Which of the following is a critical consideration for lifting operations with synthetic slings?

When working with synthetic slings during lifting operations, understanding their limitations and properties is essential for safe handling and effective performance. Load weight is indeed a critical factor because synthetic slings are rated for specific weight limits, beyond which the sling could fail. Each type of synthetic sling is designed to lift a certain maximum weight, and exceeding this limit can lead to catastrophic failure.

Additionally, it's important to understand that synthetic slings can be affected by environmental factors such as temperature and moisture. High temperatures can weaken synthetic materials, and moisture can lead to additional risks, such as the potential for slippage or degradation of the sling material. However, in the context of the original question, load weight is the most direct consideration impacting the safety and integrity of the lifting operation. Thus, while temperature and moisture are indeed important, the weight of the load is the most critical factor that directly impacts the effectiveness and safety of synthetic slings during lifting operations.