How does the angle of rigging affect the capacity of a sling?

The correct choice indicates that lower angles decrease the capacity of a sling. This is rooted in the principles of force distribution and the mechanics of lifting loads.

When a sling is used to lift a load, the angle at which the sling is rigged can significantly impact how the weight is distributed and supported. A lower angle means that the sling is more horizontal, which leads to increased tension in the sling. The more horizontal the sling, the more force is required to lift the load, and this can ultimately exceed the rated capacity of the sling.

The relationship between the angle and the sling capacity can be illustrated as follows: as the angle decreases (getting closer to 0 degrees from vertical), the effective capacity of the sling diminishes because the horizontal component of the load's weight increases the tension on the sling. In practical terms, this means that a sling rigged at a low angle to the horizontal must bear more load than it would if rigged at a higher angle.

In contrast, rigging the sling at a higher angle tends to distribute the load more evenly and reduces the tension in the sling, increasing its effective capacity. This highlights the importance of understanding rigging angles in lifting operations to ensure safety and proper handling of loads.