreational to Tree Workers in Malaysia

Abstract

Tree climbing activity is not new in Malaysia. In the ‘80s, the Malaysia Forestry Department sent their staff to Germany to attend a series of training related to tree climbing and tree work. Since then, tree climbing has been used as a method for trees not accessible by Mobile Elevation Work Platform (MEWP) such as cranes, skylift and boom lifts. Most of the tree climbers in Malaysia are involved with tree maintenance, academic research, installation work and recreational activities. An association for recreational tree climbing was initiated by the Malaysian tree climber community in order to promote tree climbing as a recreational activity in 2009. The Malaysian Society of Arborist (PArM) took the initiative to develop more tree climbers with knowledge and skills related to tree climbing and pruning activities to ensure tree climbers are able to work and comply with international safety requirements in arboricultural operations. Training provider for tree workers is needed in Malaysia to cope with the industry demand and need for skilled workers. Tree climbing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is very dynamic with new innovations in line with the evolution of tree climbing techniques from Moving Ropes System (MRS) to Stationary Rope System (SRS). Step by step tree climbing needs to be mastered by tree workers before performing any work on trees and by using the proper equipment for the correct work to ensure the safety of tree climbers.KeywordsTree climbingTree workerArboristArboricultureRecreational tree climbingPruningPPE