NZ Arbor released an Advisory Notice today regarding lanyard compression on problem trees.
Lanyard compression is an issue commonly discussed at Treetools, usually during the harness selection process. Some harnesses are better suited for tree climber protection against lanyard compression than others.
For example, the lower (or leg) D-rings on the Treemotion harness allow for lanyard attachment. With the lanyard attached to these lower connectors, rather than forming an 'O' (or circle of death) you form a figure '8' instead with the spar in one circle and you in the other, potentially making this harness a far safer option.
Of course, as far as we know no one has tested the theory, and it might not work as planned if the spar split asunder. Erring on the side of caution would be the best option, hence the discussion!
NZ Arbor has done the right thing in getting this Advisory Notice out into the tree climbing community so quickly - there are bound to be numerous solutions to the problem and climber input is vital.
