NCCCO Lift Planning and Critical Lift Procedures 2

Question 1

What is the standard definition of a critical lift under ASME B30.5 and industry practice?

Accepted Answer

A lift that exceeds 75% of the crane's rated capacity, involves multiple cranes, or poses unusual hazards requiring a written lift plan

Answer

Any lift performed at night or in reduced visibility

Answer

Any lift involving workers below the crane's hook path

Answer

A lift performed within 100 feet of a power line

Question 2

A lift plan indicates that the crane will be operating at 92% of its rated capacity. What additional precautions are typically required at this capacity level?

Accepted Answer

Supervisor approval, all personnel cleared from the load path, test lift performed to verify rigging, and enhanced monitoring throughout the lift

Answer

No additional precautions — rated capacity means 100% is safe

Answer

The crane must be replaced with a larger crane before proceeding

Answer

The rigger should add 10% more capacity to the rated chart value

Question 3

What information must a lift plan include regarding the crane's rated capacity?

Accepted Answer

The crane's rated capacity at the specific boom length, radius, and configuration to be used, and the percentage of rated capacity represented by the planned load

Answer

Only the crane model number and manufacturer's name

Answer

An estimate of capacity based on previous similar lifts

Answer

The crane's maximum capacity at any radius

Question 4

During a pre-lift meeting, the lift director discovers that the actual rigging hardware selected is heavier than estimated in the lift plan, increasing the total lifted weight by 8%. What should happen next?

Accepted Answer

Recalculate the total lifted weight, check the percentage of rated capacity, and update the lift plan before proceeding

Answer

Proceed with the lift since 8% is within the standard safety margin

Answer

Replace the rigger who underestimated the rigging weight

Answer

Reduce the load by removing material to compensate

Question 5

What is the purpose of a test pick or proof pick at the beginning of a critical lift?

Accepted Answer

To verify rigging integrity, crane stability, and ground conditions at actual load weight before committing to the full lift

Answer

To demonstrate the crane's capability to the client before the official lift

Answer

To check that all hoist drum brakes are functional

Answer

To stretch the wire rope to its operational length before the actual lift

Question 6

A lift plan for a tandem (two-crane) lift shows each crane at 45% of its rated capacity. Why is a tandem lift still considered a critical lift despite each crane being well below capacity?

Accepted Answer

Tandem lifts introduce load-sharing uncertainties — load distribution between cranes can change dynamically, potentially overloading one crane unexpectedly

Answer

Tandem lifts are only critical if each crane exceeds 50% capacity

Answer

Tandem lifts are not critical lifts unless one crane is a mobile crane

Answer

Two cranes at 45% each equals 90% total, which exceeds the critical threshold