NCCCO Crane Safety and Pre-Operation Inspection 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of checking the crane's level bubble (spirit level) during setup?
- To confirm the crane is plumb within manufacturer tolerances for safe operation (Correct answer)
- To determine the exact soil bearing capacity beneath the crane
- To calibrate the load moment indicator automatically
- To set the correct boom angle for the planned lift
Correct answer: To confirm the crane is plumb within manufacturer tolerances for safe operation
The level bubble ensures the crane is within the manufacturer's specified leveling tolerance, which is critical for accurate load chart ratings and stability.
Question 2: A crane's load moment indicator (LMI) alarm activates during a pick. What should the operator do first?
- Stop the lift and do not continue until the cause is identified (Correct answer)
- Acknowledge the alarm and proceed slowly
- Increase boom angle to reduce the radius and silence the alarm
- Lower boom speed to reduce inertial forces on the system
Correct answer: Stop the lift and do not continue until the cause is identified
An LMI alarm signals an approaching or exceeded capacity limit; the operator must stop the lift immediately to assess the situation before taking any corrective action.
Question 3: Which inspection item is specifically associated with checking for two-blocking hazards before a lift?
- Anti-two-block device functionality and warning systems (Correct answer)
- Load hook weight and latch condition
- Wire rope diameter consistency throughout its length
- Boom angle indicator calibration accuracy
Correct answer: Anti-two-block device functionality and warning systems
Anti-two-block devices must be tested before operations to ensure they will stop hoist motion before the hook block contacts the boom tip and causes rope or structural failure.
Question 4: When must a frequent (daily) inspection of a crane be performed?
- Each day or shift the crane is used, before beginning operations (Correct answer)
- Once per week regardless of the number of shifts worked
- Only on Mondays at the start of the work week
- After every 50 hours of crane operation per manufacturer guidelines
Correct answer: Each day or shift the crane is used, before beginning operations
OCASE standards and OSHA 1926.1412 require a frequent inspection each day or shift before the crane is placed in service.
Question 5: What does a crane operator check when inspecting wire rope for 'valley breaks'?
- Broken wires located between strands in the valley of the rope (Correct answer)
- Cracks along the outer surface of individual wires
- Separation between rope strands caused by overloading
- Corrosion pitting visible on the rope's outer wires
Correct answer: Broken wires located between strands in the valley of the rope
Valley breaks are wire failures that occur between strands, often harder to see than surface breaks, and are particularly dangerous because they indicate internal rope fatigue.
Question 6: Before entering a crane cab, what environmental hazard should an operator assess that could affect safe operation?
- Proximity to energized power lines relative to the crane's maximum reach (Correct answer)
- Direction the cab door opens relative to wind direction
- Color of sky indicating potential visibility reduction from glare
- Ambient noise levels that could interfere with radio communication
Correct answer: Proximity to energized power lines relative to the crane's maximum reach
Overhead power line proximity is one of the leading causes of crane-related fatalities; the operator must identify and establish safe clearance distances before any operation.
Question 7: If a crane has been idle for more than one month but less than six months, what type of inspection is required before returning it to service?
- A documented inspection by a qualified person following the manufacturer's criteria (Correct answer)
- Only the standard daily pre-shift checklist by the operator
- A full annual periodic inspection by an accredited third-party inspector
- A visual walk-around inspection by the job site safety officer
Correct answer: A documented inspection by a qualified person following the manufacturer's criteria
OSHA 1926.1412(e)(1) requires that cranes idle for more than one month receive an inspection by a qualified person using manufacturer criteria before returning to service.
NCCCO Crane Safety and Pre-Operation Inspection 5
What is the purpose of checking the crane's level bubble (spirit level) during setup?