What is a critical factor in determining the stability of a load?

The center of gravity is a critical factor in determining the stability of a load because it affects how the load behaves when being lifted and moved. If the center of gravity is low and centered over the lifting device, the load will be more stable during the lift. Conversely, if the center of gravity is high or shifted to one side, it can make the load more susceptible to tipping or swaying, leading to potential hazards during lifting operations.

Understanding the location of the center of gravity helps riggers make informed decisions about the rigging configuration and how to position the load to maintain stability. This information is essential for ensuring safe operations and preventing accidents, as an unstable load can cause damage, injury, or loss of the load itself.

While the load weight, rigging equipment, and height of the lift are important considerations in rigging practices, they are not as directly influential on stability as the center of gravity.