Practice Exam 1
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Demonstrate understanding of Massachusetts hoisting regulations (MGL Chapter 146 and 230 CMR 6.00) through exam-format questions
- •Apply load chart principles, wire rope inspection criteria, and crane component knowledge to scenario-based questions
- •Identify personal areas of weakness for targeted review before the exam
Topics Covered
- •MGL Chapter 146 and 230 CMR 6.00 — licensing, fees, renewal, penalties, signaler rules
- •Equipment scope: what a 1A license covers and does not cover
- •Load chart reading: rated capacity by configuration, load radius, and boom angle
- •Wire rope inspection: OSHA 1926.1413 thresholds, mandatory removal conditions
- •Crane component identification: friction drum system, A-frame, pendants, boom sections
- •Pre-shift and periodic inspection requirements (OSHA 1926.1412)
- •Outrigger use, ground conditions, and pad sizing
- •Two-blocking prevention and the anti-two-block device requirements by manufacture date
- •Power line safety clearance distances (OSHA 1926.1408)
- •Signal person rules and hand signal standard (SAE J1307)
- •Operator duties: authority to stop, no side-loading, drum wraps, load verification
- •Assembly/disassembly personnel requirements
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: A worker who is NOT the designated signaler gives an Emergency Stop signal. Should the crane operator stop?
- A. No — only the designated signaler may give valid signals
- B. Yes — Emergency Stop may be given by anyone who sees an imminent hazard(correct)
- C. Only if the operator can visually confirm the hazard
- D. Yes, but only after confirming with the designated signaler
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Emergency Stop is the one exception to the rule that only the designated signaler may direct the operator. Anyone who sees an imminent hazard may give the Emergency Stop signal. The operator must stop immediately — delay to verify the hazard could cost a life.
Question 2: A lattice boom crane was manufactured in 2015. Under OSHA 1926.1416, is an automatic anti-two-block device required?
- A. No — anti-two-block devices are not required for lattice boom cranes
- B. No — the requirement only applies to telescopic boom cranes manufactured after February 1992
- C. Yes — lattice boom cranes manufactured after November 8, 2011 must have automatic anti-two-block devices(correct)
- D. Yes, but only if the crane has a jib attached
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1416 requires lattice-boom cranes manufactured after November 8, 2011 to have an automatic anti-two-block device at all two-blocking points. A 2015 manufacture date places this crane within the mandatory requirement. Always check the manufacture date against the regulatory threshold — this is a high-frequency exam topic.
Question 3: You are planning a critical lift (multiple cranes). Who must develop the lift plan?
- A. The general contractor's project manager
- B. A qualified person(correct)
- C. The most senior crane operator on site
- D. OSHA must be notified and approve the plan
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1432 requires the multiple-crane lift plan to be developed by a qualified person. A pre-lift meeting with all involved workers is also required. The plan must address how loads are distributed between cranes and what happens if either crane exceeds its limit during the lift.
Question 4: A wire rope's nominal diameter is 1 inch. The actual measured diameter is 0.94 inches. Must the rope be removed from service?
- A. No — a 6% reduction is acceptable if no broken wires are found
- B. Yes — diameter reduction exceeding 5% of nominal diameter is a removal condition under OSHA 1926.1413(correct)
- C. Only if broken wires are also found in the same section
- D. No — the 5% rule only applies to rotation-resistant ropes
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1413 requires removal from service when a wire rope has worn more than 5% from its nominal diameter. A 1-inch rope measured at 0.94 inches has lost 6% of its nominal diameter, which exceeds the 5% threshold. This rule applies to all wire rope types, not just rotation-resistant ropes.
Question 5: Which of the following is a crane level indicator required to detect under OSHA 1926.1415?
- A. Wind speed greater than 20 mph
- B. Equipment out-of-level condition(correct)
- C. Load weight exceeding 75% of rated capacity
- D. Wire rope tension exceeding rated line pull
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1415 requires cranes to be equipped with a crane level indicator — either built into the equipment or available on it — to detect when the crane is not level. An out-of-level crane has shifted stability margins and effectively different (lower) rated capacities than those shown on the load chart.
Question 6: The load chart shows 10 tons at a 40-foot radius, on outriggers fully extended, over the rear. You set up over the side of the crane at the same radius with outriggers fully extended. Are you within rated capacity?
- A. Yes — the outriggers provide equal support in all directions
- B. Not necessarily — crane load charts typically show different capacities for over-front, over-rear, and over-side configurations(correct)
- C. Yes — as long as the load radius and outrigger position match the chart
- D. Yes — the over-rear rating is always the lowest rating on the chart
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Load charts typically show different capacities depending on the direction the boom points (over-front, over-rear, over-side, or 360°). Many cranes have lower capacity over the side than over the rear. Always confirm you are using the column for the actual boom direction, not just the radius and configuration.
Question 7: Which section of OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC governs wire rope inspection?
- A. 1926.1412
- B. 1926.1413(correct)
- C. 1926.1415
- D. 1926.1417
Show Explanation
Explanation:
1926.1413 is specifically dedicated to wire rope inspection — inspection frequency, removal thresholds by rope type, and documentation. 1926.1412 covers general equipment inspections, 1926.1415 covers safety devices, and 1926.1417 covers operation. Knowing the section numbers helps you find the right rule quickly in the field and on the exam.