RSP Crane Types & Operational Limits 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of crane is typically fixed to a building structure and used to move loads along a linear path inside a facility?
- Lattice boom crane
- Overhead bridge crane (Correct answer)
- Rough terrain crane
- Pick-and-carry crane
Correct answer: Overhead bridge crane
An overhead bridge crane is suspended from runway rails mounted to a building structure, allowing loads to be moved along a linear horizontal path inside a facility.
Question 2: When a crane manufacturer's load chart lists a capacity with an asterisk (*), this generally indicates:
- The capacity applies only to lattice boom configurations
- A special condition or footnote applies, such as a structural limitation (Correct answer)
- The rating has been reduced by 10% for safety
- The load must be lifted with a tag line attached
Correct answer: A special condition or footnote applies, such as a structural limitation
An asterisk on a load chart directs the operator to a footnote that describes a special condition, restriction, or modification that applies to that specific capacity rating.
Question 3: A rough-terrain crane is specifically designed for:
- High-rise construction requiring maximum height
- Off-road and uneven ground conditions (Correct answer)
- Long-distance travel on highways at full capacity
- Indoor lifting in manufacturing plants
Correct answer: Off-road and uneven ground conditions
Rough-terrain cranes are built with large, wide tires and four-wheel drive systems specifically for off-road use on uneven, soft, or unprepared ground.
Question 4: Before a crane is put into service each day, ASME B30.5 requires that the operator perform:
- A full annual inspection with a third-party inspector
- A frequent (daily) inspection of running ropes, hooks, and controls (Correct answer)
- A load test at 125% of rated capacity
- A written structural analysis of the crane's boom
Correct answer: A frequent (daily) inspection of running ropes, hooks, and controls
ASME B30.5 requires frequent inspections — performed by the operator before each shift — covering running ropes, hooks, controls, and safety devices.
Question 5: What effect does a jib (fly section) attachment have on a crane's maximum load capacity?
- It always increases capacity because of added reach
- It generally reduces the maximum rated capacity compared to the main boom alone (Correct answer)
- It has no effect on capacity at radii under 50 feet
- It doubles the capacity when used with full counterweight
Correct answer: It generally reduces the maximum rated capacity compared to the main boom alone
Adding a jib extension increases reach but reduces rated capacity because the extended length increases the bending moment and reduces structural margins.
Question 6: Which of the following conditions would require a crane operator to reduce the crane's working radius to stay within rated capacity?
- The load is lighter than the rated capacity at the current radius
- The ground is soft or the outriggers are not fully extended (Correct answer)
- The temperature is above 80°F during summer operations
- The hook block is at maximum height
Correct answer: The ground is soft or the outriggers are not fully extended
Soft ground or improperly deployed outriggers compromise the crane's stability, requiring operations at a reduced radius to maintain safe tipping margins.
Question 7: A crane's rated capacity is typically expressed as a percentage of the tipping load, per ASME B30.5. What percentage is commonly used?
- 50%
- 75% (Correct answer)
- 85%
- 90%
Correct answer: 75%
ASME B30.5 establishes that crane rated capacities for lattice boom and hydraulic cranes are set at 75% of the tipping load to provide an adequate safety margin.
RSP Crane Types & Operational Limits 2
Which type of crane is typically fixed to a building structure and used to move loads along a linear path inside a facility?