What is the minimum angle at which slings should not be used in relation to the horizontal plane of the load?

• A. 30°
• B. 45°
• C. 60°
• D. 75°

Answer: (B)

The minimum angle at which slings should not be used in relation to the horizontal plane is 45°. When a sling is used to lift a load, it creates a tension that is influenced by the angle formed between the sling and the horizontal line of the load. If the angle is too shallow (below 45°), it increases the risk of creating excessive loads on the sling and the associated hardware due to increased horizontal forces. This can lead to potential sling failure or slipping off the load.

Using a 45° angle or steeper helps to distribute the load more effectively through the sling, reducing horizontal forces and minimizing the likelihood of accidents or equipment failure during lifting operations. Therefore, adhering to this guideline ensures a greater safety margin in rigging practices.