Work out lifting gear safety factor instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Working load limit is minimum breaking load divided by a safety factor set by the type of gear: four for chain, five for wire rope, seven for fibre webbing and ten for man-riding applications. The higher factors for textile slings reflect their vulnerability to cutting, abrasion and ultraviolet degradation.
Safety factor
Factor = minimum breaking load / working load limit
Permitted WLL
Maximum WLL = minimum breaking load / required factor
Preliminary estimate only. Lifting equipment ratings, examination and certification must follow the applicable regulations and the manufacturer's data.
Factor = minimum breaking load / working load limit. Working load limit is minimum breaking load divided by a safety factor set by the type of gear: four for chain, five for wire rope, seven for fibre webbing and ten for man-riding applications.
Because a failure is immediately fatal and the consequences justify a much larger margin against the unknowns of wear, shock loading and inspection interval.
This calculator takes 3 inputs: Minimum breaking load, Working load limit, Type of lifting gear. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.