How should a welding operator handle a heavy suspended load?

When handling a heavy suspended load, the safest and most effective method is to pull towards oneself as necessary. This approach allows the operator to maintain better control over the load, reducing the risk of swinging or an unstable condition that could lead to accidents or injuries. Pulling the load towards the operator provides better visibility and allows for more precise positioning, ensuring that the load can be grappled or maneuvered without unnecessary strain or risk of losing balance.

Using swinging motions, for instance, can create unpredictable movements that might result in loss of control, while hoisting and dropping quickly can cause the load to impact with force, increasing the chance of injury or damage. Likewise, rotating the load while lifting can complicate the process and may lead to misalignment or tipping. Thus, pulling the load towards the operator is the most rational and safe method for managing heavy suspended loads.