A vertical angle should never exceed what degrees?

A vertical angle should never exceed what degrees?

• A. 60 degrees
• B. 70 degrees
• C. 45 degrees
• D. 90 degrees

Answer: (A)

In lifting and rigging, the vertical angle is how far the line pulling the load tilts away from vertical. The bigger that tilt, the larger the horizontal component of force, which increases the tension on each leg of the rigging and the risk of failure or tipping. With two legs supporting a load, you’ll find that as the angle to vertical grows, the tension in each leg increases. At a vertical angle of 60 degrees, the tension in each leg equals the load itself, meaning the system is at a practical safety limit. If you go beyond 60 degrees, the tension required in the rigging becomes greater than the load, greatly increasing the danger. That’s why 60 degrees is the maximum recommended. Choosing a smaller angle, like 45 degrees, is still safe but not the upper limit, while much larger angles (70 or 90 degrees) would push the forces into unsafe territory.

In lifting and rigging, the vertical angle is how far the line pulling the load tilts away from vertical. The bigger that tilt, the larger the horizontal component of force, which increases the tension on each leg of the rigging and the risk of failure or tipping.

With two legs supporting a load, you’ll find that as the angle to vertical grows, the tension in each leg increases. At a vertical angle of 60 degrees, the tension in each leg equals the load itself, meaning the system is at a practical safety limit. If you go beyond 60 degrees, the tension required in the rigging becomes greater than the load, greatly increasing the danger. That’s why 60 degrees is the maximum recommended.

Choosing a smaller angle, like 45 degrees, is still safe but not the upper limit, while much larger angles (70 or 90 degrees) would push the forces into unsafe territory.