When you work at height, “load” can mean two very different things. It might be the weight you’re lifting into position (plant, steelwork, truss, pallets). Or it might be the forces your safety system must withstand if something goes wrong. Either way, the terminology on tags, certificates and product pages matters—because choosing the wrong rating can put people and equipment at risk.
If you’ve already read our guide to the difference between WLL and SWL, this post goes one step wider. (If you haven’t, start here: What’s the Difference Between WLL and SWL?.) Below is a practical load-terminology cheat sheet, plus examples of which jobs each rating is most relevant for.
Working Load Limit (WLL) and Safe Working Load (SWL) are the ratings you’ll most often see on lifting and rigging hardware. In plain language, they point to the maximum load the product is intended to handle in service. That’s why searches like “wll meaning”, “swl meaning”, and “safe working load” come up when someone is checking whether equipment is suitable for a lift.
Use WLL/SWL when you’re selecting:
Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) or Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) is the load where the product is expected to fail in a test. It is not the number you plan your lift around. Manufacturers apply a safety factor (also called a design factor) to turn that breaking figure into a working rating.
You’ll often see MBS language on load restraint products like heavy duty ratchet straps, where standards may show both an in-service capacity (LC) and a breaking figure.
Some lifting gear is proof tested above its working rating to confirm integrity. Proof load is not permission to lift more—it’s simply evidence the product can withstand a higher test load without permanent deformation. It’s most relevant for inspection regimes and documentation.
Construction & MEP installs: If you’re lifting plant to a roof or positioning steelwork, start with WLL/SWL on the lifting path—hoist, slings, shackles, and connectors.
Entertainment & events: Chain blocks are common for truss and staging. Match the WLL to the total suspended load, including rigging hardware.
Transport & haulage: For tie-downs, check both the LC and the MBS so you’re not overestimating strap performance.
Fall arrest equipment isn’t selected by “WLL vs SWL”. It’s certified to different standards and designed to absorb energy during a fall, not lift materials. If your job mixes lifting and working at height, keep systems distinct: use certified lifting gear for loads, and purpose-built fall protection equipment for people.
Need help picking the right kit for the job? Tell us what you’re lifting (or securing), where you’re working, and how it’s being used—then we’ll help you match the right terminology and the right equipment to your site conditions.
Locations: Bristol & West Drayton Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
SafetyLiftinGear is growing, and we’re looking for skilled, motivated Lifting Equipment Engineers to join our teams in Bristol & West Drayton.
More...
When selecting lifting equipment for industrial operations, understanding load capacity terminology is critical for safety and regulatory compliance. Two terms you'll frequently encounter are Working Load Limit (WLL) and Safe Working Load (SWL). While these terms are often used interchangeably, modern safety standards have made important distinctions that every lifting equipment operator needs to understand.This comprehensive guide explains what WLL and SWL mean in modern regulations, how these values are calculated, and the key differences between WLL, SWL, and Maximum Rated Capacity (MRC).
When carrying a heavy load, it is paramount that you are using the correct equipment to keep you, and your colleagues, safe. But when it comes to carrying heavy loads upstairs it is even more crucial that you are tackling the task with the appropriate equipment, having fully evaluated potential risks.
The added hazard of falling and/or crushing means carrying loads upstairs is something you should take very seriously. The good news is, Safety Lifting Gear offers the equipment you need to make lifting loads upstairs easier and more efficient! Read on, to find out How to Safely Carry Loads Upstairs:
Use one of our Electric Powered Stair Climbers for hire to make transporting heavy goods easy and stress-free!
At SafetyLiftinGear we always aim to offer a lifting solution to match all of our customer's requirements, which is exactly why we continue to expand our range of products. This time we have added products to our popular range of hydraulic cylinders, now our product range is suitable for those looking to lift 150 tonnes and 200 tonnes.
Previously we only stocked hydraulic cylinders that were capable of moving 100 tonne weights, which is why we are so pleased to add even more specialist products for high capacity lifting/jacking.
Our hydraulic cylinders are helpful in a range of industrial applications. Whether you need to push, pull or lift, our hydraulic cylinders are capable of the job. Their durable design allows them to be used day after day and always perform perfectly. To see our new, heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders, see the links below:
150 tonne x 100mm Hydraulic Cylinder
150 tonne x 150mm Hydraulic Cylinder
200 tonne x 100mm Hydraulic Cylinder
200 tonne x 150mm Hydraulic Cylinder
Heavy-duty hydraulic hand pump
We also supply a range of manual hand pumps to operate the cylinders. We had to expand this collection too to accommodate our new hydraulic cylinder range. Our hydraulic hand pumps have a large release valve handle for controlling lead decent and 2 speeds so they can be used for high and low-pressure projects. This hand pump is compatible with the hydraulic cylinders above!
If you can't seem to find the combination of products you need for your lifting project than you always talk to us about your requirements. If you're wondering what other hydraulic cylinders we offer you can read our blog post here. If you ever need to ask our expert advice about lifting equipment, you can contact us here today.
A safety harness is a system of restraints that prevent the wearer from falling from a height. By wearing the belt or harness the risk of injury from a fall is greatly reduced.The harness allows the user to attach themselves to a stationary object, therefore ensuring they will not hit the ground in the event of a fall. Falling from a height is one of the most common causes of personal injury in the workplace, so it is very important to make sure you are properly equipped when working up high.
0117 9381 600
