Mixed Deck — All CPCS Topics Flashcards

How often must lifting equipment that is used for lifting persons be thoroughly examined under LOLER?

Answer: Every 6 months

Under LOLER Regulation 9, lifting equipment used for lifting persons must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 6 months. This more frequent interval reflects the higher risk when people's lives depend directly on the equipment's integrity.

Under BS 7121, what must happen before any lifting operation with a crane commences?

Answer: A lift plan must be prepared by a competent person

BS 7121 and LOLER 1998 require that every lifting operation is properly planned by a competent person. The lift plan must assess the load weight, ground conditions, radius, environmental factors, and identify suitable equipment and exclusion zones.

Before placing a crane on outriggers, what ground investigation should be carried out?

Answer: Check for underground services, voids, and confirm ground bearing capacity is sufficient for the outrigger loads

Before deploying outriggers, the ground must be checked for underground services and voids, and the ground bearing capacity must be confirmed as sufficient for the specific outrigger point loads.

What colour is the CPCS trained operator card issued before NVQ Level 2 competence is achieved?

Answer: Red

The red CPCS card is the trained operator card issued to those who have completed training but not yet achieved the NVQ Level 2 qualification required for the competence (blue) card.

What should an operator check on the plant's attachment or working tool during a pre-use inspection?

Answer: Secure attachment, visible damage, wear, and correct rating for the intended task

Attachment checks confirm it is securely fitted, free from cracks or significant wear, and correctly rated for the planned task. An insecure or damaged attachment can detach unexpectedly, creating serious hazard.

When determining the centre of gravity of a load, why is this information critical for the slinger?

Answer: It ensures the lifting point is directly above the balance point so the load is stable and level

Positioning the hook directly above the centre of gravity ensures the load hangs level and stable during the lift, preventing dangerous swinging or tilting.

During a lift, the load begins to swing uncontrollably. What is the safest immediate action for the slinger/signaller?

Answer: Move clear of the load's swing path and signal the operator to stop immediately

The safest action is to move clear of the swing path to avoid being struck, then signal stop — attempting to manually restrain a swinging load is extremely dangerous.

What is a 'thorough examination' under PUWER for construction plant?

Answer: A detailed examination by a competent person at specified intervals

A thorough examination is a systematic and detailed examination carried out by a competent person, going beyond routine checks to identify defects and assess fitness for continued use.

What must be clearly displayed on all construction plant operating on a UK site?

Answer: The machine's safe working load and identification markings

All construction plant must display clear identification markings and, where applicable, the safe working load (SWL). This is required under PUWER and LOLER to ensure operators know the machine's capabilities and limitations.

Under LOLER, what does 'marked with its SWL' mean for a lifting accessory?

Answer: Every sling, shackle, and hook must be permanently marked with the maximum safe working load

LOLER requires all lifting accessories to be permanently marked with their SWL so operators can quickly verify that the equipment is rated for the intended lift.

As the included angle between the legs of a two-leg sling increases beyond 90°, what happens to the effective working load limit on each leg?

Answer: It decreases, placing greater stress on each leg

As the sling angle increases the tension in each leg rises, effectively reducing the load the sling can safely carry; wide sling angles significantly reduce the working load limit.

How does frost affect ground conditions for construction plant operation?

Answer: Frost temporarily strengthens the surface but thawing rapidly reduces bearing capacity — creating dangerous conditions

Frost can temporarily harden the surface, giving a false impression of strength. When thawing occurs — often rapidly — the ground can lose bearing capacity suddenly, creating dangerous conditions for plant operations.

What does LOLER require regarding the competence of the appointed person for a lifting operation?

Answer: They must be competent in planning and supervising lifting operations

The appointed person must be competent specifically in planning and supervising lifting operations. This is a separate competence from operating a crane and requires specialist knowledge.

What must be considered when calculating whether a load is within the safe working load of a crane?

Answer: The weight of the load plus all lifting accessories such as slings and shackles

The total weight lifted by the crane includes the load itself plus all lifting accessories (slings, shackles, spreader beams, hooks). All must be included when checking against the SWL.

What is the purpose of a crane's rated capacity indicator (RCI)?

Answer: To warn the operator when the crane is approaching or exceeding its safe working load

The rated capacity indicator (RCI) is a safety device that monitors the crane's load against its capacity at the current radius. It provides visual and audible warnings as the load approaches the safe working load and will typically cut out crane movements if the SWL is exceeded.

What risk does a pre-use check help prevent when plant has been left unattended overnight?

Answer: Vandalism, interference, damage from weather or animals, and unauthorised use

Overnight, plant can be vandalised, tampered with, or damaged by weather. Pre-use checks identify any such changes before the operator puts themselves and others at risk by operating a compromised machine.

What hazard is created when an excavator operates near overhead power lines?

Answer: Risk of electrocution through arcing or direct contact

Operating near overhead power lines creates a severe risk of electrocution. Electricity can arc across gaps, meaning the boom does not need to physically touch the line to cause a fatal electric shock. Safe clearance distances must be maintained at all times.

What is 'two-blocking' in crane operation and why is it dangerous?

Answer: When the load block is raised until it contacts the boom tip, which can cause wire rope or component failure

Two-blocking occurs when the upper and lower load blocks come together, preventing further movement. Continuing to hoist causes extreme stress, potentially snapping the wire rope and dropping the load.

What is the minimum age at which a person can operate construction plant on a UK construction site?

Answer: 18 years old

Under UK health and safety legislation, a person must be at least 18 years old to operate construction plant on a construction site. This is because plant operation is classified as a high-risk activity unsuitable for young persons.

When selecting a shackle for a lifting operation, what must be confirmed?

Answer: The shackle's SWL is equal to or exceeds the load to be applied, and it is in good condition

The shackle's SWL must meet or exceed the load to be applied. It must also be in good condition — pin correctly secured, no significant wear, cracks, or deformation — before use.