How can you verify anchor stability before starting line clearance?

• A. Test the anchor by applying gentle force to ensure it will hold under workload and heat.
• B. Push the anchor hard to test its strength.
• C. Do not test the anchor until after clearing the line.
• D. Assume the anchor is stable without testing.

Answer: (A)

Verifying anchor stability before line clearance means applying a controlled, gentle load to confirm it will hold under the expected workload and heat. This ensures the anchor doesn’t shift or fail as you begin pulling and working the line, and it accounts for how friction and dynamic forces can change with movement and temperature. While testing, look for any movement, looseness, or signs of damage in the anchor, hardware, or rope, and confirm the anchor point and ground are appropriate and secure. If anything looks questionable, reinforce or reposition the anchor or add redundancy rather than proceeding. Pushing hard to test strength, delaying testing until after clearing, or assuming stability without checking are unsafe because they don’t reveal how the setup will actually behave under load and heat.