NCCCO Pick and Carry Operations 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An operator notices the crane's load moment indicator (LMI) alarm activating during pick and carry travel. The correct response is to:
- Continue at reduced speed until the destination is reached
- Override the LMI and complete the move carefully
- Stop travel immediately, set the brake, and evaluate the load and conditions (Correct answer)
- Swing the boom to reduce the radius and silence the alarm
Correct answer: Stop travel immediately, set the brake, and evaluate the load and conditions
An LMI alarm is a warning that capacity limits are being approached or exceeded; the operator must stop and assess immediately.
Question 2: Which of the following is an acceptable practice when a tag line is used during pick and carry operations?
- The tag line handler walks ahead of the crane
- The tag line is used to prevent load rotation and swing, held by a worker walking at a safe distance to the side (Correct answer)
- The tag line replaces the need for a spotter
- Tag lines are prohibited during pick and carry operations
Correct answer: The tag line is used to prevent load rotation and swing, held by a worker walking at a safe distance to the side
Tag lines control load rotation and swing; handlers must maintain safe positioning to the side and never in front of or under the load.
Question 3: A crane manufacturer's pick and carry load chart lists a reduced capacity when traveling with the boom 'over rear.' This is primarily because:
- Rear travel is faster, increasing dynamic forces
- The drive axle is at the rear, reducing counterweight effectiveness
- The counterweight is at the rear, reducing its stabilizing effect when the load is also at the rear (Correct answer)
- Rear cameras obstruct the operator's view
Correct answer: The counterweight is at the rear, reducing its stabilizing effect when the load is also at the rear
With the boom over the rear, both the load and counterweight are on the same side, reducing the counterweight's ability to offset the load moment.
Question 4: During pick and carry operations, wind speed becomes especially critical because:
- It affects fuel efficiency of the crane engine
- Wind force on a suspended load increases the effective load radius and overturning moment (Correct answer)
- OSHA mandates all crane work stop above 15 mph
- Wind reduces visibility for the spotter
Correct answer: Wind force on a suspended load increases the effective load radius and overturning moment
Wind pressure on the load creates a lateral force that adds to the overturning moment, effectively increasing the load radius beyond chart assumptions.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a pre-travel path inspection before a pick and carry operation?
- To estimate travel time for scheduling purposes
- To identify ground conditions, overhead hazards, grades, and obstacles that could affect crane stability or clearance (Correct answer)
- To verify the crane's fuel level is sufficient
- To confirm the load destination has been marked
Correct answer: To identify ground conditions, overhead hazards, grades, and obstacles that could affect crane stability or clearance
A path inspection identifies all hazards along the route—soft ground, slopes, overhead lines, holes—that could compromise safety during the move.
Question 6: When a pick and carry operation requires travel on a public road, the operator must ensure:
- The load is visible to other drivers by using a bright-colored tarp
- All applicable highway transport permits, police escorts, and legal configurations are in place (Correct answer)
- The crane travels in the left lane to maximize clearance
- Travel is restricted to nighttime hours only
Correct answer: All applicable highway transport permits, police escorts, and legal configurations are in place
Public road travel with a crane load requires proper permits, may require police escort, and must meet legal transport requirements for width, weight, and height.
Question 7: When setting down a load at the end of a pick and carry operation, the operator should:
- Release the load quickly to avoid swing on the final placement
- Come to a complete stop, stabilize the crane, then lower the load in a controlled manner (Correct answer)
- Lower the load while still in motion to save time
- Swing the boom rapidly to the set-down point once stopped
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, stabilize the crane, then lower the load in a controlled manner
Stopping completely and stabilizing before lowering eliminates dynamic forces and allows for precise, controlled load placement.
NCCCO Pick and Carry Operations 5
An operator notices the crane's load moment indicator (LMI) alarm activating during pick and carry travel.
The correct response is to: