OSHA Crane Regulations 29 CFR 1926 Flashcards

Under 29 CFR 1926.1416, a critical repair has been performed on a crane's load-bearing structural member. Before returning the equipment to service, which combination of actions is required?

Answer: An inspection by a qualified person and a load test unless the manufacturer's instructions specify otherwise or a qualified person determines a load test is not needed

Per 29 CFR 1926.1416(e)(4), after a critical repair or adjustment to load-bearing structural members, the equipment must be inspected by a qualified person and load-tested unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise or a qualified person determines a load test is unnecessary. A competent person alone is insufficient for this level of inspection; a qualified person is required. The 125% figure applies to proof tests under certain standards, not universally mandated here.

A tower crane is operating in a multi-crane lift scenario where two cranes share the load. Under 29 CFR 1926.1425 and associated requirements, which condition would make this lift a 'Critical Lift' requiring a written plan?

Answer: Any multi-crane lift automatically qualifies as a critical lift regardless of load percentage

Per 29 CFR 1926.1431(b), a critical lift includes any lift involving more than one crane, regardless of load percentage. Multi-crane lifts are inherently classified as critical lifts and require a written plan specifying the procedure, the equipment, and the load. The other thresholds (75%, 85%) may appear in related standards or manufacturer guidance, but the regulation's classification of multi-crane lifts as critical is absolute.

During assembly of a lattice boom crane, the operator notices the load moment indicator (LMI) is malfunctioning. Under 29 CFR 1926.1416(d)(1), what is the correct course of action?

Answer: The equipment must be taken out of service immediately and tagged out until repaired

Under 29 CFR 1926.1416(d)(1), when an inspection reveals a problem that creates a safety hazard, the equipment must be removed from service until it has been repaired. A malfunctioning LMI is a listed safety device under 1926.1415 and 1926.1416; equipment with safety devices that are not functioning properly must be taken out of service. There is no provision allowing continued operation at reduced capacity or delayed repair timelines for safety device failures.

A crane operator holds a valid NCCCO certification for Lattice Boom Truck Cranes. An employer assigns the operator to run a Telescoping Boom Truck Crane without any additional certification. Under 29 CFR 1926.1427, which statement is accurate?

Answer: This is a violation; operator certification must match the equipment type being operated

Per 29 CFR 1926.1427(a), operators must be certified for the specific type of equipment they operate. NCCCO certifications are issued by equipment type (e.g., Lattice Boom Truck Crane vs. Telescoping Boom Truck Crane), and a certification for one type does not extend to another. There is no OSHA-authorized 90-day provisional period or mid-test operational allowance in the regulation. Operating outside one's certified equipment type is a regulatory violation.

Under 29 CFR 1926.1408, a crane is operating near a 345 kV transmission line. The employer has NOT completed the notification and planning process with the utility owner. What is the minimum required clearance the crane must maintain?

Answer: The Table A default for 345 kV lines, which is 20 feet

Under 29 CFR 1926.1408 Table A, when the utility owner/operator has not established a safe working distance, the default clearances from Table A apply. For lines over 200 kV up to 350 kV, the default clearance is 20 feet. 345 kV falls within this range, so 20 feet is required. The 10-foot clearance applies only to lines up to 50 kV. The 50-foot figure is not a standard OSHA default clearance in this context.

A qualified rigger is inspecting wire rope on a lattice boom crane before a critical lift. The rope has 6 strands of 19 wires each. Under 29 CFR 1926.1413, how many broken wires within one rope lay would require the rope to be removed from service?

Answer: 12 broken wires in one rope lay

Under 29 CFR 1926.1413(a)(2)(ii), wire rope on running ropes must be removed from service if there are 12 or more broken wires in one rope lay for a 6×19 classification rope. For a 6×19 rope (6 strands × 19 wires = 114 wires total), OSHA's threshold is 12 broken wires per lay for running ropes. For standing ropes (pendants), the threshold is lower — 3 broken wires in one lay. The question specifies a running rope scenario on a lattice boom crane, so 12 applies.