Practice Exam 1
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Apply MA licensing rules, load chart math, and OSHA Subpart CC requirements to a timed practice exam
- •Identify knowledge gaps across modules 1–3 for targeted review
- •Practice the process of eliminating wrong answers when uncertain
- •Achieve a simulated score of 70% or higher on all major topic areas
Topics Covered
- •Review: MGL Chapter 146 §53 — who needs a license, exemptions, penalties
- •Review: 230 CMR 6.00 — approved signaler rule, SAE J1307 hand signals, operating radius prohibition
- •Review: load chart reading — four variables, outrigger configuration, rigging deductions, interpolation
- •Review: outrigger deployment — full vs. partial extension, leveling, ground bearing pressure
- •Review: hydraulic system — pre-shift checks, drift, contamination, relief valves
- •Review: wire rope — OSHA 1926.1413 removal-from-service conditions (broken wires per lay, kinking, diameter reduction)
- •Review: anti-two-block devices — what two-blocking is, Category I aid, 7-day repair rule
- •Review: power-line safety — Table A clearances (10/15/20 ft), 20-ft default for unknown voltage
- •Review: prohibited operations — no side-load, no drag, no lift over front on rubber without approval
- •Review: operator obligations — brake test at 90% line pull, never leave suspended load unattended
- •Timed practice: 50 multiple-choice questions at exam pace (approximately 1 minute per question)
- •Scoring technique: always eliminate obviously wrong answers first; there is no penalty for guessing
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: A load chart shows 14,000 lbs capacity at 25 ft radius (outriggers fully extended). Your rigging — hook block, slings, and shackles — weighs 1,200 lbs. What is the maximum net load you can lift?
- A. 14,000 lbs
- B. 12,800 lbs(correct)
- C. 15,200 lbs
- D. 13,300 lbs
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Rated capacity of 14,000 lbs includes the rigging. Net load = 14,000 − 1,200 = 12,800 lbs. This is the weight of the actual load (material or object) you can pick. Getting this calculation wrong on a real lift can tip the crane.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the 230 CMR 6.00 rule about persons within the working radius during crane operations?
- A. Personnel may stand within the radius if they wear a hard hat and high-visibility vest
- B. Only the signal person may be within the working radius
- C. No persons may be within the working radius during crane operation except under specific conditions approved by the site competent person(correct)
- D. A maximum of three workers may be within the radius if the operator can see them
Show Explanation
Explanation:
230 CMR 6.00 prohibits persons within the working radius during crane operation. Exceptions for hooking/unhooking personnel exist only under specific OSHA 1926.1425 conditions. The general rule is: keep people out of the load path and swing radius.
Question 3: You are preparing for a lift and the boom angle indicator is not working. This is a Category II operational aid. How long do you have to repair it before you must stop operations?
- A. 7 calendar days
- B. 24 hours
- C. 30 calendar days (if parts are ordered within 7 days)(correct)
- D. Immediately — the crane must be tagged out
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Boom angle indicators are Category II operational aids under OSHA 1926.1416. The employer has 30 calendar days to repair them, provided parts are ordered within 7 days of identifying the deficiency. During that period, the temporary alternative measure (manually measuring boom angle) must be used.
Question 4: Under OSHA 1926.1413, what is the broken-wire removal-from-service threshold for a running wire rope (standard rotation-resistant hoist rope)?
- A. Any single broken wire requires rope removal
- B. Three broken wires in one lay or two in one strand per lay
- C. Six randomly distributed breaks in one rope lay, or three in one strand per lay(correct)
- D. Ten total broken wires across the entire rope length
Show Explanation
Explanation:
For running ropes, OSHA 1926.1413 requires removal when there are six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand within one lay. These thresholds apply to standard hoist ropes — rotation-resistant ropes have lower thresholds (two breaks in six rope diameters).
Question 5: What is the maximum civil penalty per day under MGL §53 for unlicensed crane operation in Massachusetts?
- A. $100
- B. $250
- C. $500(correct)
- D. $1,000
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL §53 allows civil penalties up to $500 per day for each day of unlicensed hoisting equipment operation. Both the unlicensed operator and the employer who directed the work can be penalized. Every day of operation is a separate violation.
Question 6: You are lifting a load that is 92% of the maximum line pull. What must you do before completing the lift per OSHA 1926.1417?
- A. Nothing special — 92% is within rated capacity and no additional steps are required
- B. Extend the outriggers an extra foot for additional safety margin
- C. Test the brakes by hoisting the load slightly off the ground and applying the brakes before proceeding with the lift(correct)
- D. Reduce the load to 85% of rated capacity before proceeding
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1417 requires a brake test any time you are at 90% or more of maximum line pull: lift the load just off the ground, apply the brakes, and verify they hold before continuing. This ensures the braking system can control the near-maximum load before you are committed to the full pick.
Question 7: Under 230 CMR 6.00, if the operator cannot see the designated signal person, what must happen?
- A. The operator may proceed using the last signal received
- B. A second worker may relay signals from the signaler to the operator
- C. All crane movement must stop until visual contact is restored(correct)
- D. The operator switches to radio communication automatically
Show Explanation
Explanation:
230 CMR 6.00 requires all crane movement to stop when the operator loses visual contact with the designated signaler. A relay system is not an approved alternative — only direct visual contact or an OSHA-compliant electronic signal system qualifies.