Recovery Safety Rules
Short answer
Keep every person out of the load path, follow each component’s working limit and sizing instructions, and follow the manufacturer's manual for your gear.
Keep everyone out of the load path
A failed rope, strap or shackle can whip back with enough force to injure or kill. Before any pull, move bystanders clear of the line and the area a failed part could fly through, and keep them there until the load is off.
Use the correct rating for the job
Use each component’s stated working limit for its intended application and configuration. Breaking strength is not a working-load limit. For kinetic ropes and snatch straps, follow the maker’s vehicle-weight sizing instructions. Retire damaged gear according to its manufacturer’s inspection criteria.
The manual wins
Where your gear's manual differs from anything on RiggingOps, follow the manual.
If you're not sure, get help
If you can't rig the pull confidently, stop and call someone who can. A wait costs less than an injury.
Safety guides on RiggingOps
- Recovery Gear Inspection: When to Retire Each Piece
- Recovery Shackle Size Guide: 5/8 vs 3/4 vs 7/8
- How to Use a Snatch Block: Double-Line Pulls Explained
- How to Use a Kinetic Recovery Rope: Technique and Safety
- How to Use a Winch Safely: Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
- What NOT to Use for Vehicle Recovery (And Why)