Question 1

When a load is lifted, the boom will deflect (bend) downward. This causes the radius to:

Accepted Answer

Boom deflection moves the tip outward, increasing the radius. The operator must compensate by booming up slightly or starting with a shorter radius.

Question 2

Side loading is most often caused by:

Accepted Answer

Side loading puts structural stress on the boom (which is designed for vertical loads). Dragging or rapid swinging creates side forces.

Question 3

If you lift a heavy load just off the ground and swing it over the side, the crane may tip because:

Accepted Answer

Capacities often change by quadrant. A load safe over the rear/front may be unsafe over the side due to the tipping axis being closer to the center of rotation.

Question 4

When operating in high winds, the operator should:

Accepted Answer

Wind exerts force on the boom and load. Manufacturers provide specific wind speed limits and derating charts.

Question 5

When lifting a load from the water, the load on the crane will increase as the object leaves the water due to:

Accepted Answer

The load increases due to loss of buoyancy, the weight of trapped water, and suction breaking the surface.

Question 6

Before traveling a crane under a low bridge, the operator must:

Accepted Answer

Clearance is critical to prevent collision. Travel height is a fixed spec.

Question 7

In a 'Pick and Carry' operation, the load should be kept:

Accepted Answer

Keeping the load low lowers the center of gravity and prevents the load from swinging into the crane if a stop occurs.

Question 8

When two cranes are lifting one load (Tandem Lift), the lift director must:

Accepted Answer

Safety standards require derating (75%) and a single signal person to coordinate both cranes.

Question 9

Duty cycle operations (concrete pouring, dragline, clamshell) generally require:

Accepted Answer

High cycle operations generate heat and dynamic loads. Charts often require capacity reduction (e.g., 80% rating) for duty cycle work.

Question 10

If the crane operator needs to leave the seat while a load is suspended:

Accepted Answer

OSHA 1926.1417 strictly prohibits leaving the controls while a load is suspended.

Question 11

When telescoping the boom with a load (if permitted), the operator must ensure:

Accepted Answer

Extending the boom increases radius and decreases structural strength. The load must be safe for the final extended position.

Question 12

To stop a swinging load, the operator should:

Accepted Answer

'Catching the load' involves swinging the boom tip to be directly over the load as it reaches the end of its swing, neutralizing the pendulum motion.

Question 13

Cold weather can affect crane operations by:

Accepted Answer

Extreme cold can cause brittle fracture in structural steel and thicken hydraulic fluid. Derating or warming may be required.

Question 14

When operating near a new building construction, be aware that:

Accepted Answer

Soil near foundations is often loose backfill, which can collapse under outrigger loads.

Question 15

When engaging the PTO (Power Take Off), the engine RPM should generally be:

Accepted Answer

Engaging the PTO at high RPM causes shock damage to the pump splines. Engage at idle.

Question 16

Which of the following is considered a 'dynamic' force?

Accepted Answer

Dynamic forces occur from motion (jerking, stopping, swinging). Static forces are stationary weights.

Question 17

If the crane is equipped with a foot pedal brake for the swing, it should be used:

Accepted Answer

The foot brake allows controlled slowing of the swing. The swing *lock* (pin) holds it stationary.

Question 18

Backward stability is a concern when:

Accepted Answer

High boom angle moves the CG rearward. Without a load to counterbalance the counterweight, the crane can tip backward.

Question 19

When using a personnel platform, the crane must have:

Accepted Answer

Free fall is prohibited for personnel lifting. The system must power the load down controllably.

Question 20

Before cutting the bands on a bundle of truss or pipe, the load should be:

Accepted Answer

Cutting bands releases tension, causing loose items to roll or spring out. They must be secured/choked first.

Question 21

When a crane is 'dogged off', it means:

Accepted Answer

Dogging off secures the drum pawls and swing locks.

Question 22

Operating a crane with a level error of 3% instead of 1% reduces capacity by:

Accepted Answer

Side loading effects from 3% slope are severe, potentially cutting capacity in half for long booms.

Question 23

When testing the LMI/RCL daily, you should:

Accepted Answer

Daily operational checks include verifying the LMI reads the boom angle/length/load correctly (using a test lift or comparing to known values).

Question 24

Generally, boom hoist lines should be reeved with:

Accepted Answer

Even parts of line are typically used for boom hoists to prevent twisting forces on the boom.

Question 25

If the crane operator must look away from the controls:

Accepted Answer

If attention is diverted, motion must stop to prevent accidents.

Question 26

When lifting a load that is near the crane's capacity, the operator should:

Accepted Answer

A test lift (float the load) verifies the weight, stability, and brake holding power before committing to the lift.

Question 27

Which action increases the operating radius?

Accepted Answer

Lowering the boom angle moves the tip further away from the center of rotation, increasing radius.

Question 28

If a load is frozen to the ground:

Accepted Answer

Cranes should never be used to break loads loose (shock loading/unknown weight). The load must be free before lifting.

Question 29

When securing a crane for the night, the boom should generally be:

Accepted Answer

Lowering to the ground prevents wind damage or accidental lowering. (Weathervaning is specific to some crawlers/towers). Safest general mobile practice is boom down/secured.

Question 30

During assembly of a lattice boom, never get under the boom:

Accepted Answer

Removing lower pins can cause the boom to collapse instantly. Never be under the boom during pin removal.

Question 31

Using a crane to drag a load sideways is:

Accepted Answer

Side loading is strictly prohibited as booms are not designed for side force.

Question 32

If the rotation resistant rope on a crane develops a 'birdcage', the operator must:

Accepted Answer

Rotation resistant rope cannot be spliced or repaired. It must be replaced.

Question 33

When extending the boom on a telescopic crane, which section should be extended first (if manual)?

Accepted Answer

Always follow the manufacturer's sequence (often synchronized or specific mode A/B). Incorrect sequencing affects stability charts.

Question 34

Operating with a jib erected but not used reduces the main boom capacity because:

Accepted Answer

The jib weight acts as a deduction at the end of the lever arm (boom), significantly reducing net capacity.

Question 35

Before traveling a crawler crane on soft ground:

Accepted Answer

Matting prevents the heavy crane from sinking or getting stuck.

Operating Practices Practice Questions

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