NCCER Crane Maintenance, Inspection & Equipment Setup 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What condition in a wire rope requires immediate removal from service according to ASME B30.2?
- Slight surface rust visible in one location
- Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay (Correct answer)
- Minor kinking that has been straightened
- Discoloration from exposure to sunlight
Correct answer: Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay
ASME B30.2 requires wire rope removal when six randomly distributed broken wires are found in one rope lay, as this indicates severe structural degradation.
Question 2: During a monthly crane inspection, what documentation must be completed?
- Only verbal confirmation from the operator is needed
- A written record signed by the inspecting qualified person (Correct answer)
- A photo log submitted to OSHA directly
- An insurance company form only
Correct answer: A written record signed by the inspecting qualified person
Monthly inspections require a written record that identifies the crane, inspection date, items checked, deficiencies found, and the signature of the qualified person who performed the inspection.
Question 3: What is the maximum allowable wear on a crane hook before it must be replaced?
- 10% reduction in the original throat opening dimension
- 15% reduction in the original cross-sectional area of the hook (Correct answer)
- Any visible wear at all
- 5% reduction in hook length
Correct answer: 15% reduction in the original cross-sectional area of the hook
Per ASME B30.10, a crane hook must be replaced when there is 15% reduction in the original cross-sectional area due to wear.
Question 4: When inspecting a crawler crane track system, what component should be measured for wear?
- Track pad thickness only
- Sprocket teeth, track pins, bushings, and rail wear (Correct answer)
- Only the tension on the track chain
- The paint condition on the track frames
Correct answer: Sprocket teeth, track pins, bushings, and rail wear
A thorough crawler track inspection includes measuring sprocket tooth wear, track pin and bushing wear, and rail wear to ensure safe and efficient crane travel and operation.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a load moment indicator (LMI) on a crane?
- To measure the exact weight of the suspended load
- To warn the operator when approaching the rated load limit (Correct answer)
- To automatically stop the crane when overloaded
- To record all loads lifted during the shift
Correct answer: To warn the operator when approaching the rated load limit
An LMI warns the operator when crane operations are approaching the rated load limit based on the combination of load weight and moment arm, helping prevent overloads.
Question 6: Before extending a telescoping boom, what must the operator verify?
- That the hook is in the stored position only
- Boom locking pins are secure, hydraulic pressure is normal, and no obstructions exist along the extension path (Correct answer)
- That the counterweight is at maximum position
- Only that the hydraulic fluid is at the correct level
Correct answer: Boom locking pins are secure, hydraulic pressure is normal, and no obstructions exist along the extension path
Before telescoping, the operator must confirm locking pin integrity, adequate hydraulic pressure for controlled extension, and that no personnel or obstructions are in the boom's path.
Question 7: What crane component is inspected specifically for 'bird-caging' damage?
- The boom chord members
- Wire rope (Correct answer)
- The load block sheaves
- The swing bearing races
Correct answer: Wire rope
Bird-caging — where outer wire strands separate and flare outward — is a form of wire rope damage that typically results from sudden release of a heavy load or shock loading.
NCCER Crane Maintenance, Inspection & Equipment Setup 3
What condition in a wire rope requires immediate removal from service according to ASME B30.2?