Belay Checklist

Anchor

Belayer must be anchored to the floor.  The anchor must be tight and oriented in the direction of anticipated pull.  Anchor should be connected to belayer's belay loop with a carabiner placed below the belay carabiner.

Belay Device

Rope must be threaded properly through the belay device and belay carabiner.  Brake strand should be oriented down, climber strand should be oriented up.

Carabiners

Carabiners must be connected to the belay loop of the harness (or both the waist and leg loops if the harness does not have a belay loop).  Carabiners must be locked.  Verify this with a squeeze test.

Doubled Back

All harness buckles must be doubled back (or secured properly as specified by the harness manufacturer).  Check both the belayer and climber.

Eight Knot

Climber must be tied directly to the rope using a figure eight follow-through knot which passes through the waist and leg loops of the harness.  Knot must be properly dressed and tightened.

Fisherman

The figure eight follow-through knot may be finished with a fisherman knot to secure the loose end.  This step is optional.

Good Helmet

Climber and belayer should be wearing helmets when required.  The helmets should be properly adjusted and secure.

Figure Eight Follow Through Knot