Crane Lifting Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers
1. What is crane lifting safety?
Answer: Crane lifting safety involves procedures, precautions, and regulations to prevent accidents and ensure safe lifting operations.
2. What are the main hazards in crane lifting operations?
Answer: – Overloading
- Equipment failure
- Falling loads
- Contact with power lines
- Improper rigging
3. What are the types of cranes used in lifting operations?
Answer: – Mobile Cranes
- Tower Cranes
- Overhead Cranes
- Crawler Cranes
- Gantry Cranes
4. What is the role of a crane operator?
Answer: The crane operator is responsible for maneuvering the crane safely, following load limits, and ensuring proper lifting techniques.
5. What is the Safe Working Load (SWL) of a crane?
Answer: SWL is the maximum load a crane can safely lift under specific conditions.
6. What is the difference between SWL and Working Load Limit (WLL)?
Answer: – SWL is the permissible load set by manufacturers.
- WLL is the actual load applied to the lifting equipment.
7. Why is crane stability important?
Answer: Ensuring stability prevents tipping and structural failure during lifting operations.
8. What is a crane load chart?
Answer: A load chart provides maximum lifting capacity at different boom lengths and angles.
9. What is a lift plan?
Answer: A detailed document outlining crane setup, load weight, lifting path, and safety precautions.
10. What is a critical lift?
Answer: A lift where failure could result in serious consequences, often involving:
- Loads exceeding 75% of capacity
- Tandem lifting
- Lifting near live power lines
11. Who is responsible for crane lifting safety?
Answer: – Crane operator
- Rigger
- Signal person
- Safety officer
- Site supervisor
12. What is the purpose of a rigger in crane operations?
Answer: A rigger is responsible for properly attaching and securing loads using slings, shackles, and hooks.
13. What are the different types of rigging equipment?
Answer: – Wire ropes
- Shackles
- Slings (chain, synthetic, and wire)
- Hooks
14. How should loads be rigged for safe lifting?
Answer: – Use appropriate rigging gear
- Ensure center of gravity is stable
- Avoid twists and knots in slings
15. What are the main causes of crane accidents?
Answer: – Mechanical failure
- Overloading
- Human error
- Contact with power lines
- Poor ground conditions
16. What is a signal person?
Answer: A trained individual who directs crane movements using hand signals or radios.
17. What are the standard crane hand signals?
Answer: – Stop
- Hoist (lift)
- Lower
- Swing
- Boom up/down
18. What is a boom in a crane?
Answer: The extendable arm of a crane used for lifting.
19. What is a jib in crane operations?
Answer: A secondary arm attached to the boom for additional reach.
20. What is the purpose of outrigger stabilizers?
Answer: Outriggers extend from the crane’s base to provide stability.
21. What should be done before operating a crane?
Answer: – Conduct a pre-operation inspection
- Check load charts
- Inspect rigging equipment
- Verify site conditions
22. How should a load be lifted safely?
Answer: – Keep loads balanced
- Use proper slings and shackles
- Avoid sudden movements
23. What are the safety precautions for working near power lines?
Answer: – Maintain minimum clearance (10 feet for up to 50kV)
- Use insulated barriers
- Assign a spotter
24. What is wind speed limitation for crane operations?
Answer: Generally, cranes should not operate in winds above 20-25 mph, depending on manufacturer guidelines.
25. What is tandem lifting?
Answer: A lift where two or more cranes work together to move a single load.
26. How do you determine a crane’s center of gravity?
Answer: By identifying the balance point where the load’s weight is evenly distributed.
27. What is boom deflection?
Answer: The bending of a crane’s boom due to heavy loads.
28. Why should sudden movements be avoided during lifting?
Answer: Sudden jerks can cause load swinging, instability, and accidents.
29. How do you prevent crane tipping?
Answer: – Use outriggers
- Stay within load limits
- Operate on level ground
30. What are the common types of lifting slings?
Answer: – Wire rope slings
- Chain slings
- Synthetic slings
31. Why is load balancing important in lifting operations?
Answer: To prevent shifting, swinging, and falling of the load.
32. What is a tag line in lifting?
Answer: A rope attached to the load to control swinging.
33. What are anti-two block devices?
Answer: Safety devices that prevent the hook block from colliding with the boom tip.
34. What is the importance of emergency stop controls?
Answer: Allows immediate stopping in case of danger.
35. What should be done if a crane malfunctions?
Answer: – Stop operations immediately
- Inform maintenance personnel
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
36. What is dynamic loading in crane operations?
Answer: Additional forces caused by acceleration, wind, and sudden stops.
37. How do you protect workers below during lifting?
Answer: – Use barricades
- Establish exclusion zones
- Wear hard hats
38. What is a boom stop?
Answer: A safety device that prevents excessive boom movement.
39. What should be done if a load starts swinging dangerously?
Answer: – Slow down movements
- Use a tag line
- Adjust boom angle
40. Why should cranes not be used for side loading?
Answer: Cranes are designed for vertical lifting, and side loading can cause tipping.
41. What is free fall in crane operations?
Answer: When the hoist drum releases a load without braking control.
42. How often should cranes be inspected?
Answer: – Daily pre-use inspection
- Periodic detailed inspections
43. What is the role of counterweights in a crane?
Answer: Counterweights balance the crane to prevent tipping.
44. Can a crane operator leave controls unattended?
Answer: No, unless the load is lowered and crane is shut down.
45. What are the warning signs of crane failure?
Answer: – Unusual noises or vibrations
- Leaking hydraulics
- Overheating
46. What is the importance of pre-lift meetings?
Answer: Ensures all workers understand their roles and safety procedures.
47. What are the environmental factors affecting crane operations?
Answer: – Wind
- Rain
- Temperature extremes
48. Can cranes lift loads over workers?
Answer: No, lifting over personnel is strictly prohibited.
49. What is the first step before lifting a load?
Answer: Inspect and confirm load weight and rigging setup.
50. What is the golden rule of crane lifting safety?
Answer: Never exceed load limits and always follow safety procedures.
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