Question 1

A crane's load chart provides information about:

Accepted Answer

A load chart shows the maximum load that can be safely lifted at various boom lengths and radii. Operators must consult the load chart before each lift.

Question 2

Who is responsible for conducting a visual inspection of the crane before each shift?

Accepted Answer

A competent person must conduct a visual inspection of the crane before each shift. The operator is responsible for ensuring the crane is safe to operate.

Question 3

The minimum clearance distance between a crane/boom and overhead power lines up to 50kV is:

Accepted Answer

For power lines up to 50kV, the minimum clearance distance for cranes is 20 feet during transit (or 10 feet during operation with specific safety measures). The table in 1926.1408 specifies the requirements.

Question 4

A crane operator must be:

Accepted Answer

Crane operators must be certified by an accredited crane operator testing organization or qualified through the employer's evaluation program.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of outriggers on a crane?

Accepted Answer

Outriggers extend from the crane body and are set on pads to provide a wider, more stable base for lifting operations. They must be fully extended and set on firm surfaces.

Question 6

What type of hand signal means 'STOP' in crane operations?

Accepted Answer

The STOP signal is given by extending the arm with palm down and holding the position rigidly. The EMERGENCY STOP signal uses both arms extended horizontally moving hands rapidly.

Question 7

A signal person must be provided when:

Accepted Answer

A signal person is required when the point of operation is not in full view of the operator, when the operator's view is obstructed in the direction of travel, or when required by the site-specific safety plan.

Question 8

Wire rope must be removed from service when it has how many broken wires in one lay?

Accepted Answer

Running wire rope must be taken out of service when it has 6 randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or 3 broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.

Question 9

What must be done with the area beneath a suspended load?

Accepted Answer

No employee shall be permitted to stand, walk, or work under a suspended load, unless the employee is needed for the hooking or unhooking of the load.

Question 10

A qualified rigger is required for:

Accepted Answer

A qualified rigger must be used for rigging operations, including hooking, unhooking, and guiding loads. The rigger must understand the principles of rigging and have the knowledge to ensure safety.

Question 11

Sling angles less than what degree from horizontal should not be used?

Accepted Answer

Sling angles of less than 30 degrees from horizontal should be avoided because the stress on each sling leg increases dramatically at lower angles, potentially exceeding the rated capacity.

Question 12

When must a crane's annual inspection be performed?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive inspection (annual inspection) must be performed at least every 12 months by a qualified person. Some components may require more frequent inspection.

Question 13

The weight of a rigging assembly (slings, shackles, hooks) must be subtracted from:

Accepted Answer

The weight of all rigging equipment (slings, shackles, blocks, etc.) is part of the total load and must be subtracted from the crane's rated capacity to determine the actual payload that can be lifted.

Question 14

Tag lines are used in crane operations to:

Accepted Answer

Tag lines are ropes attached to the load to control its movement, prevent spinning, and guide the load into position. They are an important safety measure to prevent struck-by incidents.

Question 15

What is the minimum design factor for wire rope slings?

Accepted Answer

Wire rope slings must have a design factor of at least 5 (the breaking strength of the sling must be at least 5 times the rated capacity of the sling).

Question 16

Before any crane lift, the operator must verify:

Accepted Answer

The operator must ensure that the load to be lifted does not exceed the rated capacity of the crane at the required radius and boom configuration. Overloading is a primary cause of crane accidents.

Question 17

Synthetic web slings must be removed from service when:

Accepted Answer

Synthetic web slings must be removed from service when they show acid or caustic burns, melting, charring, snags, punctures, tears, or other damage that compromises their integrity.

Question 18

A critical lift typically involves:

Accepted Answer

A critical lift is generally one that is at or near the maximum rated capacity of the crane (often defined as 75-90% of capacity), involves lifting over occupied areas, or requires complex rigging procedures.

Question 19

What is the purpose of a load moment indicator (LMI) on a crane?

Accepted Answer

A load moment indicator (LMI) monitors the load and radius and provides warnings to the operator as the load approaches the rated capacity, helping prevent overloading and tipping.

Question 20

When must rigging equipment be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Rigging equipment for material handling shall be inspected before each use on each shift by a competent person and as necessary during its use to ensure that it is safe.

Question 21

Multi-leg slings carrying a load at a 60-degree angle from horizontal will have a capacity that is:

Accepted Answer

The sling capacity decreases as the sling angle decreases from vertical. At 60 degrees from horizontal, each leg carries about 87% (sine of 60 degrees) of its rated capacity.

Question 22

What is the maximum wind speed at which most crane operations must cease?

Accepted Answer

There is no single OSHA-specified wind speed limit. Operations must cease when wind conditions create a hazardous situation, as determined by the competent person and the crane manufacturer's specifications.

Question 23

Employees being hoisted by a crane in a personnel platform must be protected by:

Accepted Answer

Employees being hoisted must use a personal fall arrest system with the lanyard attached to a structural member of the personnel platform. Guardrails are also required.

Question 24

The rated capacity of slings decreases when:

Accepted Answer

As the sling angle from horizontal decreases, the load on each sling leg increases, effectively reducing the rated capacity of the sling assembly. This is why sling angles below 30 degrees should be avoided.

Question 25

A crane's operating radius is the distance from:

Accepted Answer

The operating radius is the horizontal distance from the axis of rotation (center pin) to the center of the vertical hoist line or load block. This distance determines the crane's rated capacity for that lift.

Question 26

The OSHA standard for cranes and derricks in construction is found in:

Accepted Answer

Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926 covers cranes and derricks in construction, including sections 1926.1400 through 1926.1442.

Question 27

When using shackles in rigging, the pin must be:

Accepted Answer

Shackle pins must be properly seated and secured. Using an improper pin or failing to secure the pin can result in the pin backing out and the load falling.

Question 28

Each sling must have a legible identification tag showing:

Accepted Answer

Each sling shall be marked to show the rated capacities for the type of hitch used and the type of sling material. The manufacturer's name or trademark must also be visible.

Question 29

Personnel hoisting by crane is only permitted when:

Accepted Answer

The use of a crane to hoist employees is permitted only when the erection, use, and dismantling of conventional means of reaching the work area would be more hazardous, or is not possible.

Question 30

An anti-two-block device on a crane prevents:

Accepted Answer

An anti-two-block device warns the operator or automatically prevents the load block/ball from contacting the boom tip assembly, which could overload the wire rope and cause it to break.

Question 31

Alloy steel chain slings must be inspected for all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Chain slings must be inspected for wear, nicks, cracks, breaks, gouges, stretch, and distortion. Color changes are not a standard inspection criterion for alloy steel chain slings.

Question 32

A crane assembly and disassembly must be directed by:

Accepted Answer

Assembly and disassembly must be directed by a qualified or competent person. The person directing must have adequate experience and training.

Question 33

When performing a multi-crane lift (two or more cranes lifting one load), a lift plan must:

Accepted Answer

Multi-crane lifts require a detailed written lift plan developed by a qualified person. All operators must review and understand the plan before beginning the lift.

Question 34

The minimum design factor for alloy steel chain slings is:

Accepted Answer

Alloy steel chain slings shall have a minimum design factor of 5, meaning the breaking strength must be at least 5 times the rated capacity.

Question 35

What must happen before a crane is operated near power lines?

Accepted Answer

Before a crane is operated near power lines, a hazard assessment must identify all power lines within the work area, determine the voltages, and establish precautions to maintain safe clearance distances.

Question 36

The signal person must be:

Accepted Answer

Signal persons must be qualified by either a third-party qualified evaluator or the employer's qualified evaluator. They must know and understand the standard hand signals and be competent in the application of required signals.

Question 37

A crane must not be operated unless it has which of the following safety devices in proper working order?

Accepted Answer

Cranes must have properly functioning safety devices including anti-two-block devices, boom angle or radius indicators, load charts, and other manufacturer-specified safety systems.

Question 38

What type of hitch provides the greatest sling capacity?

Accepted Answer

A basket hitch effectively doubles the capacity of a single vertical hitch because both legs of the sling bear the load. A choker hitch reduces capacity to approximately 75-80% of the rated vertical capacity.

Question 39

Crane operator certification is required for all operators of cranes with a capacity over:

Accepted Answer

Operators of cranes with a rated capacity of more than 2,000 pounds must be certified by an accredited testing organization or qualified through the employer's program.

Question 40

When a load must travel over workers who cannot be moved, the lift director must:

Accepted Answer

Routes for suspended loads should be pre-planned to avoid passing over workers. When this is unavoidable, a detailed plan with protective measures must be implemented and all affected workers notified.

Question 41

What is the standard hand signal for 'Hoist' in crane operations?

Accepted Answer

The standard hand signal for 'Hoist' (raise the load) is the forearm held vertical with the index finger pointing up, making small horizontal circles. Standard hand signals are defined in OSHA's cranes and derricks standard.

Question 42

What is the standard hand signal for 'Emergency Stop' during crane operations?

Accepted Answer

The emergency stop signal is given by extending both arms horizontally to the sides with palms down and swinging the arms back and forth horizontally. This is distinct from the regular 'Stop' signal, which uses one arm extended with the palm down. All personnel on a crane operation site should know emergency stop signals.

Question 43

A load chart on a crane typically shows the relationship between:

Accepted Answer

A crane's load chart shows the relationship between the operating radius (distance from the center of rotation to the center of the load) and the maximum rated capacity the crane can safely lift at that radius. As the radius increases, the rated capacity decreases. Operators must consult the load chart before every lift.

Question 44

When ground conditions are soft, what must be done before setting up a crane?

Accepted Answer

OSHA requires that the controlling entity must ensure the ground conditions are adequate to support the crane, the load, and any outriggers or other supporting structures. The ground must be firm, drained, and graded sufficiently. Timber mats, cribbing, or other means must be used to distribute loads when ground conditions are insufficient.

Question 45

An alloy steel shackle used in rigging should NEVER be:

Accepted Answer

Shackles should never be side-loaded beyond their design limits, as this can significantly reduce their rated capacity and lead to failure. Shackles are designed to carry loads in line with the pin. Side loading, point loading on the pin, or shock loading can cause the shackle to fail at loads well below its rated capacity.

Question 46

What is the purpose of a tag line in crane operations?

Accepted Answer

Tag lines are ropes attached to the load that are held by workers on the ground to control the load's movement, preventing uncontrolled swinging, spinning, or rotation during the lift. They help guide the load to its intended landing spot safely and are especially important during windy conditions or when lifting loads with a large surface area.

Question 47

When must outriggers on a mobile crane be fully extended and set?

Accepted Answer

Outriggers must be fully extended and properly set whenever the crane manufacturer's specifications require them for the lift being performed. The load charts for most mobile cranes show different capacities depending on whether outriggers are extended or retracted. Operating without outriggers when they are required can lead to tipping.

Question 48

A crane operator must hold certification from an organization accredited by which body?

Accepted Answer

Under OSHA's crane standard, crane operators must be certified by an accredited crane operator testing organization. The accreditation must be by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Certification must be for the specific type of crane the operator will be using. Examples of accredited organizations include NCCCO, CIC, and NCCER.

Question 49

When using a wire rope sling, which of the following conditions requires the sling to be immediately removed from service?

Accepted Answer

Wire rope slings must be immediately removed from service when there is evidence of kinking, crushing, bird-caging, or any other distortion of the rope structure. These conditions indicate significant internal damage that compromises the sling's load-bearing capacity and integrity. Other removal criteria include broken wires exceeding limits, corrosion, heat damage, and end attachment wear.

Question 50

When working near power lines rated over 50kV, the minimum clearance distance for a crane's boom increases by how much for each additional 10kV?

Accepted Answer

For power lines over 50kV, the minimum clearance distance of 10 feet must be increased by 4 inches (0.4 meters) for each additional 10kV over 50kV. For example, a 200kV line would require a clearance of 10 feet plus 15 x 4 inches = 60 inches (5 feet), totaling 15 feet of clearance. This protects against electrical arcing.

Question 51

Which type of synthetic sling must be protected from sharp edges, abrasion, and cutting during use?

Accepted Answer

All synthetic web slings and synthetic round slings must be protected from sharp edges, abrasion, and cutting. Padding or corner protectors should be used when the sling contacts sharp edges of a load. Contact with sharp surfaces can sever or weaken synthetic fibers, leading to sling failure. Synthetic slings must also be protected from heat, chemicals, and UV degradation.

Question 52

During crane assembly or disassembly, what is the role of the A/D (Assembly/Disassembly) director?

Accepted Answer

The A/D director must be a competent person or a qualified person who must direct the assembly and disassembly process. Their responsibilities include ensuring the process follows manufacturer procedures, managing site-specific conditions, and overseeing the crew to ensure safety. The A/D director must understand and apply all applicable procedures.

Question 53

A lift plan for a critical lift must include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

A critical lift plan must include the weight of the load, rigging weight, the crane's rated capacity at the planned radius, environmental conditions, ground conditions, hazard identification and mitigation steps, communication procedures, and a detailed sequence of operations. Resumes of workers are not a required component of a lift plan.

Question 54

What is the minimum clearance distance between a crane boom and a power line of 50kV or less?

Accepted Answer

The minimum clearance distance between any part of the crane, load line, or load and a power line rated 50kV or less is 10 feet. This clearance must be maintained at all times during crane operation. Special precautions, including designated observers and range-limiting devices, may be required when working near power lines.

Question 55

A load moment indicator (LMI) monitors which critical parameters during a crane lift?

Accepted Answer

A load moment indicator (LMI) is a device that continuously monitors the boom length, boom angle, and the weight of the load to calculate the load moment (the product of the load weight and the radius). It warns the operator when the load approaches or exceeds the crane's rated capacity at the given radius, helping prevent tipping and structural failure.

Question 56

What documentation must a crane operator possess while operating a crane on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Crane operators must possess and have readily available valid certification from an accredited testing organization for the specific type of crane being operated. They must also meet the medical fitness requirements. The employer must ensure that operators are competent to safely operate the specific type and configuration of crane they are using.

Question 57

In a multi-crane lift involving two cranes lifting a single load, what is the MOST critical planning requirement?

Accepted Answer

Multi-crane lifts are among the most hazardous crane operations. A detailed lift plan must be developed by a qualified person, accounting for the load distribution between cranes, precise communication procedures between all parties, the sequence of operations for lifting and lowering, and all potential hazards. Each crane must be operated within its rated capacity during all phases of the lift.

Question 58

A wire rope on a running rope (such as a hoist line) must be taken out of service when the number of broken wires in one rope lay exceeds:

Accepted Answer

For running ropes (such as hoist lines), the wire rope must be removed from service when there are 6 randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or 3 broken wires in one strand in one rope lay. Additional removal criteria include evidence of heat damage, kinking, crushing, bird-caging, corrosion, broken or missing wires at fittings, and reduction of rope diameter beyond allowable limits.

Question 59

When calculating the effective capacity of a sling in a choker hitch configuration, the rated capacity is reduced to approximately what percentage of the straight (vertical) hitch capacity?

Accepted Answer

A choker hitch reduces the effective capacity of a sling to approximately 75% of its vertical hitch rated capacity. This reduction occurs because the choker configuration creates a bending stress at the choke point. The actual capacity also depends on the angle of choke; a choke angle less than 120 degrees can further reduce the capacity. Riggers must always account for this reduction when selecting slings.

Question 60

During the monthly wire rope inspection of a crane, the inspector finds a section of wire rope that has a diameter reduction of 6% from the nominal diameter. What action is required?

Accepted Answer

A wire rope must be removed from service when the actual diameter is reduced by more than 5% from the nominal diameter for running ropes (such as hoist lines). This diameter reduction indicates significant internal and external wear or core deterioration that compromises the rope's breaking strength. The monthly inspection must include checking the rope diameter and comparing it to the nominal diameter.

Cranes & Rigging Practice Questions

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