All hooks should come equipped with a safety latch to enhance safety during lifting operations. The safety latch is a critical feature that prevents the load from inadvertently slipping off the hook. This is especially important in overhead crane operations, where the load may move at heights that pose significant risks if dropped. The safety latch works by securing the load in place, providing an additional layer of protection, and ensuring that the hook does not open unintentionally.
While the other options might offer specific benefits, they do not provide the essential safety function that a safety latch does. A weight indicator can assist operators in understanding the load being lifted, but it does not prevent accidents. A swivel attachment can improve maneuverability, while a polymer coating might provide corrosion resistance, but none of these features address the critical need for securing the load during operation as effectively as a safety latch does. Thus, the safety latch is considered a standard and necessary component for all lifting hooks in any lifting operations.