What happens to sling lift capacity as the angle increases?

As the angle of a sling increases, the effective lift capacity decreases due to the geometry involved in how load is distributed. When a load is lifted at a higher angle, the vertical component of the force being applied to lift that load is reduced. This means that less force is directed vertically to support the weight of the load. Consequently, more force is required from the sling to hold the load at that angle, which can lead to a potential hazard if the sling is not rated to handle that increased strain.

For instance, when a sling is attached nearer to the horizontal plane, the tension on the sling increases, making it necessary to have a stronger or thicker sling material to maintain safety while lifting. Using slings at closer to vertical angles maximizes their lifting capacities because they are more effective in transmitting the load directly downward.

In practice, this principle informs how pipefitters and other professionals should be trained on sling use, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper angles during lifting operations to ensure safety and prevent equipment failure or accidents.