The rotted surface on a pole is not a hazard because the gaffs are designed to penetrate beyond the rot.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not specified

Answer: (A)

Rotting weakens the wood and can compromise the pole’s ability to bear load. Gaffs are meant to grip solid wood, but they can’t restore strength to rotten material or prevent failure if the wood gives way. A rotted spot can crumble or shift under pressure, and rot may extend beyond what you can see, so the pole can fail unpredictably. So the rotted surface remains a hazard even if the gaffs penetrate past it.