Sling Load Capacity and Sling Angles
The load capacity of the sling is determined by its
weakest component.
Never overload a sling.
Remember, as you change the angle of the slings from 90
degrees to 30 degrees the sling capacity decreases.
Highest Capacity Less Capacity Least Capacity
(strongest) (weaker) (weakest)
90 45 30
degrees degrees degrees
Affects of Sling Angles
Rated capacities are affected by the angle of
the lift (sling to load) measured to the
horizontal when used with a choker hitch.
This is the angle of concern (the sling to
the horizontal lift) on both sides.
An angle of thirty degrees should never be
exceeded.
Sling Angle Capacities
If you don't know the angle:
Attach the slings
Apply lift until the slings are taut and the load is ALMOST ready to leave the
ground (BUT DO NOT LIFT THE LOAD OFF THE GROUND!!)
Measure the length of the sling between the lift point and the load
Measure the height between the lift point and the load (see below)
When you know the actual weight of the load (use material
weight sheets), and you need to calculate the appropriate
rated capacity (based on the sling angle) of the sling to lift
the load, follow the instructions below:
(This example uses a measured length of 12 feet and a
measured height of 10 feet.)
Measured Length (L): 12 feet
Measured Height (H): 10 feet
Load Multiplier (LM) =L/H=12/10 = 1.2
Load weight: 6000 lbs.
Necessary Rated Capacity of sling = Load Weight x LM =
6000 X 1.2 = 7200 lbs. (compare this to the slings rating in a
choker hitch).
Sling Angle Chart
(if you know the angle of the sling to the lift)
This is typically on sling labels. This is used to determine the safe lifting capacity of a sling
according to the angle and weight of material being lifted. This chart will be used as a
reference on the following slide.
Angle in Angle Factor Angle in Angle Factor
Degrees from Degrees from
Horizontal Horizontal
90 1.000 55 .819
85 .996 50 .766
80 .985 45 .707
75 .966 40 .643
70 .940 35 .574
65 .906 30 .500
60 .866
How to determine if a 20,000 lbs. capacity sling can safely
lift a load at a specific angle using material that weighs
6,000lbs:
Important: Remember that the capacity of a sling depends on the type of hitch being
used: Choker hitch of a typical 20000lbs rated sling is 9200 lbs. (trainer – explain
with the current slings used at your location).
With 20 ft. slings, typically 12ft. material is lifted with approximately 60 degrees of
angle to the load when the slings are 1ft from the end of the material. Using the chart
from the previous slide, we determine:
(capacity of sling using choker method) x (angle factor from previous slide) = true capacity
9200 lbs. x 0.866 = 7967 lbs. (true capacity)
Since we always use two slings, we double the above capacity 7967 x 2 = 15934 lbs.
Even using 30 degrees of angle (worst case scenario for angle):
9200 lbs. x 0.500 = 4600 lbs. (true capacity)
Again, since we always use two slings, we double the above capacity (4600lbs. x 2 = 9200 lbs.)
Safe Practices
Never shock load slings. A sling should not be pulled
Example - Never use slings to pull from under a load when the
trucks out of mud on a jobsite. load is resting on the sling.
Keep loads balanced to prevent Make sure the hook is always
overloading slings. over the center of gravity of
the load before lifting it.
Always lift loads straight up. If
an operator does not have the
hook and crane squarely above Do not apply a load to a
the load, then make sure the twisted, knotted or kinked
operator moves the hook and sling.
crane directly above the center of
the load.
Never lift material when high
Never rest a load on a sling, or winds or electrical storms are
pinch a sling between the load present. Never use straps that
and the floor. have ice on them.
Safe Practices
1. Avoid all pinch points:
- Keep feet from under material being hoisted or set.
- Hands should be removed from slings when being
hoisted.
- Never stand under the load when it is being hoisted.
- Never stand under the travel path of the material. Clear
all other workers from under the travel path of the crane
and material.
2. Only one employee should be communicating
with the operator at a time.
3. Stand clear of the load (including swing)
when it is lifted at ground level.
4. High visibility gloves are preferred when signaling to an
operator.
Safe Practices
Hands and fingers Never shorten a sling
shall not be placed with knots, bolts or
between the sling and
the load while the other makeshift
sling is being devices.
tightened around the
load.
A sling shall not be
pulled from under a
load when the load is
resting on the sling.
Standard Universal Hand Signals
Wallet Card – Contains Basic Hand Signals
for Quick Reference
The operator, signal person, and rigger must be
familiar with standard hand signals and
must discuss the hand signals for safe
communication prior to lifting material.
In Conclusion
Select the right sling for the job.
Inspect slings prior to use, removing from
service any in question.
Remember the effect of sling angles on load
capacities.
Know the crane hand signals and how to
safely communicate with the crane operator.
Properly store slings when finished to avoid
damage.
References
29 CFR 1926.251
ANSI 30.2
ASME B30.9-2006
IPT’s Crane and Rigging Handbook – 2005
Ronald G. Garby
NCCO Rigger Reference Booklet
