A very important point in the safety of lifting work is the correct strapping and gearing of the load. This is due to the fact that the possibility of lifting and moving it depends on how the load is fixed. There are times when, due to haste, an improperly tied load fell off and fell. This not only causes damage to the load, but also endangers workers, crane operator, slingers, and can also damage the truck crane itself and nearby buildings.

The most difficult thing is to fix heavy, large and irregularly shaped objects. The illustrations below show the main safe methods of hooking and tying using:

• universal rope slings with safety spacers;
• branch rope slings;
• chain slings.

Methods for attaching slings to one-horned and other hooks are also shown.