When using synthetic web slings, if the choke angle is less than 120 degrees, you should:

• A. Increase the sling length
• B. Switch to a different sling type
• C. Reduce the rated load
• D. Use more slings

Answer: (C)

When a sling is used in a choke around a load, the angle between the two sling legs directly affects how much force each leg carries. The sling’s rated capacity assumes a certain, safer angle. If the choke angle falls below 120 degrees, the tension in each leg increases, which means the sling is carrying more load than its rated capacity for that configuration. To keep the lift within safe limits, you must reduce the rated load accordingly to reflect these higher forces.

This approach addresses the real issue: the geometry of the lift is loading the sling more than it was designed to handle at that angle. Simply lengthening the sling doesn’t change the angle or the increased forces, and switching sling types or adding more slings aren’t addressing the derated capacity for this specific angle. Reducing the load rating is the direct and appropriate safety adjustment.