NCCCO Crane Safety and Pre-Operation Inspection 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a pre-operation inspection, you notice the load line has a visible kink. What is the correct action?
- Remove the kinked section from service immediately (Correct answer)
- Straighten the kink by hand and continue operations
- Monitor the kink during the shift and report at end of day
- Apply lubricant to the kink and proceed with reduced loads
Correct answer: Remove the kinked section from service immediately
A kinked wire rope must be removed from service immediately because kinking permanently damages the rope's structure and significantly reduces its load-bearing capacity.
Question 2: What does the term 'rated capacity' mean on a crane load chart?
- The maximum load the crane can lift under specified conditions (Correct answer)
- The average load the crane lifts during a typical shift
- The load the crane can lift without any boom angle restrictions
- The load tested at the factory before shipping
Correct answer: The maximum load the crane can lift under specified conditions
Rated capacity is the maximum load a crane is designed to handle under specific conditions of boom length, radius, and configuration as shown in the load chart.
Question 3: A crane operator notices the boom hoist limit switch is not functioning. Which action is appropriate?
- Tag out the crane and report it out of service (Correct answer)
- Manually monitor boom angle and continue operations carefully
- Bypass the limit switch and use visual judgment
- Lower the rated capacity by 25% and continue
Correct answer: Tag out the crane and report it out of service
A non-functioning boom hoist limit switch is a critical safety defect requiring the crane to be taken out of service until repaired.
Question 4: When inspecting hydraulic outrigger pads, what is the primary concern?
- Adequate size and condition to distribute load on the ground surface (Correct answer)
- Hydraulic fluid color indicating pad temperature
- Pad color to ensure visibility during night operations
- Weight of the pad relative to crane model specifications
Correct answer: Adequate size and condition to distribute load on the ground surface
Outrigger pads must be large enough and in good condition to distribute the crane's load over a sufficient area to prevent sinking or tipping.
Question 5: According to OSHA 1926.1417, which of the following defects requires a crane to be immediately taken out of service?
- A load hook with a latch that does not fully close (Correct answer)
- Minor surface rust on the boom exterior
- A slightly worn rubber grip on the control lever
- Faded paint on the boom tip section
Correct answer: A load hook with a latch that does not fully close
A hook latch that does not properly close is a safety-critical defect that creates risk of accidental load release and requires immediate removal from service.
Question 6: What should an operator do if the wind speed at the job site reaches the manufacturer's specified limit during a lift?
- Cease lifting operations and secure the load (Correct answer)
- Reduce the load by 10% and continue
- Switch to a lighter boom configuration and proceed
- Continue only if the lift is in a sheltered area
Correct answer: Cease lifting operations and secure the load
Manufacturer-specified wind limits are engineering-based safety thresholds; exceeding them requires stopping all lifting operations and securing the load.
Question 7: During pre-shift inspection, where should an operator record deficiencies found on the crane?
- In the crane's inspection log or deficiency report form (Correct answer)
- Verbally to the nearest co-worker only
- On a personal notepad kept in the cab
- No documentation is required for minor deficiencies
Correct answer: In the crane's inspection log or deficiency report form
OSHA requires that deficiencies found during inspections be documented in writing so they are tracked, reported to supervision, and corrected before operation.
NCCCO Crane Safety and Pre-Operation Inspection 4
During a pre-operation inspection, you notice the load line has a visible kink.
What is the correct action?