What should you check to determine if an equipment’s rated capacity is reduced during a lift?

• A. Check the load chart for configuration, angle, radius, and number of legs; environmental factors also need to be considered.
• B. Review the weight alone to determine capacity.
• C. Rely on a sensory estimate of load capacity.
• D. Assume capacity is consistent regardless of setup.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the rated capacity isn’t fixed for every lift; it changes with how the equipment is configured and under the current conditions. To know if the capacity is reduced, you must consult the load chart for the exact setup you’re using. This chart shows how much weight the crane or hoist can safely lift at specific configurations—things like the boom angle or lift line angle, the radius (distance from the crane’s pivot), and how many legs or supports are used. It also accounts for environmental factors that can lower capacity, such as wind, surface conditions, and temperature. So, checking the load chart for the current configuration and conditions is the reliable way to determine any reduction in capacity.

Relying on weight alone doesn’t tell you how geometry changes the lifting capacity, and sensory estimates are not reliable for critical safety decisions. Assuming capacity stays the same across different setups is unsafe because even small changes in angle, radius, or support configuration can significantly reduce what you can lift safely.