NCCCO Crane Safety and Pre-Operation Inspection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before beginning operations, which document must a crane operator review to confirm the crane's rated capacity for the planned lift?
- Operator's manual and load chart (Correct answer)
- OSHA 300 log
- Site safety data sheet
- Equipment purchase invoice
Correct answer: Operator's manual and load chart
ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926.1412 require operators to review the load chart and operator's manual before each shift to confirm rated capacities for all configurations.
Per OSHA 1926.1412 and ASME B30.5-2.1.1, the operator must verify crane configuration against the load chart before every lift. The load chart specifies maximum rated capacities at each boom angle and radius, and ignoring it is a leading cause of crane overload incidents.
Question 2: During a pre-operation inspection, you discover a hydraulic hose with a visible bulge and minor weeping. What is the correct action?
- Tag the crane out of service and notify the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Continue operations but monitor the hose every hour
- Wrap the hose with duct tape and proceed
- Reduce the load to 75% and complete the shift
Correct answer: Tag the crane out of service and notify the supervisor
A bulging or weeping hydraulic hose is a deficiency that removes the crane from service under ASME B30.5 inspection criteria. Operations must not resume until the hose is replaced.
ASME B30.5-5.2.4 and OSHA 1926.1412(f) list hydraulic hose bulging as a condition that takes the crane out of service immediately. The operator must notify the supervisor or designated person, and the crane cannot return to service until the deficiency is corrected and documented.
Question 3: Which of the following is checked during a frequent inspection of a mobile crane under ASME B30.5?
- All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment (Correct answer)
- Structural welds along the entire boom
- Load rating placard manufacture date
- Main hoist drum gear tooth count
Correct answer: All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment
ASME B30.5-5.2.2 defines frequent inspections (daily to monthly) as covering all functional operating mechanisms, air/hydraulic systems, hooks, and rope reeving.
Under ASME B30.5-5.2.2, frequent inspections occur daily or before each shift. They include checking controls, brakes, clutches, hooks, hoist ropes, and all operating mechanisms for proper adjustment. Structural weld inspections are part of periodic (annual) inspections requiring more detailed examination.
Question 4: The anti-two-block device on a crane is designed to prevent:
- The load block from contacting the boom tip and damaging the wire rope (Correct answer)
- The outriggers from retracting under load
- Excessive boom deflection during picks
- The swing brake from engaging during travel
Correct answer: The load block from contacting the boom tip and damaging the wire rope
An anti-two-block (A2B) device stops hoist motion before the upper load block contacts the boom tip sheave assembly, which would cause rope failure or structural damage.
Two-blocking occurs when the hook block is hoisted up until it contacts the tip sheave or boom head, placing extreme stress on the wire rope and potentially causing catastrophic failure. The A2B device, required by ASME B30.5 and OSHA 1926.1416(d)(1), automatically cuts hoist power before this contact point is reached.
Question 5: Under OSHA 1926 Subpart CC, how often must a qualified person conduct a shift inspection of a crane?
- Each shift the equipment is used (Correct answer)
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Annually
Correct answer: Each shift the equipment is used
OSHA 1926.1412(d) requires a qualified person to conduct a shift inspection before each shift the crane is used, checking for visible damage, deficiencies, and proper lubrication.
Per OSHA 1926.1412(d), the shift inspection must be performed by a qualified person before each shift the equipment is used. It covers hooks (cracks, deformation, latch), wire rope, control mechanisms, safety devices, and the load-rating chart. Any deficiency found must be assessed and corrected before operation.
Question 6: A crane's load chart shows 'ON OUTRIGGERS — FULLY EXTENDED' for the rated capacities. If the operator sets up on rubber tires instead, what must happen?
- Use the on-rubber-tire column of the load chart, which shows reduced capacities (Correct answer)
- Apply a 10% derating factor to the outrigger chart values
- Proceed normally as long as the ground is level
- Get verbal authorization from the project manager
Correct answer: Use the on-rubber-tire column of the load chart, which shows reduced capacities
Load charts have separate columns for different configurations (full outriggers, partial outriggers, on rubber). Using the outrigger chart values while on rubber tires would exceed the crane's true capacity in that configuration.
ASME B30.5 requires that operators work only from the load chart column that matches the crane's actual configuration. On-rubber capacities are significantly lower than fully extended outrigger capacities due to reduced stability. Using the wrong column is a critical safety error that has caused numerous fatal tip-overs.
NCCCO Crane Safety and Pre-Operation Inspection 1
Before beginning operations, which document must a crane operator review to confirm the crane's rated capacity for the planned lift?