Which safety practice is explicitly required when climbing over obstructions on a pole?

• A. Use a secondary or positioning lanyard
• B. Ignore obstructions
• C. Descend immediately
• D. Use a ladder

Answer: (A)

When you’re moving over something on a pole, staying protected at all times is essential. A secondary or positioning lanyard keeps you tethered to the pole while you negotiate the obstacle, so if you slip or lose footing you don’t fall. This setup supports stable movement and continuous protection as you pass around or over the obstruction, which is why it’s the required practice in this situation.

Ignoring the obstruction isn’t safe because it creates a risky position where a fall could happen before you’re clear. Descending immediately isn’t a rule that ensures safe passage over the obstacle, and a ladder isn’t appropriate for pole work since it can’t provide the same continuous restraint and stability you get from a lanyard system.