Free Certified Pipefitter Rigging and Hoisting Operations Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pipefitter is rigging a 2,000-pound pipe spool using a two-leg bridle sling. The angle of each sling leg relative to the horizontal load is 30 degrees. What is the tension on each sling leg?
- 1,000 pounds
- 1,414 pounds
- 2,000 pounds (Correct answer)
- 4,000 pounds
Correct answer: 2,000 pounds
As the angle of a sling decreases, the tension on each leg increases significantly. At a 30-degree horizontal angle, the tension multiplier is 2.0. Therefore, the tension on each leg is equal to the total weight of the load (2,000 pounds). The calculation is (Total Load / 2) * Multiplier = (2000 / 2) * 2.0 = 2,000 pounds.
Question 2: According to ASME B30.9, which of the following conditions is an immediate cause for removing a synthetic web sling from service?
- Minor discoloration from sunlight
- Water stains from being used in the rain
- The sling has been in service for one year
- Missing or illegible identification tag (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Missing or illegible identification tag
ASME B30.9 standards mandate that a sling must be removed from service if its identification tag is missing or cannot be read. This is critical because the tag contains the manufacturer's information and, most importantly, the rated capacity (Working Load Limit) for different hitches.
Question 3: A signal person needs to communicate 'Raise the Boom and Lower the Load' to a crane operator. According to standard ANSI/OSHA hand signals, what is the correct signal?
- Arm extended horizontally, thumb pointing down, flexing fingers in and out.
- Arm extended vertically, index finger pointing up, making small circles.
- Arm extended horizontally, thumb pointing up, flexing fingers in and out. (Correct answer)
- Both arms extended horizontally, palms down, swinging back and forth.
Correct answer: Arm extended horizontally, thumb pointing up, flexing fingers in and out.
The standard OSHA and ANSI hand signal for 'Raise the Boom and Lower the Load' is to extend the arm horizontally with the thumb pointing up, then opening and closing the fingers until the action is complete.
Question 4: A pipefitter is tasked with lifting an L-shaped pipe spool. To ensure a level and stable lift, the single lifting point must be positioned directly above the spool's:
- Geometric center
- Heaviest component
- Center of gravity (Correct answer)
- Longest leg
Correct answer: Center of gravity
For a load to be lifted without tilting or tumbling, the main hook or lifting point must be directly above the load's center of gravity. The center of gravity is the balance point of the object, where the entire weight can be considered to be concentrated.
Question 5: When using a manually operated chain fall or come-along, which of the following actions is a serious safety violation?
- Inspecting the hooks and chain for damage before use.
- Ensuring the anchor point is strong enough for the load.
- Using a 'cheater bar' or pipe extension on the handle for more leverage.
- Centering the load in the saddle of the hook. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Centering the load in the saddle of the hook.
Using a 'cheater bar' or any other extension on the handle of a come-along or chain fall is strictly prohibited. The handle is designed for a specific leverage; using an extension can cause the user to apply excessive force, leading to overloading and catastrophic failure of the hoist or its components.
Question 6: During a periodic inspection of rigging hardware, a pipefitter discovers a shackle with a section of the bow worn down by more than 10% of its original diameter. According to ASME B30.26, what is the correct action?
- Continue to use it, but at a reduced capacity.
- Repair the worn area by welding.
- Mark it for non-load-bearing use only.
- Immediately remove it from service and destroy it. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Immediately remove it from service and destroy it.
ASME B30.26, the standard for rigging hardware, requires that a shackle be removed from service if it has wear of more than 10% of the original dimension at any point. The hardware should be permanently removed from service to prevent accidental reuse.
A pipefitter is rigging a 2,000-pound pipe spool using a two-leg bridle sling.
The angle of each sling leg relative to the horizontal load is 30 degrees.
What is the tension on each sling leg?