What is a standard practice to prevent dropping a load while being rigged for a lift?

• A. Rely on guesswork.
• B. Ignore center of gravity.
• C. Use appropriate-rated equipment, perform a test lift and keep a safe distance; do not exceed lifting capacity and use taglines to guide load; verify all connections and center of gravity.
• D. Operate without taglines.

Answer: (C)

Preventing a load from dropping starts with controlling how the rigging and lift are set up. Using equipment that is properly rated for the load and performing a test lift helps confirm that the rigging is balanced, secure, and capable of handling the weight. Keeping a safe distance during the lift protects people if something slips or fails, and staying within the lifting capacity prevents overloading components that could fail. Taglines provide a reliable way to guide the load’s path and keep it from swinging or striking nearby objects or people. Verifying all connections and identifying the center of gravity ensures the load remains stable throughout the lift, so the rigging supports the weight where it’s intended. Guesswork or ignoring the center of gravity can lead to unpredictable movement and a drop, while operating without taglines removes essential guidance for load control.