What is the formula for calculating the Sling Angle Factor (AF)?

The Sling Angle Factor (AF) is calculated using the formula Length / Width (L/W), which essentially represents the relationship between the length of the sling and its width, as they are projected in context of the lifting operation. This formula is critically important because the angle at which a sling is used affects the load it can handle.

When a sling is used at an angle, the vertical component of the load is reduced, which impacts the overall lifting capacity and safety of the operation. Using the length of the sling divided by the width gives you a dimensionless factor that helps assess the effectiveness of the sling under load. The greater the angle, the more the effective load capacity decreases, which makes understanding the sling angle factor essential for safe rigging practices.

This understanding ensures that riggers can make informed decisions about how to position slings based on their lengths and the intended angle of lift, which is vital for safety and efficiency in lifting operations.