Before loading anchor slings or runners, what should you inspect and test?

• A. Check for wear, frays, cuts, chemical damage; inspect stitching and knots; test tension and movement before loading.
• B. Look only for color or length.
• C. Test tension only after loading.
• D. Inspect knots and wear but ignore chemical damage.

Answer: (A)

Before loading anchor slings or runners, perform a thorough pre-use inspection and functional check. The essential point is to catch damage or setup issues that could fail under load. Look for wear, frays, cuts, or chemical damage on the fibers; inspect stitching, seams, and any pulled or damaged threads; verify knots are correctly tied and secure. Then test tension and movement before applying weight: gently apply a controlled load to ensure the sling or runner seats properly, there are no slips or sharp bends, and hardware moves smoothly without excess play. Doing this beforehand prevents a hidden problem from causing a failure when the system bears weight. Relying only on color or length misses actual damage, and testing tension after loading or ignoring chemical damage can lead to dangerous outcomes.