What is the purpose of a tag line in rigging operations?

The purpose of a tag line in rigging operations is to control the load and prevent it from swinging during movement. Using a tag line allows riggers to maintain better stability and precision in the positioning of the load as it is being lifted or moved. By holding onto the tag line, riggers can apply tension to guide the load, which is especially important for maintaining safety and ensuring that the load does not inadvertently swing or rotate, which could lead to accidents and injuries.

While other options touch on relevant tasks in rigging operations, they do not accurately describe the primary function of a tag line. For instance, indicating the weight of the load is typically done through markings or tags attached to the load itself, not through a tag line. Signaling the crane operator is usually achieved through standard hand signals or communication devices rather than a tag line, which is specifically designed for load control. Measuring the distance of the lift is managed with other tools and methods, such as tape measures or levels, and is unrelated to the function of a tag line.