Devices like davits and tripods designed to support human loads are known as what?

The correct answer identifies devices such as davits and tripods as portable high anchors, which are specifically designed to secure a lifeline or hoisting system when working in confined spaces. These structures provide critical support and stability, allowing rescuers to safely performing operations at heights or in situations where traditional anchor points may not be feasible.

Portable high anchors are instrumental in creating a safe working environment, helping to prevent falls by providing a secure point to which harnesses and lanyards can be attached. This enhanced safety is paramount in rescue scenarios, where the risks associated with operating in confined spaces—and the potential for falls—are significant. By referring to these devices as portable high anchors, it emphasizes their mobility and versatility, which are essential in emergency response situations where time and adaptability are crucial.

The other answer choices, such as rescue gear, support structures, and safety equipment, do not encapsulate the specific function and application of davits and tripods as effectively as portable high anchors. While they may relate to the broader context of rescue operations, only the term “portable high anchors” accurately conveys the unique role these devices play in providing anchor points for human loads in confined space scenarios.