What should a rigger ensure when using choker hitches?

When using choker hitches, it is crucial for a rigger to ensure that they do not crush or damage the load. This is because a choker hitch, while effective for securing loads, exerts pressure on the material being lifted. If the hitch is not properly adjusted or if the load is susceptible to deformation, there is a risk of causing damage. This aspect is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the load and ensuring safety during the lifting process. Ensuring the load remains unharmed is vital not just for the protection of the equipment but also for worker safety and efficiency in the lifting operation.

In using choker hitches, it's also essential to recognize their appropriate applications and limitations. While they can be a beneficial method of securing a wide range of loads, it is not always the case that they should be the primary method for every lifting situation, nor are they exclusive to heavy loads. Furthermore, using extra webbing to tie them may introduce unnecessary complexity or create conditions for failure. Therefore, understanding the implications of how a choker hitch interacts with the load ensures that rigger practices maintain both safety and efficacy.