NCCCO Site Hazards & Risk Assessment 2

Question 1

What is the first step in a job site risk assessment for crane operations?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a site survey identifying all hazards including power lines, underground utilities, ground conditions, overhead obstructions, and proximity to structures

Answer

A comprehensive site survey identifies all potential hazards before the crane arrives. This includes overhead (power lines, structures), underground (utilities, voids), and surface (soft ground, slopes) hazards.

Question 2

What underground hazard must be identified before setting up a crane?

Accepted Answer

Buried utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer) and underground voids or structures that could collapse under crane weight

Answer

Underground utilities can be ruptured by outrigger loads, and underground voids, basements, or tunnels can collapse. Utility locating (dial 811) and ground surveys are essential before crane setup.

Question 3

How should ground bearing capacity be evaluated for crane setup?

Accepted Answer

Through engineering analysis of soil type, recent weather (saturation), fill vs. native soil, and proximity to excavations

Answer

Ground bearing capacity evaluation considers soil type, moisture content, fill material, proximity to excavations, underground structures, and freeze-thaw conditions. Engineering analysis may be required for heavy cranes.

Question 4

What is the hazard of setting up a crane near an open excavation?

Accepted Answer

The excavation may have weakened the surrounding soil, which could collapse under the crane's weight causing the crane to tip

Answer

Excavations create zones of reduced soil strength. Crane loads near excavation edges can cause the wall to collapse, pulling the crane into the excavation. The angle of repose determines the safe setback distance.

Question 5

Before a lift, what weather conditions should be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Wind speed and gusts, precipitation, lightning, visibility, and temperature extremes

Answer

All weather factors affect crane safety: wind (stability, load control), rain (visibility, ground conditions), lightning (electrical hazard), cold (brittle steel, ice), and heat (operator fatigue, hydraulic efficiency).

NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) Practice Test

NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) Practice Test

NCCCO Site Hazards & Risk Assessment 2