Never stand under a load that is supported only by what?

• A. Slings
• B. Chains
• C. Lifting bags
• D. Blocks

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that air lifting bags do not provide a rigid, fail-safe support. A load that is supported only by lifting bags can drop suddenly if a bag leaks, punctures, or deflates, or if the load shifts as the bags settle. Because bags rely on air pressure rather than solid material, there’s less inherent redundancy, and a single bag failure can release the weight quickly, putting anyone in the fall zone at immediate risk. In practice, any lift planned with bags should have a solid, redundant base (cribbing, blocks) and careful control of the load, with personnel kept clear until the load is securely stabilized. Slings, chains, or blocks can fail too, but they don’t deflate like bags, which is why the scenario calls out lifting bags specifically.