Balance

In the majority of lifts, it will be intended that the load remain level when clear of the ground. To achieve this, it is necessary to position the hook of the lifting appliance vertically above the centre of gravity of the load. The centre of gravity is the point on a load at which all of the weight can be said to be concentrated.

The legs of the sling(s) should be distributed as evenly as is practicable according to the lifting points available. The angle which the individual leg makes with the vertical affects the proportion of the load which will be imposed upon it and all legs should therefore be, so far as is practicable, at a similar angle to provide equal loading.

If the load tilts on lifting, the load in the slings will become unequal. This effect is especially significant at small included angles between sling legs.

With rigid loads lifted on two or more lifting points, consideration should be given to how many of the legs will bear the weight as it may be found that only two or three will take the majority with the remaining legs providing a relatively small „balance force‟ only. If this is the case, the larger capacity tackle will be required. The use of load sensors will provide a means of monitoring individual leg loadings; these can be used in the initial lift.