Safe Rigging Series by Petrolift - Episode 3

Episode 3: Sling Angles & Load Forcesو Understanding Sling Angles and Their Impact on Safety.

Angles are a critical factor in determining the safety of any lifting operation.

Sling angles directly affect the actual load applied to lifting equipment.

Ignoring how angles work can lead to overloading, equipment failure, and serious accidents.

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1. Sling Angle and Its Effect

• The smaller the angle between the slings or chains and the horizontal, the greater the force applied to each sling leg.

• A 90-degree angle is ideal, but when the angle decreases, the side load increases.

• The actual force on each sling can easily exceed the lifted load weight if the angle is too narrow.

2. Knots and Common Mistakes

• A common mistake is tying knots or creating loops incorrectly in slings or ropes.

• Knots drastically reduce the rated capacity of wire ropes or slings.

• Slings must not be wrapped over sharp corners without adequate edge protection.

3. How to Choose a Safe Lifting Configuration

• Use spreader bars or beams to widen the sling angles as much as possible.

• Keep sling angles above 45 degrees whenever possible.

• Refer to sling angle charts provided in the guide to calculate safe working loads accurately.

• Make sure anchor points are stable and the load is evenly distributed.

• Train the lifting crew to calculate angles correctly using simple tools like an angle finder or reference charts.

Petrolift Tips:

Understanding sling angles is not just theory – it’s a vital step to protect lives and equipment. Always measure your angles, check the load distribution, and never rely on visual estimation alone.

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