What is the purpose of a double-check or buddy check before activity?

• A. A second trained staff member verifies proper harness wear, equipment condition, and correct tie-ins to prevent user error.
• B. A participant self-check before starting.
• C. A momentary check at the end of the activity.
• D. Documentation review after the session.

Answer: (A)

A double-check, or buddy check, serves as a safety verification step done by a second trained staff member to confirm harness fit, gear condition, and proper tie-ins before the participant starts. This extra set of eyes helps catch mistakes that the primary user or even the wearer might miss—like a harness not snug, a carabiner worn or clipped incorrectly, or a tie-in not secured—so that issues are corrected before risk is introduced. It creates redundancy, reinforces proper procedures, and promotes clear communication about equipment and setup.

Relying on a participant to self-check isn’t as reliable for preventing issues, and a quick check only at the end doesn’t prevent incidents during the activity. Similarly, reviewing documents after the session doesn’t address safety during the activity itself.