15.5.6 Gripping Force

Multi-leg slings exert a gripping or clamping force on the load which is proportional to the angle between the legs and increases as the included angle increases.

The magnitude of this gripping force must be taken into account bearing in mind the nature of the load to be lifted. Consideration must therefore be given to the intended slinging method. In the case of fragile/crushable loads it may be preferable to select a lifting method which utilizes a spreader beam so that the slings act vertically on the load rather than use a multi-leg sling.