What is the purpose of a tagline in rigging?

The purpose of a tagline in rigging is primarily to control the load during lifting and to prevent it from swinging. When a load is lifted, it can be subject to various forces such as wind or other external factors that may cause it to sway or spin, which poses safety risks to workers and equipment. The tagline serves as a means for the rigger to manage the load from a safe distance, allowing for adjustments and stabilization throughout the lift. By keeping the load steady and reducing the likelihood of uncontrolled movement, the tagline enhances the safety and effectiveness of the rigging operation.

In contrast, securing the load to the crane is a function fulfilled by other rigging equipment, such as slings or shackles, rather than taglines. While measuring the weight of the load is an important task in rigging, it typically involves using scales or load cells rather than the use of a tagline. Additionally, signaling the crane operator is usually accomplished through hand signals or communication devices, not by taglines, which are focused on load management.