Sling angles of less than ______ degrees should be used with caution because of the increased tension in the slings.

Prepare for the Southeast Lineman Training Center Exam with quizzes and detailed explanations. Enhance your skills and knowledge through interactive tests. Get exam-ready!

When lifting with two slings, the amount each sling must pull depends on the angle the sling makes with the horizontal. The smaller that angle, the more each leg has to pull to support the load. So as the sling angle becomes small, tension in the slings increases, which can push you beyond their safe working limits.

Choosing 45 degrees as the benchmark reflects this relationship: at this angle, each sling carries a substantial portion of the load, and angles smaller than 45 degrees cause a notable rise in tension. That’s why sling angles below 45 degrees should be used with caution—the slings and attachments are more likely to be overstressed.

Angles greater than 45 degrees keep tension more manageable, while much smaller angles (like 15 or 30 degrees) would dramatically increase the forces involved.