What is the recommended sling angle when rigging a load?

The recommended sling angle when rigging a load should never be less than 60 degrees. This guideline is crucial for ensuring the safe lifting and stability of the load being moved. A sling angle of at least 60 degrees helps to distribute the load more evenly across the rigging system and reduces stress on the slings.

When the sling angle is low, such as below 60 degrees, the tension in the slings significantly increases, which can lead to potential failure of the slings or the rigging hardware. Higher angles also reduce the chances of the load swinging or swaying during lifting, thus maintaining better control.

Other options suggest angles that do not meet safety criteria or do not provide adequate stability during lifting. A sling angle of 30 to 45 degrees does not provide the necessary tension distribution and may increase risks. An angle of 90 degrees could result in excessive vertical tension without the proper horizontal support, which is impractical in most lifting scenarios. Lastly, specifying an angle of exactly 45 degrees does not allow for the necessary flexibility based on the load and lifting conditions, which can vary widely in practice.