What condition renders a carabiner dangerous during use?

A carabiner can become dangerous when it is loaded across the gate. This configuration poses a significant risk because if a load is applied to the carabiner while the gate is facing sideways, the gate may unintentionally open due to the force. This can lead to accidental disengagement from the anchor point or the attachment, resulting in serious safety hazards for the user. Carabiners are designed to bear loads along their spine, which is the strongest part of the carabiner, whereas the gate serves as the entry point and should not bear loads under normal circumstances. Proper usage dictated by safety standards involves ensuring that the load is oriented correctly, thereby maintaining the integrity and functionality of the carabiner throughout its use.