RSP Load Handling & Safety Practices 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What condition makes a shackle immediately unserviceable?
- Minor surface rust that can be wire-brushed off
- A bent or distorted pin or bow section (Correct answer)
- Paint overspray covering the capacity markings
- Slight discoloration from heat exposure in a warehouse
Correct answer: A bent or distorted pin or bow section
Bending or distortion of the shackle pin or bow indicates the shackle has been overloaded and the material integrity is compromised, requiring immediate removal from service.
Question 2: What is the maximum angle between two sling legs in a bridle hitch before the rated capacity chart values become unsafe to use?
- 30 degrees included angle
- 60 degrees included angle
- 90 degrees included angle
- 120 degrees included angle (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 120 degrees included angle
Most sling manufacturers' rated capacity charts are valid up to a 120-degree included angle; beyond this, leg forces increase dramatically and the sling can fail.
Question 3: A rigger is asked to rig a load using a 'basket hitch' around a pipe. What protective measure is required?
- Apply petroleum jelly to the sling contact points
- Use softeners or edge protectors where the sling contacts the pipe edges (Correct answer)
- Double-wrap the sling twice around the pipe before hooking
- Spray the pipe with water to reduce friction on the sling
Correct answer: Use softeners or edge protectors where the sling contacts the pipe edges
Sharp or rough edges on loads can cut or abrade slings; softeners or edge protectors must be used to protect the sling and maintain its rated capacity.
Question 4: When a signal person uses the 'dog everything' signal, what must the crane operator do?
- Lower the load to the ground immediately at full speed
- Secure all crane functions and hold the load in place without further movement (Correct answer)
- Swing the boom 180 degrees to the designated rest position
- Retract the outriggers and prepare for equipment relocation
Correct answer: Secure all crane functions and hold the load in place without further movement
The 'dog everything' signal means stop and hold — the operator must stop all crane functions and maintain the current position until further signals are given.
Question 5: Which document must a crane operator review before conducting any lift on a job site?
- The project's general safety orientation handbook only
- The crane's load chart for the specific configuration being used (Correct answer)
- The site's environmental impact assessment report
- The manufacturer's general product brochure for the crane model
Correct answer: The crane's load chart for the specific configuration being used
The operator must consult the load chart specific to the crane's current configuration (boom length, counterweight, outrigger spread) to determine safe rated capacities.
Question 6: If a rigger finds that the working load limit (WLL) is not legible on a piece of rigging hardware, what is the correct action?
- Estimate the capacity based on the size and material of the hardware
- Remove the hardware from service until it is identified and marked (Correct answer)
- Use the hardware at 50% of the estimated capacity as a safety factor
- Ask a coworker to recall the rated capacity from memory
Correct answer: Remove the hardware from service until it is identified and marked
Rigging hardware with illegible or missing capacity markings must be removed from service because there is no way to safely verify its rated load limit.
Question 7: What does the term 'dynamic loading' mean in the context of crane and rigging operations?
- The static weight of the load as measured by a calibrated scale
- Additional forces imposed on the rigging and crane due to acceleration, deceleration, or impact during the lift (Correct answer)
- The process of loading cargo dynamically using automated conveyor systems
- Calculating load weight using a dynamic computer simulation program
Correct answer: Additional forces imposed on the rigging and crane due to acceleration, deceleration, or impact during the lift
Dynamic loading refers to the additional stresses created by sudden starts, stops, swings, or impacts that exceed the static weight of the load, potentially overloading rigging.
RSP Load Handling & Safety Practices 5
What condition makes a shackle immediately unserviceable?