When rigging a load that requires two slings, what is a key factor to remember?

When rigging a load that requires two slings, understanding the relationship between sling angles and tension is crucial for safe operation and load stability. The correct assertion regarding this relationship is that the lower the sling angle, the greater the tension on the slings.

When slings are positioned at a lower angle, the horizontal component of the force increases, which leads to higher tension within the slings to support the load being lifted. This phenomenon is fundamentally based on the principles of physics, where the distribution of weight and the angles at which forces are applied directly impact the strength and effectiveness of the rigging setup.

In contrast, utilizing higher angles reduces the horizontal component of the force, thereby distributing the load more evenly and decreasing the tension on each sling. However, excessively high angles can result in poor stability and potentially unsafe lifting conditions. As such, when rigging with two slings, it is essential to strike a balance between angle and tension to ensure both safety and effectiveness during the lift.