When should climbers be inspected immediately while climbing?

Inspection of climbers is critical for safety and effectiveness while climbing. A cutout, which refers to the situation where the gaff or climbing hook unintentionally comes out of the pole or structure, necessitates an immediate inspection. This is because a cutout can indicate potential issues with the climber's equipment, such as wear or improper placement. If a climber experiences a cutout, it could lead to a fall or serious injury, so ensuring that all safety gear is intact and functioning correctly is vital.

In contrast, while a broken foot strap or a slowdown in speed can indicate problems, they may not require immediate inspection unless they directly impact the climber's safety. If the gaff does not penetrate pole rot, that situation does not necessarily lead to an immediate need for inspection, but rather a technique or training issue to address. The priority is to ensure that climbers' equipment is secure and functional, especially when a cutout occurs, as this is the most critical situation affecting safety during climbing.