What action should be taken when a lift would exceed the rated capacity?

• A. Continue with caution.
• B. Remove from site.
• C. Increase capacity mid-use.
• D. Stop, lower the load, reconfigure or replace gear to bring within the rated capacity; do not proceed.

Answer: (D)

When a lift would exceed the equipment’s rated capacity, the priority is to keep the system within its safe limits. The rated capacity is the maximum load the gear can handle safely in its current configuration. Exceeding it can cause rope or chain failure, gear overload, loss of control, or tipping, leading to serious injury or damage. The correct action is to stop, lower the load to bring it within the rated capacity, reconfigure or replace the gear as needed, and only proceed once the load chart and rigging are verified to be within limits. Continuing with caution or trying to increase capacity mid-use bypasses safety limits and is not acceptable.