| The need for this basic piece of equipment has | | | | slightly different, so for your safety make sure |
| been known in many professions which require its | | | | that you are completely familiar with the style |
| workers to be at unsafe heights for some time | | | | you have chosen to use. Here are some basics to |
| now. That makes it hard to believe that even to | | | | consider: |
| this day, there are hunters who hit the trees | | | | 1. A fall arrest system should include a full body |
| every season without having one on. As we | | | | harness, lineman belt and a tree tethering system. |
| continue to get out there and hunt our favorite | | | | 2. Make sure that your FAS fits you properly. |
| quarry; we do everything right; teach our children | | | | 3. Always use your FAS from the moment you |
| to do it right, that is the way we can ensure | | | | leave the ground and the entire time you are in |
| everyone can enjoy this sport. | | | | your stand. |
| The following information can be broken down | | | | 4. When fastening the tree tether to the tree |
| into one simple sentence; any hunter setting up or | | | | make sure that you do so per the manufacturers |
| using a tree stand should be wearing a fall arrest | | | | instructions. |
| system (FAS). There are many different FAS out | | | | 5. Replace your FAS if it shows signs of wear. |
| there. The Tree Stand Manufacturers Association | | | | 6. The Tree Stand Manufacturers Association |
| (TMA), who sets the standards for fall arrest | | | | (TMA) recommends replacing your FAS every 5 |
| systems no longer recommends the single strap | | | | years. |
| style FAS due to numerous hunter injuries. They | | | | The cost of a fall arrest system ranges between |
| do recommend an FAS with a full body harness | | | | $70- $150. This is a small investment for an |
| or vest harness. My personal preference is a vest | | | | essential piece of equipment. Becoming familiar |
| style harness. I appreciate the ease to don the | | | | with your fall arrest system and following these |
| item, the complete upper body support and the | | | | simple guidelines on your next hunting trip will |
| vest style keeps out of my way while in a tree | | | | ensure that you can enjoy the hunting tradition |
| stand in case of a fall. | | | | for many years to come. Further, if you hunt |
| Regardless which style of full body harness FAS | | | | with your children, it is imperative to show them |
| you use, you should always read the | | | | by example that you are a responsible hunter and |
| manufacturers guidelines regarding the use of | | | | teach them to be responsible hunters as well. |
| their product. Each manufacturers product is | | | | |