What is a critical step before allowing a guest to enter a safety area?

Before allowing a guest to enter a safety area, ensuring they are connected to a lanyard is vital for their safety. This step is crucial as it prevents potential falls and injuries that could occur if a guest does not have the appropriate safety equipment attached. A lanyard serves as a safety tether that limits the distance a person can fall, providing a significant layer of protection in environments where falls may occur, such as in climbing or aerial activities.

While other steps like confirming climbing experience, verifying height and weight, and providing orientation are important for tailoring the experience to the guest's capabilities and ensuring they understand the rules, none of them directly address immediate safety in the way that connection to a lanyard does. Being connected to a lanyard is a fundamental requirement that directly impacts the well-being of the guest in a safety area, making it the most critical step prior to entry.