Which of the following is true about using outriggers?

Using outriggers is essential for ensuring the stability and safety of equipment, particularly when lifting heavy loads in various directions. The correct understanding is that they must be fully extended for safe operation. Fully extending the outriggers creates a wider base of support, reducing the risk of tipping or losing balance under load, which is crucial for preventing accidents on the job site.

When outriggers are fully extended, they distribute the weight of the equipment and the load more evenly over a larger area, helping to counteract the forces that might attempt to tip the machine. This practice is particularly important in situations where the load could create an uneven force or shift during operation.

In contrast, other approaches, such as partial extension or treating outriggers as optional, compromise safety. Partial extension may seem convenient for lighter loads, but even a slight imbalance can lead to dangerous situations. Treating them as optional based on load size ignores the fundamental role outriggers play in providing stability, which is critical regardless of how light or heavy the load is. Thus, recognizing the necessity of fully extending outriggers is vital for the safe operation of hoisting equipment.