What is a safe load path and how is it established?

• A. The shortest possible route.
• B. The intended route from rigging to hook to ground through secure attachments; established by proper rigging and planning.
• C. A path that ignores attachments to speed up the lift.
• D. The path selected after the lift begins.

Answer: (B)

The safe load path is the planned, unobstructed route the load will follow from its rigging point through the hook to the ground, with every attachment secured and prepared. It’s established before any movement by careful rigging and planning: selecting the appropriate hardware and slings, tying in and securing all connections, checking for and clearing potential snag points, and using guiding lines or clear signals so the load travels along a controlled, stable line. This ensures the load stays connected, avoids side loading or contact with obstacles, and can be controlled safely from start to finish. A shortest route isn’t automatically safe, and a path that skips attachments or is decided after the lift begins introduces unnecessary risk and instability.