When making a lift, where should the load block be positioned?

When making a lift, where should the load block be positioned?

• A. Horizontal to the load attachment points
• B. Horizontal to the center of gravity
• C. Vertically over the load's center of gravity
• D. Vertically over the load

Answer: (C)

The lift should be made with the line of pull directly through the load’s center of gravity, with the hook or load block positioned vertically above that point. When the weight is aligned with the center of gravity, the lifting force acts straight down through the CG, so there’s no sideways moment to tilt or rotate the load. That keeps the load stable, minimizes swinging, and reduces side loading on the rigging and crane. If the load block is offset horizontally from the CG, a moment is created that can cause the load to tilt, swing, or shift during lifting, making control difficult and increasing the risk of tipping or unexpected movement. Positioning the hook vertically over the CG ensures the lift is balanced and predictable. Positioning the block vertically over just any point on the load (not the CG) can still create rotational forces if the CG isn’t directly beneath the hook, leading to instability. So, the correct approach is to place the load block vertically over the load’s center of gravity.

The lift should be made with the line of pull directly through the load’s center of gravity, with the hook or load block positioned vertically above that point. When the weight is aligned with the center of gravity, the lifting force acts straight down through the CG, so there’s no sideways moment to tilt or rotate the load. That keeps the load stable, minimizes swinging, and reduces side loading on the rigging and crane.

If the load block is offset horizontally from the CG, a moment is created that can cause the load to tilt, swing, or shift during lifting, making control difficult and increasing the risk of tipping or unexpected movement. Positioning the hook vertically over the CG ensures the lift is balanced and predictable. Positioning the block vertically over just any point on the load (not the CG) can still create rotational forces if the CG isn’t directly beneath the hook, leading to instability.

So, the correct approach is to place the load block vertically over the load’s center of gravity.