OSHA Cranes & Derricks Quiz — 29 CFR 1926.1400-1442 Practice (Subpart CC) — Page 3 of 4
Free OSHA 30-Hour Construction cranes and derricks practice test with 40 realistic scenarios. Operator certification, rigging inspection, power line clearance, load charts, signal person requirements, and crane assembly/disassembly with 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC references. (Page 3 of 4)
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Q21/ 40
A crane's wire rope shows 5 broken wires in one lay length on a standing rope (non-rotating). The rope is 6×37 classification, 1-inch diameter, used as a boom hoist rope. Is this rope acceptable for continued use?
✅ Correct Answer: A
1926.1413(a)(2)(ii)(A): for running wire ropes, the removal criteria depends on classification. For 6×37 classification: 6 randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay requires removal. At 5 broken wires, the rope is within the limit. However, 1926.1413(a)(2)(ii)(B): for standing/pendant ropes, only 3 broken wires require removal. If this rope is a standing rope (pendant line), 5 broken wires would require removal. The classification of the rope as running vs. standing is critical. The competent person must correctly classify the rope's function.
Q22/ 40
A crane with a lattice boom is being dismantled. The crew is removing a 40-foot boom section. The section weighs 3,200 lbs. Instead of using a second crane, the crew attaches a chain fall to the next boom section and uses it as an improvised lifting point. Is this acceptable?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1404(a): assembly/disassembly must be directed by an A/D director who is a competent person. 1926.1404(b): the A/D director must ensure the procedures minimize the risk of unintended movement. Using boom components as lifting points when not designed for it can overload members in unintended directions, causing boom collapse. An engineered lifting plan, possibly using a mobile crane or designed lifting frame, is required.
Q23/ 40
A crane's outrigger is set up on sloped ground. To level the crane, the operator uses wood cribbing of various thicknesses under one outrigger float. The cribbing stack is 18 inches tall, consisting of 6 layers of 4×4 lumber placed in a Jenga-like pattern (alternating but not nailed together). One layer is only partially seated. Is this cribbing acceptable?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1402(b): the controlling entity must ensure the equipment is adequately supported. Cribbing distributes outrigger loads to the ground. Industry best practice: cribbing timbers should be solid (no cracks), stacked in an alternating pattern (cribbed), each layer fully in contact with the layer below, and the stack should be stable. Partially seated layers create point loading and can shift. For stacks over 2-3 layers, timbers should be nailed or banded together. An 18-inch stack of loose lumber is a tip-over waiting to happen.
Q24/ 40
A hoist drum on a crane has wire rope that is spooling unevenly, with gaps and crossovers visible. The operator says 'it always does that.' What's the concern?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1413(a)(1): wire rope in service shall be inspected daily. 1926.1413(a)(2)(i): conditions like kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or other damage indicating loss of strength require removal. Uneven spooling is a symptom of improper tension during spooling or a worn drum groove. Crossovers crush the underlying rope, creating weak points. If the rope jumps the drum flange, the load can free-fall. The operator should stop and have the rope re-spooled under proper tension or the drum/rope evaluated by a competent person.
Q25/ 40
A contractor is using a crane to lift a load onto a bridge deck. The load chart says the crane can lift 12,000 lbs at a 40-foot radius with outriggers fully extended. The actual lift is at 38-foot radius with a 11,500-lb load, BUT one outrigger is only partially extended because of an obstruction (a concrete barrier). Is this lift permissible?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1417(a): the operator must not exceed the rated capacity in the load chart for the specific configuration. 1926.1412(b): load charts are configuration-specific. The load chart for 'outriggers fully extended' assumes the full stability base. A partially retracted outrigger reduces the crane's tipping resistance on that side. The crane must be re-configured, or a different load chart (for the actual outrigger configuration) used — and if no chart exists for that partial-extension configuration, the lift cannot proceed without manufacturer approval or an RPE assessment.
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Q26/ 40
A new generation mobile crane has a rated capacity limiter (RCL) that is malfunctioning — it reads 'ERROR' intermittently. The operator continues working, relying on the load chart and experience instead. Is this compliant?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1416(a): cranes manufactured after November 8, 2011 must have an operational RCL. 1926.1416(b): if the RCL is not working properly, the operator must cease operations. 1926.1416(c): a temporary alternative method (manually calculating loads and radii, using boom angle indicator plus load chart) may be used ONLY if the employer documents the procedure and the repair is scheduled. The operator cannot unilaterally decide to work without a functioning RCL.
Q27/ 40
A crawler crane is lifting on a barge. The barge is not moored to the dock — it's held in position by the tugboat's engines. The crane operator is lifting a 15,000-lb generator from the dock onto the barge deck. The barge lists 3 degrees during the swing. Is this lift acceptable?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1402(b): equipment must be adequately supported. On a barge, the 'ground' is the barge deck, which moves with the water. Most crane manufacturers specify a maximum list (typically 1-2 degrees) — beyond that, the crane's stability is compromised. 3 degrees of list essentially changes the crane's level condition, reducing capacity asymmetrically. The barge should be moored to minimize movement. 1926.1417(n) requires the operator to stop if the equipment is not properly leveled.
Q28/ 40
A rigger is inspecting a synthetic web sling before use. The sling shows: (1) a 1-inch cut on one edge, (2) red core warning yarns visible through the outer cover in one spot, (3) a missing identification tag. Is this sling usable?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1414(b)(2): sling identification tags must be present and legible. 1926.1414(b)(3): synthetic web slings with visible core warning yarns must be removed (the warning yarns are designed to be exposed when the cover is worn to a dangerous level). 1926.1414(b)(1): slings with cuts, tears, or abrasive wear must be removed. Any ONE of these three defects independently requires removal from service.
Q29/ 40
During a crane lift, the operator notices the load is drifting slowly downward even with the hoist lever in neutral. The load is 6,000 lbs, and the crane is rated for 15,000 lbs at this radius. The operator quickly lands the load. What is the likely cause?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1415(c): hoist brakes must be capable of holding the rated load stationary and must be self-setting (applied when the control is in neutral). A drifting load indicates the hoist brake is not holding — this could be due to worn brake pads, incorrect adjustment, oil on the brake drum, or brake system hydraulic/air failure. The operator's action to immediately land the load was correct. The brake must be inspected and repaired before further lifts — a failing hoist brake can lead to a dropped load and catastrophic consequences.
Q30/ 40
A 30-year-old crane is being used on a construction site. The employer has the original load charts but has never had the crane's structural integrity evaluated. Is annual inspection sufficient?
✅ Correct Answer: B
1926.1412(f)(1): a qualified person must conduct an annual comprehensive inspection. For older cranes, fatigue cracking, corrosion, and weld deterioration are more likely — the inspection should include non-destructive testing (NDT) of critical welds and pins if conditions warrant. 1926.1412(f)(2): additional monthly inspections cover specific items. While there is no mandatory retirement age for cranes, the employer has a duty under the General Duty Clause to ensure the crane is safe. Many industry best practices recommend enhanced inspection frequencies for equipment over 20 years old.