CHST Crane and Rigging Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 1926.1412, what must a crane operator do before beginning any lifting operations?
- Conduct a pre-shift visual inspection of the crane, including controls, safety devices, wire rope, and operational aids (Correct answer)
- Review only the manufacturer's load chart for the day's lifts
- Obtain verbal approval from the site superintendent
- Test the load by lifting it 1 inch off the ground for 30 seconds
Correct answer: Conduct a pre-shift visual inspection of the crane, including controls, safety devices, wire rope, and operational aids
OSHA 1926.1412(d) requires the operator to conduct a visual inspection of the crane at the beginning of each shift to check all systems, controls, wire ropes, hooks, and safety devices before any lifting operations begin.
OSHA 1926.1412(d) requires a visual pre-shift inspection before the crane is used. This inspection covers: all functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment or damage, control systems, safety devices, operational aids, air/hydraulic systems, hooks and latches, wire rope, electrical apparatus, tires and wheels for mobile cranes, and structural components. The operator must also check the load chart for the specific configuration being used. Any deficiency must be evaluated by a qualified person before operation.
Question 2: What is the required minimum clearance between a crane and an energized power line rated between 50 kV and 200 kV under OSHA 1926.1408?
- 15 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
- 20 feet
- 25 feet
Correct answer: 15 feet
For power lines rated over 50 kV up to 200 kV, OSHA 1926.1408 Table A requires a minimum clearance of 15 feet between any part of the crane (including load line and load) and the energized line.
OSHA 1926.1408 establishes required clearances from overhead power lines. Table A specifies: up to 50 kV = 10 feet; over 50 kV to 200 kV = 15 feet; over 200 kV to 350 kV = 20 feet; over 350 kV to 500 kV = 25 feet. Before any lift near power lines, the employer must determine the voltage and ensure proper clearance is maintained throughout the entire arc of crane movement.
Question 3: What does a crane's 'load chart' specify, and why must it be accessible to the operator at all times?
- The maximum loads the crane can safely lift at various radii, boom lengths, and configurations — it must be accessible so the operator can verify any proposed lift is within rated capacity (Correct answer)
- The crane's maintenance schedule and lubrication intervals
- The crane's travel speed under different load conditions
- The OSHA certification status of the crane
Correct answer: The maximum loads the crane can safely lift at various radii, boom lengths, and configurations — it must be accessible so the operator can verify any proposed lift is within rated capacity
A crane load chart provides the rated capacity for the crane at varying radii, boom lengths, boom angles, and configurations, allowing the operator to determine whether a proposed lift is within the crane's safe working load.
The load chart is the most critical reference document for crane operations. It shows the rated capacity for the crane at each combination of operating radius, boom length, and boom angle. Charts are specific to the crane configuration — outriggers extended or retracted, jib angle, counterweight, and other factors all affect rated capacity. OSHA 1926.1416 requires load charts to be at the control station and accessible to the operator at all times during operation.
Question 4: Under OSHA 1926.1425, when are tag lines required during crane lift operations?
- When the load must be controlled to prevent rotation, swinging, or uncontrolled movement that could endanger workers (Correct answer)
- Only when loads exceed 1,000 lbs
- Only when wind speed exceeds 15 mph
- Only when lift height exceeds 20 feet
Correct answer: When the load must be controlled to prevent rotation, swinging, or uncontrolled movement that could endanger workers
Tag lines are required when the load might rotate, swing, or otherwise move in an uncontrolled manner that could endanger employees — not based on a fixed weight or height threshold.
OSHA 1926.1425 requires the use of tag lines or restraining lines when swinging or spinning of a load is hazardous. Tag lines allow workers on the ground to control load rotation and lateral movement without being in the fall zone. Workers must not use their hands or bodies to stop a swinging load. Tag lines should be long enough to allow workers to stand outside the fall zone while still controlling the load.
Question 5: What does OSHA 1926.1412 prohibit regarding crane rated capacity during normal lifting operations?
- Operating a crane in excess of its rated capacity under any normal operational conditions (Correct answer)
- Operating a crane above 75% of rated capacity without a critical lift plan
- Using the crane within 10% of rated capacity without a spotter
- Conducting tandem lifts without engineering approval
Correct answer: Operating a crane in excess of its rated capacity under any normal operational conditions
OSHA 1926.1412(a) states that cranes must not be loaded beyond their rated capacity. The only exception is during manufacturer-approved load testing performed per the manufacturer's procedures.
OSHA 1926.1412(a) prohibits loading cranes beyond their rated capacity. Rated capacity is determined by the manufacturer based on structural strength, stability, and dynamic factors, with a built-in safety factor. It is always configuration-specific — load chart values change with boom length, radius, and outrigger state. The only exception to this prohibition is during crane manufacturer-approved load testing. Exceeding rated capacity can lead to tip-over or structural failure.
Question 6: Under OSHA 1926.1404, which of the following is a recognized pathway for crane operator qualification?
- Certification by an accredited crane operator testing organization such as NCCCO (Correct answer)
- Completion of a 40-hour OSHA outreach course only
- Any supervisory experience of 5 or more years with heavy equipment
- A general construction foreman license
Correct answer: Certification by an accredited crane operator testing organization such as NCCCO
OSHA 1926.1404(a) requires crane operators to be certified by an accredited testing organization (such as NCCCO), licensed by a state or local government, or qualified through an employer's qualifying program meeting OSHA criteria.
OSHA 1926.1404 requires that crane operators be qualified through one of three pathways: (1) certification by an accredited crane operator testing organization — most commonly NCCCO; (2) licensing by a state or local government that requires written and practical tests; or (3) qualification by their employer through a program that tests the operator for the specific equipment type and capacity. Operators must be qualified for the specific type of crane they operate, and the employer must also evaluate the operator's practical proficiency.
CHST Crane and Rigging Safety 2
Under OSHA 1926.1412, what must a crane operator do before beginning any lifting operations?