What is a common failure mode of rigging gear?

Overloading is identified as a common failure mode of rigging gear because it refers to the situation where the load being lifted exceeds the manufacturer's rated capacity for the lifting equipment or components. When rigging gear is overloaded, it can lead to structural failures, such as breaking or deforming of the gear, which poses significant safety risks to personnel and equipment. Understanding the load limits and adhering to them is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of the lifting operation.

In contrast, factors such as rust accumulation, excessive cleaning, and incorrect storage can contribute to the degradation of rigging gear but are not typically classified as direct failure modes in the same way overloading is. For example, while rust can weaken rigging gear over time, it requires a period of neglect to become a significant issue. Excessive cleaning might refer to methods that could damage gear but doesn't directly lead to immediate failure, and incorrect storage practices can lead to wear or damage but generally do not result in sudden failure of the rigging gear itself during use. Hence, overloading stands out as a more immediate and critical concern in the context of rigging safety.