During a pole cut-out test, what is the proper procedure?

• A. Place the climber on the leg, hold sleeve with hand before lightly jabbing
• B. Jab the pole first, then place the climber on the leg
• C. Climb the pole without any test
• D. Test from the ground with no jab

Answer: (A)

In this procedure, safety and control come first: you want a stable setup before performing any functional test. Place the climber on the leg so their weight is supported and they have solid footing. Then, with a firm grip on the insulating sleeve, you maintain control and distance from the pole as you perform a light jab to the pole. This quick, controlled poke verifies that the cut-out responds as it should without introducing a large force or movement that could destabilize the climber. Doing it in this order protects the climber from sudden shifts and ensures the test meaningfully checks the equipment’s operation. Jabging the pole first, climbing without any test, or testing from the ground with no jab all fail to establish a safe, functional check of the system.