Referring to the rigger reference booklet, what is the maximum load of an 8 inch by 8 inch by 10 foot wide flange beam?

• A. 13,700 pounds
• B. 14,000 pounds
• C. 12,500 pounds
• D. 15,000 pounds

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a lifting beam’s maximum load comes from its published capacity for that exact size and span. For an 8 inch by 8 inch wide-flange beam used over a 10-foot span, the rigger reference booklet provides a rating based on the beam’s cross-section and the material’s allowable bending strength, with a safety factor built in. That chart value is the maximum load you should lift with that beam under standard, straight-line lifting conditions with proper end attachments. The other numbers don’t match the chart for this specific size and span, which is why they aren’t the correct published capacity. Always check the current booklet (or data plate) for the precise rating, and account for real-world factors like dynamic loads, lift angles, and connection fatigue that can reduce capacity.