What should you do to ensure equipment safety before using climbing gear?

• A. Inspect the fall-arrest system and other equipment for wear or damage before use.
• B. Ignore any signs of wear and use the gear anyway.
• C. Only inspect if you have time during the day.
• D. Inspect after every hunting season only.

Answer: (A)

Always inspect climbing gear for wear or damage before you use it. This pre-use check is essential because every component—the fall-arrest system, harness, ropes, carabiners, lanyards, anchors, helmets, and any connectors—must be in good condition to perform reliably under load. Small defects can hide and turn into gear failure when you’re relying on it, potentially causing a fall or serious injury. By taking a few minutes to look for frayed strands, cracks, corrosion, missing stitching, bent or gate-touched carabiners, or worn straps, you catch problems early and replace or repair parts as needed, following the manufacturer’s guidance. This habit should be done every time you’re about to climb, not only when convenient or after a long period of use. Ignoring wear, delaying inspection, or only checking after a season increases the risk of gear failure when you need it most.