OSHA requires that alloy steel chain slings, wire rope slings, metal mesh slings and synthetic web slings shall not be used with loads in excess of the:

• A. Rated capacity
• B. Breaking strength
• C. Tensile limit
• D. Yield point

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that slings have a defined maximum safe load called the rated capacity (often called the working load limit). This value is determined for each sling type and size, and it accounts for how the sling will be used—including the lift angle, the presence of hooks or other hardware, and the sling’s condition. OSHA requires you to keep loads at or below this limit to maintain a safety margin and prevent failure.

Exceeding the rated capacity can lead to sling failure, deformation, or unsafe conditions during the lift. The breaking strength of a sling is the theoretical point at which the material would fail, but it’s far above what is considered safe for regular use, so it isn’t used as the operating limit. The yield point and other material-property terms describe when the material would deform permanently or reach its elastic limit, which again are not practical, safe operating limits for lifting loads. The rated capacity is the appropriate limit to follow to ensure safe lifting practice.