Practice 2
1.5 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Demonstrate mastery of derrick and cableway operation rules in scenario-based questions
- •Apply signaling rules, rigging principles, and safety protocols from Modules 2 and 3 under exam conditions
- •Identify the correct regulatory citation for key pile driving and derrick requirements
- •Self-assess readiness for the 3A exam and identify remaining study gaps
Topics Covered
- •Review: OSHA 1926.1436 derrick requirements — load charts, pre-use testing, guy count, capacity devices
- •Review: SAE J1307 signals — approved signaler, emergency stop, loss-of-visual-contact rule
- •Review: rigging — sling angles, wire rope removal criteria, clip orientation, daily rigging inspection
- •Review: inspection schedules — daily pile rig, daily guy tension, annual gudgeon pin
- •Review: hose safety chains (1/4 inch minimum), two shutoff valves on steam lines
- •Scenario drill: derrick load chart disputes and load chart placement requirements
- •Scenario drill: multi-employer scenarios — identifying exposing, creating, and correcting employers
- •Scenario drill: tag-out decisions after inspection defects are found
- •Scenario drill: cableway carriage load limits and overload consequences
- •Exam strategy: cross-checking your answer against the most protective standard
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: A stiff-leg derrick does not have any guy wires. How is its mast stabilized?
- A. The mast rests directly on the ground without lateral support
- B. Two rigid compression legs (stiff legs) and a base frame provide lateral support(correct)
- C. The mast is bolted to the building structure at mid-height and top
- D. Wire rope pendants from the boom tip back to ground anchors stabilize it
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A stiff-leg derrick uses two rigid diagonal members (stiff legs) connected to a base frame to provide the lateral stability that guys provide on a guy derrick. This makes it suitable for locations where guy anchors cannot be established.
Question 2: The load chart for a non-permanently installed derrick must be:
- A. Permanently attached to the mast
- B. Filed with the building department before use
- C. Readily available at the job site for personnel responsible for the operation(correct)
- D. Submitted to OSHA before the derrick is first used
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1436 requires the load chart for non-permanent derricks to be readily available at the job site — not necessarily posted, but accessible to the responsible operating personnel. Permanently installed derricks must have it posted visibly.
Question 3: During a cableway operation, the carriage is traveling across the span with a rated load. The operator notices the track cable sag is greater than normal. What is the most likely cause and appropriate response?
- A. Normal cable stretch — no action needed
- B. Possible overload or cable damage; stop operations and inspect the track cable before continuing(correct)
- C. Reduce carriage speed by 50% and complete the current pass
- D. Increase tower height to reduce sag
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Increased sag in a track cable under a rated load indicates either overloading or cable damage (broken wires or core failure reducing tensile strength). Stop operations and inspect — a parted track cable sends the carriage and load to the ground.
Question 4: Which of these is a correct statement about the dedicated signaler rule under 230 CMR 6.00?
- A. The signaler may also perform labor tasks when the machine is idle
- B. The signaler must be dedicated to signaling and may not perform other tasks while acting as signaler(correct)
- C. The signaler may accept guidance from the site superintendent and relay it to the operator
- D. Two signalers may simultaneously direct the same operator for complex lifts
Show Explanation
Explanation:
While acting as signaler, that person is dedicated solely to that function. Splitting attention between signaling and other tasks creates the risk of missed or incorrect signals. The moment the signaler is needed, they must be fully focused on the operator and the load.
Question 5: A contractor has a guy derrick assembled on a job site. The project shuts down for 35 days. Under OSHA 1926.1436, what must be done with the derrick boom during this period?
- A. No special action is required for shutdowns under 60 days
- B. The boom must be lowered or secured to a stationary member(correct)
- C. The boom must be removed from the derrick entirely
- D. A watchman must monitor the derrick daily during the shutdown
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1436 requires that for service interruptions of 30 days or more, the boom must be laid down or secured to a stationary member. A derrick boom left at working angle without a load is vulnerable to wind and stability failure over an extended idle period.
Question 6: You are preparing for the 3A exam and reviewing the regulatory framework. Which of the following is the correct hierarchy?
- A. OSHA regulations are above MGL Chapter 146, which is above 230 CMR 6.00
- B. MGL Chapter 146 is the state statute; 230 CMR 6.00 implements it; OSHA Subpart CC and 1926.603 are federal standards — the most protective requirement applies(correct)
- C. 230 CMR 6.00 supersedes all OSHA standards for Massachusetts operations
- D. Only 230 CMR 6.00 applies in Massachusetts; federal OSHA does not have jurisdiction
Show Explanation
Explanation:
MGL Chapter 146 is the enabling statute; 230 CMR 6.00 is the MA implementing regulation; OSHA provides federal minimums. Massachusetts operators must comply with both state and federal requirements — wherever the standards overlap, the more protective one applies. This layered framework is a core exam concept.