What is the main risk when using a choke configuration?

The main risk when using a choke configuration lies in the significant reduction in sling strength. When a sling is choked around an object, it creates a more concentrated load on the sling fibers. This configuration introduces additional tension and can lead to a decrease in the effective capacity of the sling. Specifically, the angle created in the choke can result in a reduction of the sling's working load limit. Understanding this risk is crucial for riggers, as it could potentially lead to equipment failure and safety hazards during lifting operations.

While slippage may be a concern with different rigging techniques, and certain configurations may increase ground loading or costs, these factors do not inherently pose as significant a risk to the overall integrity of the lifting system as the reduction in sling strength does when employing a choke configuration. Therefore, emphasis should always be placed on understanding how different rigging configurations impact the safety and effectiveness of lifting operations.