NCCER Crane Site Operations & Hazard Recognition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A crane is working near an energized 69 kV power line. What is the minimum required clearance distance?
- 3 feet
- 10 feet
- 15 feet (Correct answer)
- 20 feet
Correct answer: 15 feet
OSHA requires a minimum 15-foot clearance from power lines rated between 50 kV and 200 kV.
Question 2: When performing a pre-lift site survey, which of the following ground conditions is most critical to evaluate?
- Surface drainage patterns
- Soil bearing capacity (Correct answer)
- Proximity to parking areas
- Grass height
Correct answer: Soil bearing capacity
Soil bearing capacity determines whether the ground can support the crane and load without settling or tipping.
Question 3: What does the term 'exclusion zone' mean in crane operations?
- Area where no cranes are permitted
- Restricted area around the crane and load path where unauthorized personnel are not allowed (Correct answer)
- Zone where the crane must not swing
- Area reserved for riggers only
Correct answer: Restricted area around the crane and load path where unauthorized personnel are not allowed
An exclusion zone is a barricaded area beneath and around the crane's load path to protect workers from falling loads.
Question 4: During crane assembly, a worker notices the boom hoist limit switch is not functioning. What is the correct action?
- Operate at reduced speed and watch closely
- Tag the crane out of service and notify the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Bypass the switch temporarily until repairs can be scheduled
- Proceed if the load is light enough
Correct answer: Tag the crane out of service and notify the supervisor
A non-functioning boom hoist limit switch is a critical safety defect that requires removing the crane from service.
Question 5: Which condition most increases the risk of crane overturning during travel on a job site?
- Traveling with the boom at maximum elevation (Correct answer)
- Traveling on a firm, level surface
- Traveling with the load suspended at minimum radius
- Traveling with outriggers fully extended
Correct answer: Traveling with the boom at maximum elevation
A high boom elevation raises the center of gravity dramatically, making the crane unstable when traveling.
Question 6: What is the primary hazard of operating a crane in high winds?
- Reduced visibility for the operator
- Increased load swing and loss of load control (Correct answer)
- Fuel consumption increases
- Wear on the boom sections
Correct answer: Increased load swing and loss of load control
Wind creates lateral forces on the load and boom, causing pendulum-like swinging that can destabilize the crane.
Question 7: A signalperson observes a co-worker standing directly under a suspended load. What should the signalperson do immediately?
- Continue the lift but signal slowly
- Give the operator a 'hold' signal and alert the co-worker (Correct answer)
- Ask a supervisor for guidance before acting
- Lower the load to the ground slowly
Correct answer: Give the operator a 'hold' signal and alert the co-worker
Anyone observing an imminent hazard must immediately signal the operator to stop and warn the person in danger.
NCCER Crane Site Operations & Hazard Recognition 2
A crane is working near an energized 69 kV power line.
What is the minimum required clearance distance?