In a hauling system with an ascender, the arrow on the device should point toward the direction of the load. Which option represents that direction?

• A. Up
• B. Load
• C. Belay
• D. Anchor

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is that the arrow on a hauling ascender shows the direction the rope should move relative to the load. When you set the device so the arrow points toward the load, pulling the rope drives the load in a controlled way and the ascender’s mechanism engages as intended, giving you proper control and preventing unwanted slip. If the arrow pointed toward the anchor or upward, you’d be orienting the device away from the load, which can lead to loss of control, slippage, or the device not functioning correctly. The terms belay or anchor describe other parts of the system, not the direction the rope should travel through the ascender. So, the direction toward the load is the correct orientation.