Fall Protection for Tree Trimmers & Arborists in the DFW Metroplex
Commercial tree trimmers and arborists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area work at serious heights — often 40 to 80 feet off the ground in residential, commercial, and municipal trees. It’s physically demanding, unpredictable work, and a fall can be fatal. Here’s what DFW tree crews need to stay safe and compliant.
OSHA & ANSI Z133
OSHA 1910.269 and the ANSI Z133 “Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations” govern tree care safety. The standard requires:
- A work positioning system (not just fall arrest) for climbing work
- Equipment rated for the specific application
- Rope grabs, positioning lanyards, and proper anchor attachment
Positioning Harnesses for Climbing
Arborists need a harness with hip D-rings for work positioning, not just a back D-ring. Our Ultra-Safe positioning harnesses (3 D-ring models with center back and side hip rings) allow the tree trimmer to lean back into the tree saddle position hands-free while cutting. The D-rings at each hip connect to the positioning lanyard; the center back D-ring connects to the fall arrest anchor.
Rope Grabs for Climbing Lines
Arborists use 5/8″ poly-dac or kernmantle climbing ropes — the same ropes our rope grabs are designed for. The Ultra-Safe rope grabs (US-5000C for 5/8″ poly-dac, US-5016 for 1/2″ kernmantle) provide automatic fall arrest on the climbing line.
Positioning Lanyards
A 1″ x 2′ or 1″ x 3′ non-shock positioning lanyard lets the tree trimmer work hands-free against the tree. These short lanyards connect from the hip D-rings around the trunk or limb. Our Ultra-Safe 96502 (2 ft) and 96504 (4 ft) web lanyards are perfect for this application.
Quick Access on I-35
We’re on the I-35E Frontage Road in Carrollton — easy access for tree crews working the DFW metroplex. Call 214-731-6935 or stop in to talk through your setup.
