Improper rigging kills. In New York City, a dropped load from a crane or hoist can fall on workers, pedestrians, and passing vehicles. Every person involved in a rigging operation — from the operator to the ground crew — must understand load ratings, sling inspection, and hitch configurations before anything leaves the ground.

• Wire Rope Slings: Remove from service if 2 or more broken wires in any 6-rope-diameter length; kinking; bird-caging; crushing; heat damage; corrosion compromising the core
• Synthetic Web Slings: Remove from service if cuts, tears, holes, abrasion exposing fibers, broken stitching on the choker fitting, discoloration from chemical attack, or missing load rating tag
• Alloy Chain Slings: Remove from service for stretch (beyond manufacturer spec), cracks, nicks, gouges, or any link that is twisted or bent
• All slings must have the rated capacity tag attached and legible — no tag = no use

• Vertical (straight) hitch: 100% of sling's working load limit (WLL)
• Choker hitch: 75–80% of WLL — the act of choking reduces capacity; never use choker on loads that can shift
• Basket hitch (vertical): 200% of WLL — most efficient configuration when load is balanced
• Basket hitch with angle: Capacity decreases significantly as angle decreases below 90°. At 30° from horizontal, capacity drops to 50%

• As the sling angle (from horizontal) decreases, the tension in each leg increases dramatically
• Horizontal sling angle below 30° doubles the leg tension — this is called the "headache zone"
• Always rig to achieve sling angles of 60° or greater from horizontal — pre-plan your lift with the Licensed Rigger
• Sling angle charts must be available at the lift — contact the SSM if you need one