What is the primary purpose of a spreader bar?

A spreader bar is primarily designed to handle long loads effectively. When lifting long or wide loads, standard rigging techniques can lead to difficulties in maintaining stability and control during the lift. The spreader bar provides a method to distribute the weight of the load evenly and allows for a wider lifting span, which increases stability. By widening the sway, the spreader bar minimizes the risk of the load tipping or swaying during the lift, making it safer and more efficient.

Handling long loads requires careful attention to balance and weight distribution, which the spreader bar facilitates. It enables the use of multiple lifting points, helping to secure the load and provide additional control.

While stabilizing the load for transport, reducing weight on the hook, and assisting with lifting vertical loads are important considerations in rigging, they are secondary functions of the spreader bar. The primary function is indeed to manage the complexities that arise when dealing with long loads, making option B the most accurate choice.