According to ASME B30.2, what is the safety factor for rigging?

According to ASME B30.2, what is the safety factor for rigging?

• A. 3 to 1
• B. 4 to 1
• C. 5 to 1
• D. 6 to 1

Answer: (C)

The safety factor used for rigging is the margin built into lifting components between their capacity and what they’re allowed to lift. For ASME B30.2, this margin is five to one. That means the component’s minimum breaking strength must be at least five times its working load limit (WLL). In practice, the WLL is limited to one-fifth of the breaking strength to ensure dynamic and shock loads don’t exceed what the gear can safely handle. For example, if a rigging piece has a breaking strength of 50,000 pounds, its working load limit would be 10,000 pounds (50,000 ÷ 5). This 5:1 factor provides a conservative cushion to prevent failure during lifting.

The safety factor used for rigging is the margin built into lifting components between their capacity and what they’re allowed to lift. For ASME B30.2, this margin is five to one. That means the component’s minimum breaking strength must be at least five times its working load limit (WLL). In practice, the WLL is limited to one-fifth of the breaking strength to ensure dynamic and shock loads don’t exceed what the gear can safely handle. For example, if a rigging piece has a breaking strength of 50,000 pounds, its working load limit would be 10,000 pounds (50,000 ÷ 5). This 5:1 factor provides a conservative cushion to prevent failure during lifting.