The Primary Suspension Point: Basic Principles – Part 1 (Spanish)

Marcos Vargas, CTSP, Bartlett Tree Experts

Esta sesión, dividida en dos partes, está diseñada para ayudar a los participantes a comprender los principios que rigen la selección de puntos de suspensión primarios seguros y eficaces para operaciones de trepa y aparejo. La Parte 1 es una sesión teórica centrada en los conceptos fundamentales, mientras que la Parte 2 (viernes 13 de noviembre a las 14:30 h) lleva estos conceptos a la práctica mediante una demostración guiada en un árbol real situado en la zona de exposición.

El objetivo es ayudar a prevenir lesiones graves y incidentes mortales (“serious injuries and fatalities”, o SIF, por sus siglas en inglés) causados ​​por caídas derivadas del fallo de los puntos de amarre (TIP de tie-in points, en inglés). Los ponentes analizarán los principios clave que influyen en la interacción de las cargas con los puntos de amarre seleccionados, así como en la forma en que las fuerzas generadas por los trepadores y los sistemas de aparejo afectan a la estructura del árbol. Los asistentes adquirirán una mejor comprensión de los factores que deben tenerse en cuenta al seleccionar lo que los ponentes denominan «Puntos de Suspensión Primarios».

Asimismo, se introducirán métodos prácticos para estimar las fuerzas y las cargas máximas generadas durante las operaciones habituales de trepa, sentando así las bases para las demostraciones en vivo de la Parte 2.

This two-part session is designed to help participants understand the principles behind selecting safe and effective primary suspension points for climbing and rigging operations. Part 1 is a classroom-style session that focuses on the fundamental concepts and theory, while Part 2 (Friday, 11/13 at 2:30pm) brings those concepts to life through a guided demonstration on a live tree located on the trade show floor.

The objective is to help prevent serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) caused by falls resulting from the failure of tie-in points (TIPs). Presenters will review the key principles that influence how loads interact with selected tie-in points and anchors, and how the forces generated by climbers and rigging systems affect tree structures. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the factors that should be considered when selecting what the presenters refer to as Primary Suspension Points.Participants will also be introduced to practical methods for estimating forces and peak loads generated during normal climbing operations, providing a foundation for the live demonstrations featured in Part 2.

Speaker Bio:

Vargas, Marco, CTSP – Bartlett Tree Experts 

Marco, originally from Lima, Peru, began his arboriculture career working at Bartlett Tree Experts in Indiana after having attended La Molina University Forestry School in Peru. He quickly developed a strong passion for climbing and caring for trees. Over the years, Marco has also developed a passion for training and has become a regional Arborist Trainer for Bartlett in the Midwest. He leads Spanish language training programs and contributes significantly to safety leadership initiatives across the company. Marco’s achievements include representing the Indiana ISA chapter in the International Tree Climbing Championship in 2015; earning multiple safety and leadership awards; giving presentations and leading workshops at arboriculture conferences in Peru, Mexico, and Colombia as well as Ohio, Indiana and New Jersey in the United States. Some of Marco’s credentials include, ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ and a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP). 

Marco lives in Indiana with his wife, three children, and his dog named Cuzco.