Boom Truck Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers
1. What is a boom truck?
Answer: A boom truck is a type of truck-mounted crane with a telescopic or articulating boom used for lifting and transporting heavy loads.
2. What are the main safety hazards of boom truck operations?
Answer:
- Overloading
- Tip-over risks
- Electrical hazards
- Improper load rigging
3. What qualifications are required to operate a boom truck?
Answer:
- Certified crane operator license
- Boom truck operation training
- Knowledge of safety regulations
4. What should be checked during a pre-operation inspection?
Answer:
- Hydraulic system leaks
- Boom and structural integrity
- Brakes and emergency controls
5. How do you determine a boom truck’s load capacity?
Answer: By referring to the manufacturer’s load chart and considering boom length, angle, and lifting radius.
6. What is the risk of overloading a boom truck?
Answer: It can cause structural failure, tip-over, and hydraulic system damage.
7. How should loads be properly secured before lifting?
Answer:
- Use proper rigging techniques
- Ensure load balance
- Inspect slings and hooks for defects
8. What are the dangers of operating a boom truck near power lines?
Answer:
- Electrocution risks
- Arcing hazards
- Fire hazards
9. What is the minimum safe distance from power lines?
Answer: 10 feet (3 meters) for up to 50 kV power lines, increasing for higher voltages.
10. How should a boom truck be positioned for stability?
Answer:
- On level, firm ground
- Use outrigger pads
- Keep load within safe working radius
11. Why is it important to use outriggers?
Answer: Outriggers increase stability and prevent tipping during lifting operations.
12. What precautions should be taken when working in high winds?
Answer:
- Check wind speed limits (typically 20-25 mph)
- Avoid lifting large surface-area loads
- Lower the boom if necessary
13. How do you prevent load swinging?
Answer:
- Use tag lines
- Control boom movements smoothly
14. What is the purpose of a load moment indicator (LMI)?
Answer: It warns the operator of overload conditions.
15. What PPE is required for boom truck operators?
Answer:
- Hard hat
- High-visibility vest
- Safety boots and gloves
16. How should an operator respond to mechanical failure?
Answer:
- Stop operations immediately
- Secure the boom and load
- Report the issue for repair
17. What are the common causes of boom truck tip-over?
Answer:
- Exceeding load limits
- Uneven ground positioning
- High wind conditions
18. How should loads be lifted safely?
Answer:
- Lift straight up, avoiding sudden movements
- Keep load within the truck’s center of gravity
19. What is the best way to transport a boom truck safely?
Answer:
- Retract and secure the boom
- Follow road weight limits
- Ensure proper signage if over-dimensional
20. How often should a boom truck be inspected?
Answer: Before each shift and regularly as per manufacturer and OSHA guidelines.
21. What are the risks of operating a boom truck in poor visibility?
Answer:
- Increased risk of collisions
- Difficulty in judging distances
22. How should a boom truck be shut down after use?
Answer:
- Lower and secure the boom
- Turn off the engine
- Engage the parking brake
23. What is the function of a boom angle indicator?
Answer: It shows the angle of the boom to ensure safe lifting operations.
24. What are the best practices for refueling a boom truck?
Answer:
- Turn off the engine
- Avoid open flames
- Use the correct fuel type
25. Why is a spotter important in boom truck operations?
Answer:
- Assists with blind spots
- Helps prevent collisions
26. How can an operator avoid fatigue?
Answer:
- Take regular breaks
- Stay hydrated
27. What is a jib on a boom truck?
Answer: A jib extends the reach of the boom for higher lifts.
28. How should a boom truck be parked on an incline?
Answer:
- Use wheel chocks
- Engage the parking brake
29. What should be done if a load becomes unstable?
Answer:
- Lower it safely
- Re-secure rigging
30. What is the importance of load charts?
Answer: Load charts help operators determine safe lifting capacities.
31. What is a swing radius hazard?
Answer: The area around a rotating boom where people can be struck.
32. What are the risks of lifting loads over workers?
Answer: Falling load hazards can cause serious injuries or fatalities.
33. How do you ensure communication between the operator and ground crew?
Answer: Use radios, hand signals, or spotters.
34. What should you do if a hydraulic line bursts?
Answer:
- Stop operations
- Isolate the system
35. What are the key functions of boom truck controls?
Answer:
- Boom extension/retraction
- Lifting/lowering the load
- Rotating the boom
36. Why is it important to avoid sudden movements?
Answer: It can destabilize the truck and cause load swings.
37. What is the purpose of a counterweight?
Answer: It balances the load to prevent tip-over.
38. What is a boom truck’s rated capacity?
Answer: The maximum weight it can safely lift.
39. How should the truck be prepared for transport?
Answer:
- Secure the boom
- Check tire pressure
40. What is outrigger cribbing?
Answer: Wooden or metal pads placed under outriggers to improve stability.
41. Why is weather monitoring important for boom truck operations?
Answer:
- Wind affects stability
- Rain can make surfaces slippery
42. What is a work zone hazard assessment?
Answer: A checklist to identify and mitigate risks before lifting operations.
43. Why should the boom not be fully extended at high loads?
Answer: It increases tipping risks due to leverage forces.
44. What is the importance of a backup alarm?
Answer: It alerts nearby workers when the boom truck is reversing.
45. Why should the operator have a clear view of the load?
Answer: To ensure safe positioning and avoid obstacles.
46. What is the purpose of a brake test?
Answer: To ensure stopping power in case of an emergency.
47. What is a dynamic load test?
Answer: A test to check the crane’s function under real lifting conditions.
48. What is the difference between a boom truck and a rough terrain crane?
Answer:
- Boom truck is road-legal
- Rough terrain crane is used for off-road sites
49. What should be done after an accident involving a boom truck?
Answer:
- Secure the area
- Report to management and authorities
50. What are the benefits of boom truck safety training?
Answer:
- Prevents accidents
- Improves efficiency
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