Rigging Fundamentals & Material Handling Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a tag line in a rigging operation?

Answer: To control the load and prevent it from spinning or swinging

Tag lines are ropes used by ground workers to guide and control a suspended load, preventing dangerous spinning or swinging during a lift.

What does the abbreviation 'SWL' stand for in rigging?

Answer: Safe Working Load

SWL stands for Safe Working Load, which is the maximum load that rigging equipment is designed to handle under normal working conditions.

As the angle of a sling leg from vertical increases, the tension on each leg of the sling:

Answer: Increases

As the sling angle from vertical increases, the tension in each leg increases because the vertical component of each leg must still support the full load.

What is a shackle most commonly used for in rigging?

Answer: Connecting sling components and lifting devices

Shackles are hardware connectors used to link slings, hooks, and other rigging components together in a lifting assembly.

Which of the following is the correct first step before performing any rigging lift?

Answer: Inspect all rigging equipment for defects

Inspecting all rigging equipment for defects before a lift is the critical first step to ensure safe operation and prevent equipment failure.

What is the minimum recommended sling angle from horizontal when using a two-leg bridle sling?

Answer: 45 degrees

A minimum 45-degree sling angle from horizontal is recommended because shallower angles dramatically increase tension in the sling legs and can cause overload.

When a wire rope sling has been used in a choker hitch configuration, the rated capacity of the sling:

Answer: Is reduced to approximately 75% of the vertical hitch rating

A choker hitch reduces a wire rope sling's rated capacity to approximately 75% of its vertical hitch rating due to the bending and pinching of the rope around the load.