Which type of hook is prohibited when personnel are present in the fall zone?

The type of hook that is prohibited when personnel are present in the fall zone is the sorting hook. This prohibition is based on safety considerations, as sorting hooks can allow for uncontrolled load movement and position shifting, which poses significant risks to personnel in close proximity to the lifting operation.

Sorting hooks often have a design that does not provide a secure capturing mechanism for a load, which may result in the load being dropped or swinging unexpectedly. When personnel are in the fall zone, any falling objects or shifting loads can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. As a result, adherence to stringent safety practices includes avoiding the use of hooks that lack sufficient safety features in areas where personnel may be located.

In contrast, swivel hooks, safety hooks, and clevis hooks may have designs that incorporate features to prevent load disengagement or to allow for more controlled handling of loads, thus making them safer options in contexts where personnel are present. These hooks tend to provide more reliability in terms of securement and load management, decreasing the likelihood of accidents in the fall zone.