Which safety instruction is explicitly listed for using a cable grab belay device?

• A. Up is up, not below waist; bring lobster claws; lock it on the way down; check own five h's
• B. Down is down; keep the device unlocked during descent
• C. Stand sideways to the rope
• D. Do not check your own safety before belaying

Answer: (A)

When using a cable grab belay device, safety hinges on clear, explicit instructions that keep the setup under control and the operator prepared. The listed instructions emphasize orienting the device so the rope feeds upward and cannot run below the belt line, which prevents accidental misrouting or uncontrolled descent. Locking the device on the way down is crucial for maintaining direct control of the rope, ensuring you can brake and stop any movement rather than letting gravity take over. The instruction also calls for using proper connectors (the “lobster claws” idea) and performing a quick personal safety check before belaying, referred to as checking your five h’s, to verify that gear, harness, helmet, and general readiness are all in good shape. Together, these steps create a reliable, safe belay setup.

The other options describe practices that would reduce safety: letting descent happen with the device unlocked, standing in a way that doesn’t promote stable control, or neglecting a safety check before belaying.