ISA Certified Arborist Practice Exam

What does a climbing harness help ensure for a climber?

1. Faster ascent and descent

2. Safety and security while working in trees

3. Ability to carry more equipment

4. Better visibility while climbing

The correct answer is: Safety and security while working in trees

A climbing harness is primarily designed to provide safety and security for climbers while they work at height, especially in tree care and arboriculture. The harness attaches to a climbing rope, which is secured to a stable anchor point, preventing falls and allowing climbers to work safely in various positions in the tree. This aspect of safety is paramount in the arborist profession, where the risk of accidents is significant without proper equipment. While a climbing harness may enable slightly faster ascent and descent or allow for better organization of equipment, those are secondary benefits compared to the primary function of ensuring the climber's safety. Visibility is also an important consideration, but a climbing harness does not inherently improve a climber's visibility. Therefore, the focus on safety and security in the context of using a climbing harness makes this choice the most appropriate.