Figure 6-58. - Hoisting with shears.

15. Do not shorten a sling by knotting or using wire rope clips.

16. Do not inspect wire rope slings by passing bare hands over the rope. Broken wires, if present, can cause serious injuries. When practical, leather palm gloves should be worn when working with wire rope slings.

17. Center of Balance. It is very important that in the rigging process that the load is stable. A stable load is a load in which the center of balance of the load is directly below the hook, as shown in figure 6-59. When a load is suspended, it will always shift to that position below the hook. To rig a stable load, establish the center of balance (C/B). Once you have done this, simply swing the hook over the C/B and select the length of slings needed from the hook to the lifting point of the load.

18. When using a multi-legged bridle sling, do not forget it is wrong to assume that a three- or four-leg hitch will safely lift a load equal to the safe load on one leg multiplied by the number of legs. With a four-legged bridle sling lifting a rigid load, it is possible for two of the legs to support practically the full load while the other two only balance it (fig. 6-60).