1.A3.2 BALANCE

In the majority of lifts, it will be intended that the load will remain level when clear of the ground. To achieve this, it is first necessary to position the hook of the lifting appliance vertically above the centre of gravity of the load.

The legs of the sling(s) should be distributed as evenly as is practicable according to the lifting points available. The angle which the individual leg makes with the vertical affects the proportion of the load which will be imposed upon it and all legs should therefore be, so far as is practicable, at a similar angle to provide equal loading.

If the load tilts on lifting, the load in the sling legs will become unequal. This effect is especially significant at small included angles between sling legs.

With rigid loads lifted on two or more lifting points, consideration should be given to how many of the legs will bear the weight as it may be found that only two or three will take the majority with the remaining legs providing a relatively small ‘balance force’ only. If this is the case, larger capacity slings will be required. The use of load sensors will provide a means of monitoring individual leg loadings.