Equipment Components and Inspection Flashcards

During a daily inspection of a crane's wire rope, the operator uses the "rag-and-visual" method and discovers several broken wires. According to common safety standards, which of the following conditions is a criterion for immediately removing the wire rope from service?

Answer: Twelve randomly broken wires in one lay of the rope.

Safety standards, such as those referenced by ANSI and OSHA, specify clear criteria for removing a wire rope from service. One such critical criterion is finding 12 randomly distributed broken wires within a single rope lay. While corrosion, diameter reduction, and kinking are also concerns, the specific number of broken wires is a definitive trigger for immediate replacement to prevent catastrophic failure.

An operator is performing a pre-use inspection on a lattice boom crane and notices that a modification has been made to the boom structure. According to 520 CMR 6.09, what is required for this modification to be considered acceptable?

Answer: The modification must have the manufacturer's written approval or be certified by a professional engineer.

520 CMR 6.09(d) explicitly states that any modification made to hoisting machinery must be done with the manufacturer's written approval. If that cannot be obtained, a professional engineer must create and certify a procedure, which must be added to the equipment's permanent record. This ensures that the equipment's safety factor is not compromised.

Which of the following safety devices is specifically required on cranes by 520 CMR 6.09 to prevent the boom from flipping over backward?

Answer: A positive mechanical boom stop.

According to 520 CMR 6.09(b), devices to prevent the boom from falling over backward must be provided on cranes. The regulation specifically states that "Cable boom stops by themselves shall not be considered as adequate for this purpose," implying the need for a positive mechanical stop.

During a daily walk-around, an operator inspects the crane's hook. The hook must be removed from service if which of the following conditions is found?

Answer: The safety latch is missing.

The safety latch is a critical component that prevents slings and rigging from accidentally slipping off the hook. A missing or inoperable latch is a significant safety hazard and requires the hook to be taken out of service until it is repaired or replaced. While other conditions like excessive throat opening (typically 10-15%) are also removal criteria, a missing latch is a definitive defect.

An operator is assigned to a new hydraulic excavator on a job site. Which document, according to 520 CMR 6.09, must be readily available in the cab for the operator's use at all times?

Answer: The operator's manual and relevant load charts.

520 CMR 6.09(a) requires that the manufacturer's load-rating plates or applicable load charts be kept in the cab in clear view of the operator. It also states that the operator's manual, including instructions and special hazard warnings, must be readily available in the cab at all times for the operator's use.

A written and signed record of all inspections must be kept with the hoisting machinery and be available for examination by the Department of Public Safety. According to 520 CMR 6.00, this record must conform with the requirements of which federal regulation?

Answer: 29 CFR 1926.1412

520 CMR 6.01 explicitly states that a written and signed record of all inspections shall be kept with the hoisting machinery and made available for examination by the Department, and that this record must conform with the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.1412, which is the OSHA regulation for construction concerning crane and derrick inspections.