What must hoist hooks have during lifting operations?

During lifting operations, hoist hooks must have latches or be moused to ensure safety and prevent accidental disengagement of the load. The latch is a critical safety feature that keeps the load securely attached to the hook during movement. This prevents slippage or dropping of the load, which can lead to accidents or injuries on the job site. Mousing, which involves securing the hook with wire or other materials, serves a similar purpose and provides an additional layer of safety, especially in environments where hooks may be subjected to vibrations or sudden movements.

While other options may contribute to varying aspects of safety and functionality, they do not fulfill the essential role of securing the load as latches or mousing do. For instance, rubber tips and padded grips are more relevant to user comfort and protecting the load's surface than to securing the load. Indicators for load weight can assist in determining safe lifting capacities, but they do not directly address the need to keep the load attached to the hook during lifting.