Which of the following is NOT listed as a load-bearing hardware type for typical harness systems?

• A. buckles
• B. carabiners
• C. D-rings
• D. attachment points

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is understanding which parts of a harness are built to carry and distribute the load. Buckles provide secure, adjustable closures that keep the harness fit and hold under stress. D-rings are reinforced anchor points built into the harness to spread load and give a stable place to attach gear or lanyards. Attachment points are specifically designed locations on the harness that bear the load from the tether or energy absorber. Carabiners, while used with harnesses to connect to ropes and anchors, are connectors rather than the harness’s own load‑bearing components; they’re external devices that transmit load between the harness and other gear, and aren’t typically listed as the harness’s load‑bearing hardware. So the correct idea is that carabiners are not considered part of the harness’s load‑bearing hardware type.