How to Perform a Rock Climbing Safety Check

A rock climbing safety check is extremely important. Failure to do them could lead to serious injury or death.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your brain
• A climber
• A belayer

1. A safety check is simple. The belayer checks the climber, and the climber checks the belayer. That's all it is, but it could save your life!

2. Have the climber check the belayers harness all of the straps doubled back? The belayer will do the same thing to the climber. "STRAPES DOUBLED BACK?"

3. Have the climber check the belay device, is the caribeaner locked? Lots of caribeaners have half of there gate painted red, so that if you see red on the gate you know its not locked. "RED YOUR DEAD!"

4. Make sure the rope is connected to the beaner, and not just stuck threw the belay device.

5. Have the belayer check the figure eight knot and start your signals. Signals can be what ever you want them to be but you should use them.

6. Climber: On belay?
   Belayer: Belay on.
   Climber: Climbing.
   Belayer: Climb on.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many different styles of belay devices. This is for the standard two slot petzal design. Know your equipment.
• Climbing is a potentially dangerous sport. I do not take responsibility for your actions. It is your responsibility to know your limits and experience.

Resources

• Very good informative site
• Petzls website

[ibloomdrop]

on 1/5/2009 Great information. I'm not a climber, but my son climbs all over everything so I may need this soon! :)