CAG Equipment Management & Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended method for cleaning a climbing helmet between client uses?
- Machine washing on a gentle cycle with mild detergent
- Wiping with a mild soap and water solution, then air drying away from direct sunlight (Correct answer)
- Soaking in a bleach solution to fully disinfect
- Using a pressure washer to remove embedded dirt
Correct answer: Wiping with a mild soap and water solution, then air drying away from direct sunlight
Mild soap and cool water remove contaminants without degrading the foam liner or outer shell, while harsh chemicals and direct heat can compromise the helmet's structural protective properties.
Question 2: Which defect discovered during a carabiner inspection requires its immediate removal from service?
- Minor surface scratches from normal rope contact
- Slight discoloration from prolonged UV exposure
- A gate that does not fully close and lock, or a visible crack in the body (Correct answer)
- Wear marks on the spine from extended rope use
Correct answer: A gate that does not fully close and lock, or a visible crack in the body
A gate that fails to close and lock or any visible crack in the carabiner body compromises its load-bearing capacity and creates a risk of catastrophic failure under load.
Question 3: A 'dry' treatment applied to climbing ropes primarily provides:
- Greater tensile breaking strength
- Water resistance to maintain performance and prevent ice formation in wet conditions (Correct answer)
- UV resistance to extend rope life in prolonged sunlight
- Enhanced visibility in low-light or poor-weather conditions
Correct answer: Water resistance to maintain performance and prevent ice formation in wet conditions
Dry-treated ropes resist water absorption, preventing the added weight, stiffness, and reduced strength that results when an untreated rope becomes saturated in rain, snow, or water crossings.
Question 4: For maximum longevity, inflatable rafts should be stored:
- Fully inflated to maintain their structural shape in a warm location
- Clean, partially deflated, away from UV light, petroleum products, and temperature extremes (Correct answer)
- Deflated and tightly folded regardless of surrounding environmental conditions
- Submerged in water to prevent the material from drying and cracking
Correct answer: Clean, partially deflated, away from UV light, petroleum products, and temperature extremes
Proper storage protects raft materials from UV degradation and chemical contamination while preventing stress on seams and valves caused by full inflation or extreme temperature cycling.
Question 5: Which factor most significantly reduces the service life of nylon webbing slings used in anchor systems?
- Normal rated loading during climbing and anchoring activities
- Combined exposure to UV radiation, abrasion, and chemical contamination (Correct answer)
- Storage in environments below 50°F
- Routine contact with aluminum carabiners during use
Correct answer: Combined exposure to UV radiation, abrasion, and chemical contamination
The combination of UV radiation slowly degrading nylon fibers, abrasion creating structural weak points, and chemical exposure—particularly acids—all act synergistically to shorten sling service life.
Question 6: The primary function of an auto-locking (assisted-braking) belay device is to:
- Automatically release the rope at a preset force when a climber falls
- Lock the rope under load, assisting the belayer in arresting a fall with reduced required hand force (Correct answer)
- Eliminate the requirement for a trained belay partner entirely
- Increase the speed of rope feeding during active lead climbing
Correct answer: Lock the rope under load, assisting the belayer in arresting a fall with reduced required hand force
Assisted-braking devices use the load generated by a falling climber to cam the rope against the device body, dramatically reducing the force the belayer must manually apply to arrest the fall.
Question 7: When selecting and comparing sleeping bags for guided wilderness expeditions across different brands, guides should reference:
- Manufacturer marketing temperature claims without independent verification
- The EN/ISO 23537 temperature rating standard for standardized comfort comparisons across brands (Correct answer)
- Price point as the primary indicator of warmth and quality
- The packed weight of the bag as the sole performance metric
Correct answer: The EN/ISO 23537 temperature rating standard for standardized comfort comparisons across brands
The EN/ISO 23537 standard prescribes standardized laboratory testing methodology, enabling meaningful temperature rating comparisons between products from different manufacturers on equal terms.
CAG Equipment Management & Maintenance 2
What is the recommended method for cleaning a climbing helmet between client uses?