What safety precautions must be taken during a sling load inspection?

The correct choice emphasizes the critical importance of safety for both personnel and equipment during a sling load operation. Ensuring that no personnel are in the danger zone is vital because sling loads are lifted by helicopters, which can create significant wind turbulence and present a risk of injury from falling loads or debris. Properly securing the load is also essential to prevent accidents during the lift, as an unsecured load could shift or detach during flight, leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes.

While inspecting equipment before flight, checking the weather, and limiting the number of loads contribute to overall safety, they do not address the immediate dangers present during the actual sling load operation. The focus on personnel safety and load security in the correct answer directly addresses the core safety concerns that are paramount in sling load inspections.