Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is the proper positioning for the saddle of a Crosby clamp when securing wire rope?

1. On the dead end

2. On the live end

3. At the midpoint

4. At the end of the clamp

The correct answer is: On the live end

The proper positioning for the saddle of a Crosby clamp, which is commonly used for securing wire rope, is on the live end. Positioning the saddle on the live end is essential because it ensures that the clamp grips the portion of the wire rope that is under tension and is actively engaged in lifting or pulling. This alignment allows the clamp to effectively secure the load and prevent slippage, ensuring safety during operation. When the saddle is placed on the live end, it provides an optimal connection as the clamp's design is specifically engineered to handle the dynamic forces exerted on the rope. Using the clamp in this way contributes to a secure, stable, and reliable rigging setup. In contrast, positioning the saddle on the dead end or at the midpoint would not provide the same level of security and could lead to improper gripping, increasing the risk of the clamp failing under load. The other choices do not align with safe rigging practices, which emphasize the importance of correct saddle placement for effective and safe usage of the Crosby clamp.