What information must identification tags always include regarding the hitch rated load?

Identification tags are essential for ensuring the safe and correct use of rigging equipment. When it comes to the hitch rated load, it is critical to include information that directly pertains to how the load will be lifted. The vertical hitch rated load is particularly important because it indicates the maximum load that can be safely lifted when the sling is used in a vertical position.

Using slings in different configurations can affect their load-bearing capacity significantly. The vertical hitch rated load provides a clear standard for safety, ensuring that riggers understand the strength requirements for lifting in this orientation. This is vital, especially since many lifting operations rely on vertical lifts.

On the other hand, the other options refer to different configurations or angles at which a sling may be used, such as horizontal or diagonal. While these configurations do affect the rated loads, the standard and most critical metric for identification tags is the vertical load capacity, which is often the baseline from which other ratings are derived. Thus, including the vertical hitch rated load on identification tags ensures that users have the essential information needed to perform lifts safely and effectively.