What is considered a vertical hitch in rigging?

A vertical hitch in rigging refers to the angle at which a lift is made relative to the vertical axis. The standard for a vertical hitch is often considered to be within a certain degree of vertical alignment to ensure the load is evenly distributed and properly secured. In this context, 5 degrees from vertical indicates a very slight deviation, which means the load remains significantly stable and balanced during lifting.

Maintaining a close alignment to vertical reduces the risk of bending or twisting forces on the load and rigging gear, which can lead to potential failures or accidents. Therefore, when defining a vertical hitch, a tolerance of 5 degrees is considered acceptable to ensure safety and stability during lifting operations. This precision is crucial in rigging applications, where load dynamics and forces can become complex.

The other angles, being greater deviations from vertical, would compromise the integrity and safety of the lift by increasing the risk of unstable load characteristics.