Which item is listed as an unacceptable facilitator attachment point?

Which item is listed as an unacceptable facilitator attachment point?

• A. Belay cable
• B. Pole wrap
• C. Dead end with serving sleeve (false loop)
• D. Ground anchor

Answer: (C)

The important idea is using a secure, fixed anchor point that can reliably carry the dynamic loads of a facilitator setup. A dead end with a serving sleeve, also known as a false loop, is not a trustworthy anchor. It creates a loop that isn’t tied to a stable, load-bearing point, so it can slip, shift, or tighten unpredictably under load. The rope can be loaded in ways that cause abrasion, slippage, or sudden failure, and this type of termination is difficult to inspect and certify as safe. In contrast, true anchor points like belay cables or grounded anchors are designed to withstand dynamic forces and are easy to inspect, making them acceptable. A pole wrap, while primarily a protective measure for rope contact, is configured to support a proper attachment when used with appropriate hardware, but a false loop offers no reliable, inspectable load path.

The important idea is using a secure, fixed anchor point that can reliably carry the dynamic loads of a facilitator setup. A dead end with a serving sleeve, also known as a false loop, is not a trustworthy anchor. It creates a loop that isn’t tied to a stable, load-bearing point, so it can slip, shift, or tighten unpredictably under load. The rope can be loaded in ways that cause abrasion, slippage, or sudden failure, and this type of termination is difficult to inspect and certify as safe. In contrast, true anchor points like belay cables or grounded anchors are designed to withstand dynamic forces and are easy to inspect, making them acceptable. A pole wrap, while primarily a protective measure for rope contact, is configured to support a proper attachment when used with appropriate hardware, but a false loop offers no reliable, inspectable load path.