The Load That Shifted in the Sling
A crew is lifting a 6,000 lb irregular steel fabrication with a two-leg choker bridle. During the trial lift the load tilts about 15° and the center of gravity shifts toward one leg. The rigger notices one choker has slid toward the narrow end and the load is no longer level. The signalperson gives a "hoist" signal to continue to the truck. The operator sees the tilt but the load is only 2 ft off the deck.
1. Should the operator follow the hoist signal? What is the correct response?
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No. A load that tilts and whose rigging has shifted means the center of gravity is not under the hook, so the load can slip out of the choker or swing uncontrollably. The operator should set the load back down at the first safe opportunity, not continue to the truck. Then the rigger must re-rig: reposition chokers so the CG is below the hook, add a third leg or a spreader, and re-check the trial lift. The signalperson's hoist signal does not override an unsafe load condition - the operator has stop authority.
2. What rigging changes would prevent the choker from sliding, and how would you verify the fix?
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Use double-wrap chokers or add a second wrap/stopper so the sling cannot slide along the taper, and place the chokers so each leg's share matches the CG location. Consider a spreader bar to keep legs vertical and stable. Verify by: re-checking the CG (mark it), performing a trial lift a few inches and confirming the load stays level and the slings don't migrate, then checking leg tension and hardware before the full lift. Document the new rigging plan.