What should you always check before starting a descent?

Before starting a descent as a rope access technician, it is crucial to verify that your descender setup is correct and locked. This ensures that the equipment is assembled properly and functions as intended, which is essential for safe operation. A descender that is not correctly set up can lead to serious accidents, including uncontrolled descents or failure to stop when required.

While checking the harness fit, glove condition, and helmet cleanliness are also important safety checks, the primary focus should be on the belay device. If the descender is improperly set or unlocked, it poses the greatest immediate risk during the descent. Therefore, confirming that the descender is secure and functioning properly is the most critical step before proceeding with the descent.