When planning a lift, which practice helps ensure CG and lift points align for safe operation?

When planning a lift, which practice helps ensure CG and lift points align for safe operation?

• A. Check only the load weight.
• B. Identify CG and verify lift points align with the hook.
• C. Lift points should be as far from CG as possible.
• D. Always lift with the maximum possible angle.

Answer: (B)

Focusing on the load’s center of gravity and making sure the lift points align with the hook is essential for a stable, safe lift. When the lifting forces line up with the CG, the load rises without twisting or tilting, because the moment generated by the weight is balanced by the rigging. Identifying where the CG sits and selecting lift points so that the lines from the points to the hook pass through that CG prevents side loading on the slings and reduces the risk of the load tipping or swinging. Merely checking the load’s weight doesn’t tell you how the weight is distributed, so a noncentral CG can still cause dangerous rotation. Conversely, lift points that are far from the CG create a large turning moment, making the load want to tilt. Lifting with a large angle adds horizontal forces and swing potential, increasing control difficulties and risk. So, knowing the CG and verifying that lift points align with the hook keeps the lifting geometry balanced and safer.

Focusing on the load’s center of gravity and making sure the lift points align with the hook is essential for a stable, safe lift. When the lifting forces line up with the CG, the load rises without twisting or tilting, because the moment generated by the weight is balanced by the rigging. Identifying where the CG sits and selecting lift points so that the lines from the points to the hook pass through that CG prevents side loading on the slings and reduces the risk of the load tipping or swinging. Merely checking the load’s weight doesn’t tell you how the weight is distributed, so a noncentral CG can still cause dangerous rotation. Conversely, lift points that are far from the CG create a large turning moment, making the load want to tilt. Lifting with a large angle adds horizontal forces and swing potential, increasing control difficulties and risk. So, knowing the CG and verifying that lift points align with the hook keeps the lifting geometry balanced and safer.