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Practice Exam 2 & Review

2 hours

1A — Practice Exam 2 & Review (Hoisting apparatus w/ friction winch drum).
1A — hoisting apparatus w/ friction winch drum.

This session drills the facts and rules that appear most frequently on the 1A exam — not new material, but the high-yield details where a moment of hesitation costs a point. The passing score is 70%, which means 7 correct out of every 10. That bar is reachable if you know where the exam concentrates its attention, and that is exactly what this review targets.

Licensing numbers and signaling rules

A cluster of M.G.L. c. 146, § 53 and 230 CMR 6.00 details shows up on virtually every 1A exam cycle. Memorize them as a set: 70% passing score, two-year license term, continuing education required under 230 CMR 6.04 before renewal, and a $75 fee per restriction. The exam presents wrong numbers as distractors, so knowing the whole set protects you.

On signaling, 230 CMR 6.00 requires hand signals to conform to SAE J1307. Only one approved signaler directs the operator at a time. Two exceptions exist: anyone on site may call an emergency stop, and operators and signalers may agree in advance to use alternative signals. No other exceptions exist. No persons are permitted in the swing arc while a load is moving — that rule is absolute.

Load charts and the 75% rule

Load chart questions are reliable exam territory. A chart is configuration-specific: it applies only to the exact setup described — boom length, jib extension, outrigger position, and operating radius. Change any variable and you must re-verify capacity before lifting. The 75% rule is a calculation: the load must not exceed 75% of the rated capacity shown for that precise configuration. Know this cold — the exam will present scenarios where one variable has changed and ask whether the lift remains within limits.

Inspection tiers, wire rope criteria, and anti-two-block

OSHA 1926.1412 sets three inspection tiers. Pre-shift inspections are performed by a competent person before each shift. Monthly inspections must be documented with records kept for at least three months. Annual inspections require a qualified person — a higher standard than competent person.

Wire rope removal criteria carry specific numbers: remove running rope when six or more broken wires appear in a single lay. Immediate removal is required for a birdcage, a kink, power line contact, or a diameter reduction exceeding 5%. On a friction winch drum, two-blocking is especially hazardous because the rope jamming at the sheave can cause a load free-fall — there is no mechanical stop.

Anti-two-block requirements follow firm dates: mandatory for lattice boom cranes built after November 8, 2011, and for telescopic boom cranes built after February 28, 1992. These dates appear directly on the exam.

Power line clearance, assembly, and final strategy

The default minimum clearance from energized power lines is 20 feet for lines rated up to 350 kV. Use this number whenever line voltage is unknown. Assembly and disassembly of a lattice boom crane must be directed by a person who is both competent and qualified — the exam distinguishes these tiers because assembly errors are among the leading causes of catastrophic crane collapses.

For your final study session, target the one topic where you are least confident and drill it until it feels automatic. Spreading time evenly across material you already know is the most common last-minute mistake. For OSHA references, focus on 1926 Subpart CC and 1926.1412 — know the subject matter each section governs, not every subsection number.

Key Takeaways

  • •Licensing numbers as a set: 70% passing score, 2-year license, continuing education required under 230 CMR 6.04 before renewal, $75 fee per restriction.
  • •Load charts are configuration-specific; the 75% load verification rule applies to rated capacity for that exact setup.
  • •Wire rope: remove running rope at 6 broken wires per lay; immediate removal for birdcage, kink, power line contact, or more than 5% diameter reduction.
  • •Anti-two-block is mandatory for lattice boom cranes built after November 8, 2011, and telescopic boom cranes built after February 28, 1992.
  • •Default power line clearance is 20 feet up to 350 kV; assembly and disassembly requires a person who is both competent and qualified.

Learning Objectives

  • •Achieve a simulated score of 70% or better on a full-length 1A-style practice exam
  • •Review the most commonly missed topics from Practice Exam 1
  • •Consolidate knowledge of lattice-boom assembly/disassembly, friction drum systems, and load chart nuances
  • •Identify the most important sections of OSHA 1926 Subpart CC and 230 CMR 6.00 for the exam

Topics Covered

  • •High-yield review: MGL §53 exemptions, $75 fee per restriction, 70% passing score, 2-year license, CE required before renewal (230 CMR 6.04)
  • •High-yield review: 230 CMR 6.00 — SAE J1307 hand signals, only approved signaler directs operator, no persons in swing arc
  • •High-yield review: load chart — configuration-specific; must match actual setup exactly; 75% load weight verification rule
  • •High-yield review: OSHA 1926.1412 inspection tiers — pre-shift (competent person), monthly (documented, 3-month retention), annual (qualified person)
  • •High-yield review: wire rope removal criteria — 6 broken wires in one lay (running rope); birdcage, kink, power line contact = immediate removal; >5% diameter reduction
  • •High-yield review: anti-two-block — mandatory for lattice boom post-November 8, 2011; mandatory for telescopic boom post-February 28, 1992
  • •High-yield review: power line clearance — 20 feet default up to 350 kV
  • •High-yield review: assembly/disassembly — directed by competent + qualified person
  • •High-yield review: two-block on friction winch = load free-fall hazard
  • •High-yield review: only two exceptions to the "one signaler" rule — emergency stop by anyone; pre-arranged alternative signals by agreement
  • •Exam strategy: 70% passing score = correct on 7 out of every 10 questions; identify your weakest topic and drill it first
  • •Final review: OSHA section numbers that appear most frequently on MA crane exams

Resources

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC — Full text

osha

Required

MGL Chapter 146 — Full text

regulation

Required

SAE J1307 Hand Signals — Quick Reference

reference

Required
View →

Self-Check Questions

Question 1: You are on outriggers fully extended, boom at 65°, and the load chart shows rated capacity of 15 tons at that angle and radius. You plan to add jib sections. What must you do before lifting with the jib?

  1. A. Use the same 15-ton rating — jib sections do not change capacity
  2. B. Consult the jib rating column on the load chart for the jib angle and radius actually being used(correct)
  3. C. Derate 15 tons by 20% as a standard jib safety factor
  4. D. Confirm with the manufacturer that jib use is permitted on this boom angle
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Jib (fly) sections have their own separate load chart ratings — typically lower than main boom ratings at the same total radius, because the jib configuration adds structural loads and changes the force geometry. Always use the jib column of the chart, not the main boom column, when a jib is attached.

Question 2: What is the key difference between the 1A and 1B Massachusetts hoisting license restrictions in terms of equipment?

  1. A. 1A covers hydraulic cranes; 1B covers friction-drum cranes
  2. B. 1A covers all friction-clutch machines, all derricks, and encompasses 1B scope; 1B covers a more limited category of hoisting equipment(correct)
  3. C. 1A and 1B are identical — they are the same license with different renewal dates
  4. D. 1B covers all tower cranes; 1A covers all mobile cranes
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The 1A is the broadest restriction — it covers all friction-clutch machines, all derricks, and its scope includes everything in 1B, 1C, 1D, and 4B through 4G. The 1B covers a narrower category of hoisting equipment. A 1A holder does NOT need a separate 1B license.

Question 3: An operator is lowering a load and releases the clutch on the friction drum. The load begins to free-fall. What immediate action should be taken?

  1. A. Re-engage the clutch to slow the drum
  2. B. Apply the band brake to slow or stop drum rotation(correct)
  3. C. Alert the signaler via radio and allow the load to reach the ground
  4. D. Lower the boom to reduce load radius and slow the descent
Show Explanation

Explanation:

On a friction drum crane, when the clutch is disengaged for lowering, the band brake is the primary means of controlling descent speed. Applying the band brake slows drum rotation and controls the rate of lowering. Re-engaging the clutch while the drum is spinning can damage the clutch mechanism and does not provide immediate controlled stopping.

Question 4: Which of the following is NOT listed as a required safety device under OSHA 1926.1415?

  1. A. Horn
  2. B. Boom stops
  3. C. Anti-two-block device(correct)
  4. D. Crane level indicator
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The anti-two-block device is an operational aid under OSHA 1926.1416, not a safety device under 1926.1415. Safety devices under 1926.1415 include: crane level indicator, boom stops, jib stops, foot pedal brake locks, hydraulic jack holding devices, rail clamps (for rail equipment), and horn. Knowing which section governs which device is a common exam question.

Question 5: A crane operator receives an OSHA inspection and the inspector finds that the operator's cab does not have the rated capacity load chart. What violation has occurred?

  1. A. A violation of 1926.1412 — failure to perform required inspection
  2. B. A violation of 1926.1415 — missing required safety device
  3. C. A violation of 1926.1417 — load chart must be readily available in the cab at all times(correct)
  4. D. No violation — load charts only need to be on site, not in the cab
Show Explanation

Explanation:

OSHA 1926.1417 specifically requires rated capacity charts and operational procedures to be "readily available in the cab at all times." This is a direct operational requirement, not an inspection or safety device requirement. The operator is responsible for ensuring the chart is present before beginning operations.

Question 6: A crane operator is asked by the project manager to make a lift after the operator has determined conditions are unsafe due to high winds. What does OSHA say the operator must do?

  1. A. Follow the project manager's direction since they have job site authority
  2. B. Make the lift at reduced speed and watch the load carefully
  3. C. Stop operations and refuse to lift — the operator has authority under 1926.1418 to stop for safety(correct)
  4. D. Contact OSHA before refusing — verbal instructions from management take priority until OSHA confirms the hazard
Show Explanation

Explanation:

OSHA 1926.1418 grants operators both the right and the obligation to stop operations when safety warrants it. This authority is unconditional — no supervisor or project manager directive can override an operator's safety stop decision. Operating in unsafe conditions at a manager's direction does not transfer liability away from the operator.

Question 7: You need to review the 1A exam tomorrow. What is the single most important study action to take tonight?

  1. A. Memorize all OSHA section numbers from 1926.1400 to 1926.1442
  2. B. Review your practice exam results, identify the topics where you scored below 70%, and study those sections specifically(correct)
  3. C. Re-read the entire MGL Chapter 146 statute
  4. D. Practice hand signals in front of a mirror for one hour
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The exam requires 70% overall. Targeted review of weak areas gives the highest return on study time. If you scored well on regulatory content but struggled on wire rope or load charts, spending all night on the regulation does not improve your score. Use your practice exam data to direct your final review — that's exam strategy, not guesswork.

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