EPRI Rigger’s Handbook Practice Test 2026 - Free Rigger Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Rigging setup is governed by the geometry between the hook and the load. The Rigger’s Rule focuses on sling length and the vertical distance from the hook to the load because this distance determines the angle of the sling legs. A longer vertical distance keeps the sling closer to vertical, which lowers the tension in each leg and reduces sideways loading, sway, and the overall risk of the lift. If the hook is very close to the load or the sling is short, the legs angle outward more, increasing the horizontal forces and making the lift less stable and more stressful on rigging components.

Weight, winch speed, and the number of lines matter for other aspects of the lift, but they don’t define the primary setup guidance that this rule provides.