What is the purpose of a backup knot in harness tie-ins?

• A. To ensure the harness looks neat for inspection.
• B. To provide a secondary connection in case the primary knot fails or loosens.
• C. To increase the speed of tying in.
• D. To reduce the need for inspection.

Answer: (B)

Redundancy in harness tie-ins is the idea behind a backup knot. It provides a secondary connection in case the primary knot fails or loosens, so the climber remains attached even if the main knot slips during movement or load. This extra knot is a safety buffer, not about looks or speed, and it reinforces the tie-in so a fall is less likely if the primary knot loosens, wears, or shifts. It’s also something that should be included in routine checks and kept snug and correctly placed. The other options miss the safety purpose: aesthetics, faster tying, or fewer inspections are not legitimate reasons to add a backup knot.