CHST CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Crane and Rigging Safety Questions and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum proof test load for a new hook before it is placed into service?
- 100% of rated load
- 125% of rated load (Correct answer)
- 150% of rated load
- 200% of rated load
Correct answer: 125% of rated load
ASME B30.10 requires hooks to be proof-tested to 125% of their rated load before initial use to verify structural integrity.
Question 2: When performing a pre-shift inspection, which wire rope condition requires immediate removal from service?
- Slight surface rust on outer wires
- A kink in the rope (Correct answer)
- Minor dirt accumulation
- Light surface fraying on the outer cover
Correct answer: A kink in the rope
A kink permanently damages the rope's internal structure and load distribution, making it an immediate rejection criterion per ASME B30.9.
Question 3: What is the role of a qualified rigger versus a competent person in crane and rigging operations?
- They are interchangeable terms under OSHA
- A qualified rigger has recognized training/certification; a competent person can identify hazards and has authority to correct them (Correct answer)
- A competent person must hold a state license; a qualified rigger does not
- A qualified rigger supervises; a competent person performs the actual rigging
Correct answer: A qualified rigger has recognized training/certification; a competent person can identify hazards and has authority to correct them
OSHA defines a qualified rigger as having demonstrated rigging knowledge/skill, while a competent person has authority to identify and correct hazards — these are distinct roles.
Question 4: A crane is rated at 40 tons at a 30-foot radius. The same crane at a 50-foot radius will have a rated capacity that is:
- The same — capacity is fixed regardless of radius
- Higher, because the longer radius gives more leverage
- Lower, because greater radius increases overturning moment (Correct answer)
- Equal only if the boom is lengthened proportionally
Correct answer: Lower, because greater radius increases overturning moment
As radius increases, the overturning moment grows, so crane capacity decreases — this inverse relationship is fundamental to reading load charts.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'critical lift' under OSHA's crane standard?
- Any lift involving a load over 10,000 lbs
- A lift where the load exceeds 75% of the crane's rated capacity or involves special hazards (Correct answer)
- A lift performed within 50 feet of an occupied building
- Any multi-crane lift regardless of load weight
Correct answer: A lift where the load exceeds 75% of the crane's rated capacity or involves special hazards
OSHA 1926.1436 defines critical lifts as those exceeding 75% of the crane's rated capacity or involving personnel hoisting, multi-crane picks, or other special conditions.
Question 6: What must a rigger do if the weight of a load is unknown before a lift?
- Estimate based on visual size and proceed cautiously
- Use the largest available sling
- Determine the load weight before the lift proceeds (Correct answer)
- Reduce rated capacity by 50% as a safety margin
Correct answer: Determine the load weight before the lift proceeds
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1412 prohibits lifting loads of unknown weight; the actual weight must be determined before any lift begins.
Question 7: When two cranes perform a tandem (multi-crane) lift, which statement is correct?
- Each crane may be loaded up to 100% of its individual rated capacity
- The combined rated capacity equals the sum of both cranes' maximum capacities
- A qualified lift director must be designated and each crane's load share must be calculated (Correct answer)
- The lighter crane sets the lift limit for the entire operation
Correct answer: A qualified lift director must be designated and each crane's load share must be calculated
OSHA 1926.1436 requires a qualified lift director for multi-crane operations, and load distribution calculations must be completed to ensure neither crane is overloaded.
CHST CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Crane and Rigging Safety Questions and Answers 5
What is the minimum proof test load for a new hook before it is placed into service?