NCCCO Crane Operations & Safety Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before beginning crane operations, what is the operator's first responsibility?
- Start the engine to warm up
- Conduct a pre-operation inspection of the crane (Correct answer)
- Check the weather forecast for the week
- Review the load chart for maximum capacity only
Correct answer: Conduct a pre-operation inspection of the crane
A thorough pre-operation inspection ensures all crane systems are functioning properly and identifies potential hazards before any lifts are attempted.
Question 2: What must an operator verify before making any lift?
- That the load is painted with a bright color
- That the load weight is within the crane's rated capacity for the configuration and radius (Correct answer)
- That another crane is available as backup
- That the lift will take less than 10 minutes
Correct answer: That the load weight is within the crane's rated capacity for the configuration and radius
The operator must verify that the load weight, including rigging, does not exceed the crane's rated capacity at the specific radius and configuration being used.
Question 3: When should a crane operator refuse to make a lift?
- Never — the operator must follow supervisor orders
- When conditions are unsafe, load exceeds capacity, or proper planning hasn't been completed (Correct answer)
- Only when wind exceeds 50 mph
- Only when the ground is muddy
Correct answer: When conditions are unsafe, load exceeds capacity, or proper planning hasn't been completed
Operators have the authority and responsibility to refuse any lift they believe is unsafe, regardless of pressure from supervisors or others on site.
Question 4: What is the purpose of maintaining a minimum two-wrap on the drum?
- To save wire rope
- To ensure the rope end is secured to the drum and prevent the load from free-falling (Correct answer)
- To reduce cable wear
- To increase lifting speed
Correct answer: To ensure the rope end is secured to the drum and prevent the load from free-falling
Maintaining at least two wraps on the drum ensures the rope's dead-end attachment isn't the only thing holding the load. Without adequate wraps, the rope could slip off the drum.
Question 5: What does the term 'swing radius' refer to in crane operations?
- The distance the boom can extend
- The area swept by the crane's counterweight or other parts as it rotates (Correct answer)
- The radius of the tires
- The distance from the crane to the nearest building
Correct answer: The area swept by the crane's counterweight or other parts as it rotates
The swing radius is the area covered by any part of the crane (including counterweight) as it rotates. Personnel and obstacles must be kept clear of this zone.
Question 6: What is 'two-blocking' and why is it dangerous?
- Using two cranes for one lift
- When the hook block contacts the boom tip, potentially causing structural failure or rope breakage (Correct answer)
- Stacking two loads on one hook
- Using two signal persons
Correct answer: When the hook block contacts the boom tip, potentially causing structural failure or rope breakage
Two-blocking occurs when the hook block or overhaul ball is pulled up to the boom tip sheaves. This can break the wire rope, allowing the load to free-fall, or damage the boom.
NCCCO Crane Operations & Safety Procedures 2
Before beginning crane operations, what is the operator's first responsibility?