Emergency Procedures & Accident Prevention Flashcards

During a lift, the crane operator notices the load line has developed a 'birdcage' deformation in a section that is currently above the drum and not under load. What is the correct immediate action?

Answer: Lower the load to the ground immediately, take the crane out of service, and tag the wire rope for replacement

A birdcage deformation indicates that the rope's core has been subjected to torsional overload or a sudden shock load, permanently damaging the rope's structural integrity. Even if the damaged section is not currently under tension, it will pass through the load path as the drum pays out. The rope must be taken out of service immediately regardless of where the deformation is located, per ASME B30.5 wire rope removal criteria.

An operator is performing a critical lift when a co-worker on the ground radios that they smell something burning near the crane's hydraulic system but can see no visible flame or smoke. The load is suspended 40 feet in the air over an occupied work area. What should the operator do FIRST?

Answer: Move the suspended load to the nearest safe landing zone before shutting down

Shutting down the engine immediately could cause loss of hydraulic pressure, resulting in an uncontrolled load drop over the occupied area — a far greater immediate hazard than the potential fire. The priority is to remove the suspended load from over personnel by landing it in a safe area. Only after the load is secured should the operator shut down and investigate the burning smell. Personnel safety from the suspended load is the primary hazard to mitigate first.

A crane operator is traveling with a load when the travel path surface unexpectedly gives way on the right side, causing the crane to list 3 degrees to the right. There is no imminent collapse. What is the most appropriate corrective action?

Answer: Stop all motion, set all brakes, and do not move the crane or boom until a qualified person evaluates the ground conditions

Any movement — including slewing, extending outriggers, or attempting to travel — on compromised ground can trigger progressive collapse. Slewing shifts the center of gravity laterally, which can accelerate tipping. Extending outriggers during travel is not possible and attempting it could worsen the situation. The correct response is to immediately stop all motion, set brakes, and call a qualified person (engineer or crane manufacturer rep) to assess the ground before any further action is taken.

During a pick-and-carry operation, the operator feels an unusual vibration accompanied by a brief, momentary drop of approximately 2 inches in the load. All crane systems appear to be functioning normally on the display panel. What should the operator do?

Answer: Stop travel, set the load down, and conduct a thorough inspection of the hook block, load line, and all structural components before resuming

A momentary load drop of any magnitude is a serious warning sign of a mechanical failure — possible causes include a slipping brake, a sheave bearing collapse beginning, a structural crack initiating, or a rope slip over a drum flange. Instrument panels can lag or fail to register certain mechanical faults. The unexplained event must be investigated fully before the crane is used again. Continuing operations risks catastrophic failure without further warning.

A crane operator is working near energized 115 kV overhead power lines. The employer has not obtained a utility line voltage verification in writing. Under OSHA 1926.1408, what minimum clearance must the operator maintain?

Answer: 20 feet, the default when voltage is unknown or not confirmed in writing

Under OSHA 1926.1408(a)(2), when the voltage of power lines has not been determined by the utility owner/operator in writing, the operator must maintain a minimum clearance of 20 feet — regardless of the line's actual voltage. Even though this is a 115 kV line (which would normally require a larger clearance based on Table A), the rule for 'unknown/unverified voltage' mandates 20 feet as the default. The 10-foot minimum only applies to confirmed lines at or below 50 kV.

During a multi-crane lift, the lead crane operator observes that the secondary crane's load line angle has increased beyond the lift plan specification, increasing that crane's share of the load beyond its planned percentage. Communication with the secondary crane operator is temporarily lost. What should the lead operator do?

Answer: Halt all crane motion and do not resume until communication is restored and the condition is evaluated by the lift director

Multi-crane lifts require continuous communication among all operators and the lift director. An unplanned shift in load distribution between cranes can exceed one crane's capacity without warning, and any corrective movement by the lead crane without coordinating with the secondary crane could worsen the imbalance or cause a dynamic loading spike. ASME B30.5 and best practice require all motion to stop immediately when communication is lost during a tandem lift. The lift director must assess the situation before any motion resumes.