NCCER Crane Operations & Safety Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A load chart shows a crane's capacity as '75,000 lbs at 30 ft radius.' What does the radius refer to?
- The height of the boom above ground
- The horizontal distance from the crane's centerline of rotation to the center of the load (Correct answer)
- The distance from the hook to the ground
- The length of rigging used on the lift
Correct answer: The horizontal distance from the crane's centerline of rotation to the center of the load
Load radius is measured horizontally from the crane's center of rotation (swing center) to the center of the suspended load.
Question 2: What action should a crane operator take if wind speed exceeds the crane manufacturer's operational limit?
- Reduce the load by 25% and continue
- Cease operations and secure the crane (Correct answer)
- Increase boom angle to reduce wind exposure
- Lower the load to the ground and await instructions
Correct answer: Cease operations and secure the crane
Operations must stop when wind exceeds manufacturer limits because excessive wind creates unpredictable side loads that can tip the crane.
Question 3: Which of the following is a function of a crane's outriggers?
- Increasing the crane's lifting speed
- Extending the crane's working radius
- Providing a stable base and increasing load capacity (Correct answer)
- Preventing two-blocking conditions
Correct answer: Providing a stable base and increasing load capacity
Outriggers extend the crane's support base, improve stability, and allow higher load capacities than on rubber tires.
Question 4: What is a 'critical lift' in crane operations?
- Any lift over 10 feet in height
- A lift exceeding 75% of the crane's rated capacity or involving special hazards (Correct answer)
- Any lift performed after dark
- A lift requiring more than one crane
Correct answer: A lift exceeding 75% of the crane's rated capacity or involving special hazards
Critical lifts exceed 75% of rated capacity or involve unusual hazards such as lifting over power lines or occupied structures.
Question 5: When should a rigger or signal person be used for a crane lift?
- Only when the load exceeds 10,000 lbs
- Whenever the operator does not have a clear view of the load or path of travel (Correct answer)
- Only for tandem lifts involving two cranes
- Only when working near energized power lines
Correct answer: Whenever the operator does not have a clear view of the load or path of travel
A signal person is required whenever the operator cannot see the load, path of travel, or landing zone throughout the entire lift.
Question 6: Which hazard is created by 'side loading' a crane boom?
- Overheating of the hoist motor
- Structural stress outside the boom's designed load path (Correct answer)
- Reduced hoist line speed
- Increased ground bearing pressure
Correct answer: Structural stress outside the boom's designed load path
Side loading applies lateral forces the boom structure is not designed to handle, risking boom collapse or overturning.
Question 7: What is the correct procedure if a suspended load begins to swing uncontrollably?
- Increase hoisting speed to pull the load up quickly
- Lower the load to the ground as smoothly and quickly as possible (Correct answer)
- Swing the crane in the opposite direction to counteract motion
- Apply all brakes immediately
Correct answer: Lower the load to the ground as smoothly and quickly as possible
Lowering the load promptly and smoothly reduces energy in the swinging load and minimizes the risk of tipping or dropping it.
NCCER Crane Operations & Safety Procedures 3
A load chart shows a crane's capacity as '75,000 lbs at 30 ft radius.' What does the radius refer to?