RSP Load Handling & Safety Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A crane is rated at 50,000 lbs at a 20-foot radius. The operator moves the boom out to a 40-foot radius. What generally happens to the rated capacity?
- It doubles because the radius doubled
- It stays the same because the boom length did not change
- It decreases because increased radius reduces stability (Correct answer)
- It increases because the longer reach gives more leverage
Correct answer: It decreases because increased radius reduces stability
Rated capacity decreases as the working radius increases because the moment arm is longer, placing greater stress on the crane's tipping fulcrum.
Question 2: What type of rigging hardware is used to connect a shackle to a wire rope eye without allowing rotation?
- Swivel hoist ring
- Bolt-type anchor shackle (Correct answer)
- Turnbuckle with jaw end
- Clevis grab hook
Correct answer: Bolt-type anchor shackle
A bolt-type (screw pin or bolt) anchor shackle connects rigging components securely and does not allow rotation under load.
Question 3: Which condition would require an immediate work stoppage during an outdoor crane lift?
- Ambient temperature above 80°F
- Wind speed exceeding the crane manufacturer's limits for the configuration (Correct answer)
- Working near a cell tower more than 500 feet away
- Load weight is more than 75% of rated capacity
Correct answer: Wind speed exceeding the crane manufacturer's limits for the configuration
Wind speeds exceeding the crane manufacturer's specified limits create unacceptable dynamic forces on the load and crane structure, requiring a stop.
Question 4: Before a critical lift begins, a pre-lift meeting must be held. Who is REQUIRED to attend according to ASME B30.5?
- Only the crane operator and lift director
- All personnel involved in the lift, including riggers and signal persons (Correct answer)
- The site superintendent and safety officer only
- The crane owner's representative and the project manager
Correct answer: All personnel involved in the lift, including riggers and signal persons
ASME B30.5 requires all personnel involved in the critical lift — including operators, riggers, signal persons, and the lift director — to attend the pre-lift meeting.
Question 5: A wire rope shows a 'bird-caging' deformity. What caused this condition?
- Overlubrication causing strands to swell outward
- Sudden release of a tensioned rope causing strands to spring apart (Correct answer)
- Repeated bending over too small a sheave
- Normal wear pattern from long-term use
Correct answer: Sudden release of a tensioned rope causing strands to spring apart
Bird-caging occurs when a tensioned wire rope is suddenly unloaded, causing the outer strands to spring outward and separate from the core.
Question 6: What is the OSHA-required safe distance from an energized power line for cranes operating near lines rated between 50 kV and 200 kV?
- 5 feet minimum clearance
- 10 feet minimum clearance
- 15 feet minimum clearance (Correct answer)
- 20 feet minimum clearance
Correct answer: 15 feet minimum clearance
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1408 requires 15 feet of clearance from power lines rated 50 kV to 200 kV when no other controls are implemented.
Question 7: When attaching a sling to a hook, the sling should be seated in which part of the hook?
- At the tip of the hook for easiest attachment
- In the saddle (bowl) of the hook for maximum strength (Correct answer)
- At the throat of the hook for quick release
- Anywhere along the hook shank for load distribution
Correct answer: In the saddle (bowl) of the hook for maximum strength
Slings and rigging must be seated in the saddle (bowl) of the hook, which is the strongest load-bearing area and prevents point loading.
RSP Load Handling & Safety Practices 3
A crane is rated at 50,000 lbs at a 20-foot radius.
The operator moves the boom out to a 40-foot radius.
What generally happens to the rated capacity?