Question 1

The greatest hazard to ground personnel working near a swinging crane is:

Accepted Answer

The swing radius of the counterweight creates a pinch point against fixed objects where personnel can be crushed. This area must be barricaded.

Question 2

When checking for hydraulic leaks, you should use:

Accepted Answer

High-pressure hydraulic fluid can inject into the skin, causing severe injury or amputation. Never use hands to check for leaks.

Question 3

If a crane boom comes into contact with a power line, the ground around the crane becomes electrified. This is known as:

Accepted Answer

Voltage dissipates through the ground in ripples. Walking away creates a difference in potential between your feet (Step Potential), which can electrocute you.

Question 4

Batteries charge by releasing what explosive gas?

Accepted Answer

Lead-acid batteries emit hydrogen gas while charging, which is highly flammable/explosive. Keep sparks away.

Question 5

The primary danger of side loading a telescopic boom is:

Accepted Answer

Booms are designed for vertical loads. Side loading puts twisting stresses on the boom sections and sliders that can cause catastrophic collapse.

Question 6

Overloading a structural component (like the boom or jib) usually results in:

Accepted Answer

Structural failure happens instantly when the yield strength is exceeded. Tipping usually gives some warning (outriggers lifting); structural failure does not.

Question 7

Exhaust fumes from the crane engine contain:

Accepted Answer

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. Ventilation is critical in enclosed areas.

Question 8

Working near a radio transmitter can cause:

Accepted Answer

RF energy can induce voltage in the boom and hoist line, potentially shocking riggers touching the load.

Question 9

A 'Shear Point' exists where:

Accepted Answer

Shear points can amputate fingers or limbs. Guarding is required on exposed gears and rotating parts.

Question 10

If a crane operator must jump from a crane charged with electricity, they should:

Accepted Answer

Jumping with feet together ensures no electrical potential difference exists between feet upon landing. Shuffling keeps feet close to prevent Step Potential shock.

Question 11

Standing under a boom while removing connecting pins is:

Accepted Answer

Removing pins can cause sudden movement or collapse. No one should be under the boom during disassembly.

Question 12

Using a chain fall or come-along attached to the boom to lift a separate load:

Accepted Answer

Booms are not designed for auxiliary loads attached to chords or lacings. It causes unauthorized stress.

Question 13

Excessive paint on a lattice boom can:

Accepted Answer

While paint protects, thick layers can mask structural cracks that would otherwise be visible during inspection.

Question 14

The danger of 'Two-Blocking' is:

Accepted Answer

When the block hits the tip, the winch pulls the cable until it breaks, dropping the load instantly.

Question 15

Cold weather creates a hazard by:

Accepted Answer

Steel loses toughness in extreme cold and can shatter rather than bend under stress.

Question 16

Lifting a load that is stuck or frozen to the ground creates:

Accepted Answer

When the frozen bond breaks, the boom springs back (unloads), creating a severe shock load.

Question 17

Operating a crane with a damaged boom chord is:

Accepted Answer

Any structural damage derates the crane to zero. It must be repaired per manufacturer specs.

Question 18

Extending a telescopic boom without lowering the hoist line will cause:

Accepted Answer

Extending the boom increases the distance from drum to tip, pulling the hook up. If the operator doesn't pay out line, the block will hit the tip (two-block).

Question 19

The primary hazard of a 'Pick and Carry' operation over rough terrain is:

Accepted Answer

Uneven ground causes the load to swing violently, potentially hitting the crane structure or causing tipping.

Question 20

Pressurized air lines or hydraulic hoses should be secured with:

Accepted Answer

Whip checks prevent a hose from whipping around violently if the coupling fails.

Question 21

Leaving a crane boom suspended in the air overnight without a load:

Accepted Answer

Cylinders can cool or leak internally, causing the boom to drift or drop unexpectedly.

Question 22

Walking under a suspended load is:

Accepted Answer

General rule: Never walk under a suspended load. Exceptions are strict and rare (e.g., connection/disconnection).

Question 23

Refueling a hot engine can cause:

Accepted Answer

Spilled fuel on a hot manifold can ignite instantly.

Question 24

Loose items in the cab (lunchbox, tools) are a hazard because:

Accepted Answer

Loose items can roll under brake pedals or jam levers, causing loss of control.

Question 25

If the rotation resistant rope core fails, it often results in:

Accepted Answer

Core failure causes the rope to collapse inward, reducing diameter and lengthening.

Hazard Recognition Practice Questions

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