CWI Climbing Wall Safety & Equipment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which anchor configuration is considered best practice when setting up a top-rope at a climbing gym?
- Single bolt with a locking carabiner
- Two independent anchors equalized with a sliding X or masterpoint (Correct answer)
- Three bolts connected in series
- A single redundant loop of static rope
Correct answer: Two independent anchors equalized with a sliding X or masterpoint
Two independent equalized anchors create a redundant system that remains safe if one component fails.
Question 2: A belayer using an assisted-braking device like a Grigri should be trained to understand that the device:
- Eliminates the need to maintain a brake hand on the rope
- Assists braking but does not replace the brake hand (Correct answer)
- Only works correctly with ropes under 9.5mm
- Automatically lowers the climber when the handle is released
Correct answer: Assists braking but does not replace the brake hand
Assisted-braking devices supplement but do not replace proper brake-hand technique; the belayer must always maintain a brake hand.
Question 3: What is the primary hazard associated with 'backclipping' a bolt on a lead climb?
- It increases rope drag significantly
- The rope can unclip itself if the climber falls (Correct answer)
- It reduces the rated strength of the carabiner
- The gate may open due to rope tension
Correct answer: The rope can unclip itself if the climber falls
When the rope runs back through a backclipped quickdraw, a fall can lever the gate open and unclip the rope.
Question 4: In the context of climbing wall safety, 'route setting' must account for:
- Only the difficulty grade of the route
- Climber fall zones, swing potential, and proximity to other routes (Correct answer)
- The aesthetic appearance of holds on the wall
- Only the age group of intended climbers
Correct answer: Climber fall zones, swing potential, and proximity to other routes
Route setters must evaluate hazards including swing falls, ground fall potential, and interference with adjacent climbers or routes.
Question 5: A climbing instructor notices a student's figure-eight follow-through knot has the tail tied with only one inch of rope exiting the knot. The correct response is to:
- Allow climbing since the knot will tighten under load
- Have the student retie with at least 4-6 inches of tail (Correct answer)
- Add a barrel knot backup and proceed
- Check if the rope end is melted and allow climbing
Correct answer: Have the student retie with at least 4-6 inches of tail
A minimum 4-6 inch tail ensures the figure-eight cannot roll or creep loose under dynamic loading.
Question 6: When should a climbing helmet be retired regardless of its visual condition?
- Every 2 years from date of first use
- After any significant impact or fall on the head (Correct answer)
- After 100 hours of use
- When the foam liner shows any discoloration
Correct answer: After any significant impact or fall on the head
Helmets are designed to absorb impact by deforming internally, and structural damage may not be visible after a significant impact.
Question 7: The maximum recommended ratio of climbers to instructors during supervised indoor climbing for youth beginners is generally:
- 5:1 (Correct answer)
- 10:1
- 15:1
- 20:1
Correct answer: 5:1
For youth beginners, a 5:1 ratio is generally recommended to ensure adequate supervision and rapid intervention if needed.
CWI Climbing Wall Safety & Equipment 3
Which anchor configuration is considered best practice when setting up a top-rope at a climbing gym?