Operating cable pulling equipment under unsafe conditions is a major cause of accidents and damage. It is crucial to stop or never begin an operation if any of the following conditions exist:

• Equipment Failure or Damage: Never use a winch or any rigging component that shows signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. A compromised pulling rope, a faulty braking system, or a broken shackle can lead to catastrophic failure under tension.

• Exceeding Pulling Tension: If your tension monitoring system indicates that the pulling force is approaching or exceeding the cable manufacturer's maximum allowable tension, you must stop the pull immediately. Continued pulling will damage the cable's conductors or insulation.

• Unsafe Work Environment: Do not operate in the vicinity of energized lines or equipment without a proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure in place. Additionally, the pulling area must be clear of all non-essential personnel and potential obstructions.

• Improper Rigging or Setup: If the winch or pulling machine is not properly anchored, or if the path is not correctly laid out with the right rollers and sheaves, the pulling force will be misdirected, leading to equipment instability and a high risk of rope or cable damage.