Which statement defines Safe Working Load (SWL)?

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Safe Working Load is the maximum load that can be applied to lifting equipment without risking failure, calculated by dividing the breaking strength by the safety factor. The breaking strength is the force at which the gear would fail, and the safety factor provides margin for uncertainties, wear, and dynamic forces. So the rating used in practice is SWL = breaking strength ÷ safety factor. For example, if a strap has a breaking strength of 12,000 pounds and a safety factor of 4, the SWL is 3,000 pounds. The other ideas don’t define SWL: using the actual load divided by a factor describes the current load instead of a rating; multiplying breaking strength by the safety factor would imply a load beyond what the material can safely withstand; and the actual weight being lifted is simply the load, not the safe working rating.