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Working Load Limit Defined and Replaces
Safe Working Load Terminology
We are examining the reasons for the industry changes in load limit terminology when
evaluating the maximum force allowable during lifting or holding. Because of numerous
environmental factors, manufacturers no longer find the term "Safe Working Load"
accurately descriptive for maximum rated loads in equipment standards. Manufacturers all
over the globe are concerned with effectively assigning load limits to avoid "plastic
deformation" or stress effects during continued use of rigging equipment. These limits do
not infer safety because so many factors can affect equipment with use in various
environmental heat, cold and wet extremes over time.
Manufacturers tag all load carrying equipment, rigging and its components, with a Working
Load Limit, or WLL. A simple definition of Working Load Limit is the maximum load that
includes mass or force, that should ever be applied to load carrying equipment in a specified
configuration or application. Any rigging device or "configuration" is only as strong as its
weakest, or lowest WLL rated, parts.
The load carrying equipment manufacturer
calculates load bearing limits for all products. When
setting up a rigging configuration, the total Working
Load Limit is actually lower than the component
with the lowest rated WLL. That is why it is
important to make sure that all components match
the load carrying standard needed to do the job.
When calculating the WLL needed, all components
including shackle, turnbuckle, hook and links
attached to chains, cords and ropes must be made
of same strength materials with equal WLL ratings.
U.S. Engineering Standards, as well as European and ISO Standards no longer use the term
Safe Working Load or SWL, officially. This term, at best, reflects the maximum load a product
can carry or lift at optimum or brand new conditions. There is no way to predict the down
rating or "derate" of load limits due to use of the equipment over time in various
environmental conditions.
Never exceed the Working Load Limit of any equipment, match components properly and
avoid shock loads. Shock Loads are identified as impacting, jerking and swinging loads which
actually causes the working load to drastically increase. The high stress of these actions on a
load can exceed the breaking strength or working load limit. This can cause the rigging to fail.
Never allow workers or other people to stand under a raised load or in the line of force of
any load. Workers should never put additional force or weight by riding on the load.
Breaking strength is the force that a brand new rigging device has been tested to find its
breaking point. This factor, in combination of other factors used by the manufacturer are
included when calculating the Working Load Limit.
The only way to guardedly determine the safe use of a lifting device is by the consistency
and thoroughness of inspection of rigging components for indications of cracks, rust,
elongation, visible stress changes and damage. Reduce rigging hazards with regular

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inspections and teach crews that rigging equipment does not operate at rated capacity
indefinitely. Always protect components from corrosion. Frequency of use, application,
storage conditions and environment all impact rating of WLL.
Working load limits are calculated on straight line pulls only. Never side load. Other
conditions such as extreme temperatures, chemicals solutions or spills, vapors, or immersion
in salt water can reduce the Working Load Limit. Welds to any steel products can also void
out a Working Load Limit rating.