RSP Load Handling & Safety Practices 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A rigger is lifting a steel beam and notices it will pass over workers below. What action is required?
- Sound the crane horn twice before hoisting to warn workers
- Clear all personnel from the area beneath and swing path of the load (Correct answer)
- Post a warning sign at the perimeter and continue the lift
- Reduce lift speed to minimum to give workers time to move
Correct answer: Clear all personnel from the area beneath and swing path of the load
OSHA prohibits carrying loads over workers; the entire area beneath the load's path must be cleared of all personnel before and during the lift.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a load moment indicator (LMI) on a crane?
- To measure the exact weight of the load being lifted
- To alert the operator when the crane approaches its rated load moment (Correct answer)
- To calculate the number of rigging legs needed for the lift
- To display wind speed and direction during outdoor lifts
Correct answer: To alert the operator when the crane approaches its rated load moment
An LMI monitors the combination of load weight and radius to warn the operator when the crane is approaching its rated capacity, helping prevent tip-over.
Question 3: When using a chain sling in a choker hitch configuration, by how much is its rated capacity typically reduced compared to a vertical hitch?
- 10% reduction
- 25% reduction (Correct answer)
- 50% reduction
- 75% reduction
Correct answer: 25% reduction
A choker hitch reduces the rated capacity of a chain sling by approximately 25% due to the bending stress and restricted movement at the choke point.
Question 4: What does a 'headache ball' serve as in a crane rigging setup?
- A counterweight to balance boom deflection during picks
- A weight that keeps the hook block and wire rope taut when unloaded (Correct answer)
- A signal device that bounces to indicate boom stress
- A protective cover for the wire rope drum
Correct answer: A weight that keeps the hook block and wire rope taut when unloaded
The headache ball (overhaul ball) adds weight below the hook block to keep the wire rope taut and the hook assembly lowered when no load is attached.
Question 5: A signal person and crane operator lose line of sight during a pick. What must happen?
- The signal person switches to radio communication only
- All crane movement must stop until communication is re-established (Correct answer)
- A second signal person relays signals from the original location
- The operator continues at reduced speed using best judgment
Correct answer: All crane movement must stop until communication is re-established
When the operator cannot see the signal person or the load, all crane movement must cease until proper communication and visibility are restored.
Question 6: What is the correct practice when placing rigging on a hook with multiple sling legs?
- Stack the slings on top of each other to save hook space
- Ensure slings are evenly distributed and do not cross each other on the hook (Correct answer)
- Use only the minimum number of sling legs to simplify rigging
- Twist the sling legs together before placing on the hook
Correct answer: Ensure slings are evenly distributed and do not cross each other on the hook
Sling legs should be evenly distributed in the hook saddle without crossing to prevent point loading, binding, or uneven load distribution.
Question 7: During a lift, the crane operator receives an emergency stop signal from an unqualified bystander. What should the operator do?
- Ignore the signal because it came from an unauthorized person
- Obey the stop signal immediately, then investigate the reason (Correct answer)
- Continue the lift and report the unauthorized signaling afterward
- Ask the designated signal person to confirm before stopping
Correct answer: Obey the stop signal immediately, then investigate the reason
OSHA requires crane operators to obey a stop or emergency stop signal from anyone, regardless of their authorization, and then determine the cause.
RSP Load Handling & Safety Practices 4
A rigger is lifting a steel beam and notices it will pass over workers below.
What action is required?