NCCER Crane Operations & Safety Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a crane operator receives conflicting signals from two different signalers, what should the operator do?
- Obey the signal from the more senior worker
- Stop the load and request clarification before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Follow the last signal received
- Continue the lift at reduced speed
Correct answer: Stop the load and request clarification before proceeding
An operator should stop all movement and get clarification when receiving conflicting signals, as proceeding could cause a dangerous situation.
Question 2: What is the minimum safe distance a crane must maintain from energized power lines rated at 50 kV or less?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
- 20 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
OSHA requires a minimum 10-foot clearance from energized power lines rated 50 kV or less.
Question 3: Which condition MOST requires a crane operator to stop operations and contact a competent person?
- A slight increase in wind speed
- Unusual noise or vibration during operation (Correct answer)
- A load that is heavier than expected
- Change in temperature during the shift
Correct answer: Unusual noise or vibration during operation
Unusual noises or vibrations can indicate mechanical failure and require immediate inspection before operations resume.
Question 4: What does the term 'two-blocking' refer to in crane operations?
- Using two cranes to share a single load
- The upper load block contacting the boom tip sheaves (Correct answer)
- Rigging a load with two separate sling legs
- Locking out two crane functions simultaneously
Correct answer: The upper load block contacting the boom tip sheaves
Two-blocking occurs when the upper load block or hook travels up and contacts the boom tip, which can cause the load line to break.
Question 5: Under NCCER standards, who is responsible for ensuring that the crane's load chart is available and legible in the cab?
- The signal person
- The rigger
- The crane operator (Correct answer)
- The site supervisor
Correct answer: The crane operator
The crane operator is responsible for having a legible load chart accessible in the cab at all times during operation.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a pre-operational inspection on a crane?
- To calculate the load's center of gravity
- To identify defects or unsafe conditions before the crane is put into service (Correct answer)
- To verify that all rigging personnel are certified
- To test the maximum load capacity of the crane
Correct answer: To identify defects or unsafe conditions before the crane is put into service
Pre-operational inspections identify mechanical defects or hazards that could cause accidents before the crane begins work.
Question 7: When traveling a mobile crane on a public road, the boom should be positioned in which direction?
- Extended over the cab for better visibility
- To the rear of the crane travel direction (Correct answer)
- To the left side to allow passing traffic
- Over the front of the crane travel direction
Correct answer: To the rear of the crane travel direction
The boom is positioned to the rear during road travel to reduce overall height and maintain stability.
NCCER Crane Operations & Safety Procedures 2
When a crane operator receives conflicting signals from two different signalers, what should the operator do?