NCCER Crane Operations & Safety Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum allowable slope for setting up a mobile crane on outriggers, according to most crane manufacturer specifications?
- 5 degrees
- 3 degrees (Correct answer)
- 1 degree
- 10 degrees
Correct answer: 3 degrees
Most crane manufacturers specify a maximum 1% to 3-degree setup slope; exceeding this shifts the crane's center of gravity and reduces stability.
Question 2: When is it permissible to carry a suspended load while traveling a mobile crane?
- At any time if the load is under 5,000 lbs
- Only when expressly permitted by the load chart or manufacturer and with a defined travel path (Correct answer)
- Whenever a signal person is present to guide movement
- Only if the boom is at maximum elevation
Correct answer: Only when expressly permitted by the load chart or manufacturer and with a defined travel path
Traveling with a suspended load is only permitted when the crane's load chart specifically allows it and a safe, pre-defined travel path is established.
Question 3: What does a 'rated capacity limiter' (RCL) or 'load moment indicator' (LMI) do on a modern crane?
- Automatically logs all lift weights for OSHA records
- Warns or prevents the operator from exceeding the crane's rated load capacity (Correct answer)
- Calculates the precise weight of a load before lifting
- Controls the speed of the hoist based on load weight
Correct answer: Warns or prevents the operator from exceeding the crane's rated load capacity
An RCL/LMI monitors the load and boom configuration and provides audible/visual warnings or automatic cutouts when rated capacity is approached.
Question 4: Which of the following describes 'dynamic loading' in crane operations?
- Lifting loads that are filled with liquid
- Forces on the crane caused by sudden starts, stops, or swings in addition to the static weight (Correct answer)
- Adjusting the load chart based on ambient temperature
- Lifting loads that change position during the lift
Correct answer: Forces on the crane caused by sudden starts, stops, or swings in addition to the static weight
Dynamic loading refers to inertial and impact forces generated by rapid crane movements, which can significantly exceed the load's static weight.
Question 5: A crane operator notices that the swing brake is not holding the load in position after a swing. What is the correct response?
- Use the hoist brake to hold position and continue operating
- Reduce the load weight and continue until the end of the shift
- Immediately stop operations and remove the crane from service for repair (Correct answer)
- Notify the signal person to use tag lines to prevent load drift
Correct answer: Immediately stop operations and remove the crane from service for repair
A malfunctioning swing brake is a critical safety defect; the crane must be taken out of service until the brake is repaired and tested.
Question 6: What must an operator verify about wire rope before beginning a lifting operation?
- That the rope is at least 6 months old
- That the rope is free from kinks, broken wires, corrosion, or reduction in diameter beyond allowable limits (Correct answer)
- That the rope matches the color code on the load chart
- That the rope has been lubricated within the last 30 days
Correct answer: That the rope is free from kinks, broken wires, corrosion, or reduction in diameter beyond allowable limits
Wire rope must be inspected for kinks, broken wires, corrosion, and diameter reduction, as these defects indicate reduced strength and rope failure risk.
Question 7: What is a 'pick and carry' operation in mobile crane use?
- Lifting a load from one hook and transferring it to a second hook
- Moving a crane to a new location without detaching the boom
- Lifting a load and transporting it while the crane travels on rubber tires (Correct answer)
- Picking up rigging hardware and delivering it to the rigger
Correct answer: Lifting a load and transporting it while the crane travels on rubber tires
Pick and carry means the crane lifts a load and transports it while traveling, which requires specific load chart data and travel conditions to be safe.
NCCER Crane Operations & Safety Procedures 5
What is the maximum allowable slope for setting up a mobile crane on outriggers, according to most crane manufacturer specifications?