Question 1

Before setting up the crane, the operator must be aware of:

Accepted Answer

Setting up over a septic tank, basement, or utility vault can cause the ground to collapse under outrigger pressure.

Question 2

When setting up near a retaining wall, the crane should be placed:

Accepted Answer

Outrigger pressure creates a 'zone of influence' in the soil. Setting up too close adds lateral pressure to the wall, potentially causing it to burst or the soil to shear.

Question 3

Ground bearing capacity is reduced by:

Accepted Answer

Water lubricates soil particles, drastically reducing the ground's ability to support heavy loads.

Question 4

Which soil type generally has the lowest bearing capacity?

Accepted Answer

Loose sand and wet clay have very poor structural strength and require extensive matting.

Question 5

Using timber mats (dunnage) under outriggers increases:

Accepted Answer

Mats spread the force over a larger surface area, reducing the pounds per square foot (ground pressure) transferred to the soil.

Question 6

When operating in an area with public traffic:

Accepted Answer

The work zone must be isolated to protect the public from swing hazards and falling loads.

Question 7

If lightning is observed in the area:

Accepted Answer

Cranes are prime lightning targets. Operations must cease safely.

Question 8

When accessing a construction site, the operator should ensure access roads are:

Accepted Answer

Cranes are heavy vehicles. Uncompacted access roads can lead to the crane bogging down or tipping over during travel.

Question 9

Operating a crane on a barge requires:

Accepted Answer

Barges tilt (list/trim) under load. Special charts reduce capacity to account for this instability.

Question 10

If visibility is reduced by fog or smoke to the point where the operator cannot see the signal person or load:

Accepted Answer

Safety requires clear communication. If visibility prevents safe operation even with aids, stop.

Question 11

When setting up on concrete, the operator should be concerned about:

Accepted Answer

Concrete may look solid but can be thin or hollow underneath. Crushing through can cause a tip-over.

Question 12

The Controlling Entity must inform the operator of:

Accepted Answer

OSHA 1926.1402 specifically tasks the Controlling Entity with providing info on ground hazards.

Question 13

A 'competent person' must inspect the ground conditions:

Accepted Answer

Ground must be verified before setup and monitored for changes (rain, excavation).

Question 14

High wind speeds can cause:

Accepted Answer

Wind on the face of the boom can push it backward over the cab. Wind on the load can swing it out of radius.

Question 15

When operating in a city environment, a major concern is:

Accepted Answer

Urban environments have hidden underground infrastructure (sidewalk vaults) that cannot support outriggers.

Question 16

If the crane sinks into the ground on one side during a lift:

Accepted Answer

Sinking on the load side tilts the crane, extending the load further out (increasing radius), which can rapidly lead to overload and tipping.

Question 17

Artificial lighting for night operations must be:

Accepted Answer

Lighting must be sufficient for safe operation without creating blinding glare.

Question 18

Traveling a crane on a side slope can cause:

Accepted Answer

Cranes have high centers of gravity. Side slopes shift weight dramatically to the low-side tires/tracks, risking rollover.

Question 19

When checking ground conditions, 'uncompacted fill' is:

Accepted Answer

Fill soil creates voids and soft spots. It must be compacted before supporting a crane.

Question 20

If a crane touches a power line, the area on the ground around the crane:

Accepted Answer

The ground becomes energized in concentric circles. Walking near the crane creates a fatal potential difference between feet.

Question 21

When lifting a large surface area load (like a wall panel) in windy conditions, the operator must:

Accepted Answer

Large panels act as sails. Even moderate wind can exert massive side forces, pushing the load out of radius or twisting the boom.

Question 22

Working near an airport requires:

Accepted Answer

Tall booms can interfere with flight paths. Proper permits/flags/lights are required.

Question 23

Blocking should be placed:

Accepted Answer

The float is the load transfer point. Blocking goes under the float to spread that load.

Question 24

If water accumulates in the crane setup area:

Accepted Answer

Standing water saturates soil, turning it into mud and destroying its ability to support weight.

Question 25

The 'Zone of Influence' for outrigger pressure typically extends down at an angle of:

Accepted Answer

Pressure spreads out as it goes down. A 45-degree angle is the standard assumption for soil mechanics affecting nearby trenches/walls.

Site Conditions Practice Questions

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