What does a “tag line” help prevent during a lift?

A tag line is a safety tool used by riggers during lifts to prevent the load from spinning and moving uncontrollably. It is a rope or line attached to the load which allows an operator to control its movement from a safe distance. By managing the load's position and rotation, the tag line helps maintain stability, ensuring that the load remains oriented correctly throughout the lift. This is particularly important in situations where the load's center of gravity may shift, leading to potential hazards such as swinging or spinning, which can pose risks to workers in the vicinity.

In contrast, excessive lifting height, overloading of slings, and inadequate communication may also present serious safety considerations in rigging, but these specific issues are more directly related to other practices and equipment. For example, proper height control typically involves careful planning and monitoring of hoisting equipment, whereas overloading concerns the weight limits of the slings themselves. Effective communication among team members is crucial for overall safety but does not directly relate to the mechanics of how a load is handled and controlled during a lift, which is where the tag line plays its vital role.