What safety equipment must be used in all events?

• A. Spotting rings
• B. Padding on the rack
• C. No safety devices required
• D. Attached safety stands

Answer: (D)

Safety in powerlifting hinges on having a built-in safety system that can stop or catch the bar if a lift goes wrong. Attached safety stands are the standard option because they are part of the rack and provide adjustable arms to catch the bar near the lifter’s range of motion. This ensures protection across all events (squat and bench) and gives referees a clear, reliable safety mechanism for every attempt. Other options rely on spotters or accessories that aren’t universally required for every event, so they don’t meet the same safety guarantee.