What safety measure should be taken when carrying a hand line while climbing a pole?

Carrying a hand line on a breakaway hook while climbing a pole is essential for safety because it allows the line to detach easily if it gets caught or snagged as you ascend or descend. This measure reduces the risk of losing balance or becoming entangled, which can lead to falls or dangerous situations. The design of a breakaway hook ensures that if significant force is applied, the hook will release the line rather than acting as a restraint, enhancing the climber's safety.

When climbing poles, keeping the hand line secured and easily releasable is crucial to maintain focus on the climb and full mobility. Other options, such as using a regular hook, may not provide the same level of safety since they lack the fail-safe feature to detach under pressure. Simply coiling the line neatly or not carrying it at all may lead to difficulties in managing the line when it is needed or could result in added hazards. Thus, utilizing a breakaway hook is the best practice for both security and efficiency while climbing.