NCCER Crane Maintenance, Inspection & Equipment Setup 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct procedure when a crane wire rope shows signs of kinking?
- Straighten the kink by hand and continue operations
- Remove the rope from service immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply extra lubrication and monitor closely
- Reduce the load by 50% and continue
Correct answer: Remove the rope from service immediately
A kinked wire rope must be removed from service immediately because kinking permanently damages the rope's internal structure and drastically reduces its load-bearing capacity.
Question 2: During a crane's annual inspection, who is qualified to perform and document the inspection?
- Any certified rigger on site
- A designated, qualified person as defined by OSHA (Correct answer)
- The crane operator alone
- Any licensed contractor
Correct answer: A designated, qualified person as defined by OSHA
OSHA requires that annual inspections be performed and documented by a designated, qualified person with the knowledge and training to identify hazards.
Question 3: What should be checked on a crane's load block during a pre-shift inspection?
- Only the hook latch spring
- Hook, sheaves, bearings, and safety latch condition (Correct answer)
- Hook color coding only
- Lubrication level in the gearbox only
Correct answer: Hook, sheaves, bearings, and safety latch condition
The load block inspection must include the hook condition, sheave wear and groove condition, bearing operation, and the safety latch functionality.
Question 4: When outriggers are extended for crane setup, what is the correct sequence?
- Extend beams fully, then set pads, then raise jack cylinders
- Raise jack cylinders first, then extend beams, then place pads
- Place pads first, extend beams, then raise cylinders to level (Correct answer)
- Level the crane body first before extending any outrigger component
Correct answer: Place pads first, extend beams, then raise cylinders to level
Proper outrigger setup requires placing pads on stable ground first, then extending the beams over the pads, then raising the jack cylinders to level and stabilize the crane.
Question 5: A crane's anti-two-block device is found to be inoperative before a shift. What action must be taken?
- Operate at reduced speed and post a spotter
- Tag the crane out of service until the device is repaired (Correct answer)
- Manually watch for two-block conditions and continue
- Only use the crane for lifts below 50% capacity
Correct answer: Tag the crane out of service until the device is repaired
An inoperative anti-two-block device is a critical safety deficiency; the crane must be tagged out of service and the device repaired before any operations resume.
Question 6: What is the purpose of checking the boom angle indicator during crane setup?
- To verify the boom is strong enough for the load
- To ensure the crane is level on its outriggers
- To confirm the boom angle matches the rated capacity chart (Correct answer)
- To measure wind speed at boom height
Correct answer: To confirm the boom angle matches the rated capacity chart
The boom angle indicator must be checked to confirm the operating angle matches the angle used to look up the crane's rated capacity on the load chart.
Question 7: Which lubricant application area is most commonly neglected during routine crane maintenance?
- Engine oil
- Wire rope along the full working length (Correct answer)
- Swing bearing grease fittings
- Hydraulic fluid reservoir
Correct answer: Wire rope along the full working length
Wire rope lubrication along the full working length is frequently neglected; only the area near the drum gets attention, leaving the most-stressed mid-sections dry and prone to accelerated wear.
NCCER Crane Maintenance, Inspection & Equipment Setup 2
What is the correct procedure when a crane wire rope shows signs of kinking?