Tower Crane Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers
1. What is a tower crane?
Answer: A tower crane is a tall, fixed crane used for lifting and moving heavy loads in construction projects.
2. Why is tower crane safety important?
Answer: It prevents accidents, protects workers, reduces property damage, and ensures regulatory compliance.
3. What are the main components of a tower crane?
Answer:
- Mast (Tower Section)
- Jib (Working Arm)
- Counter-jib (Counterweight Arm)
- Trolley and Hook Block
- Cabin and Control Panel
4. What are common hazards associated with tower cranes?
Answer:
- Overloading
- High winds and weather conditions
- Electrical hazards (power lines)
- Collisions with structures
5. What qualifications are required for a tower crane operator?
Answer:
- Certified crane operator license
- Training on specific crane type
- Knowledge of safety regulations
6. How should a tower crane be inspected before use?
Answer:
- Check structural integrity
- Inspect cables and hooks
- Verify emergency brakes and controls
7. What should be done if a tower crane fails an inspection?
Answer:
- Stop operation immediately
- Report to the safety officer
- Perform necessary repairs
8. What is the maximum wind speed for tower crane operation?
Answer: Typically 20-25 mph (32-40 km/h), but check manufacturer guidelines.
9. How do you prevent overloading a tower crane?
Answer:
- Follow the crane’s load chart
- Distribute weight evenly
- Use a load moment indicator (LMI)
10. What are load moment indicators (LMI)?
Answer: LMIs are devices that prevent overloading by measuring the crane’s lifting capacity.
11. How should loads be secured before lifting?
Answer:
- Use proper rigging techniques
- Ensure balanced and stable loads
- Inspect lifting gear for damage
12. What is the purpose of the crane’s counterweights?
Answer: To balance the crane and prevent tipping.
13. How should a crane be positioned to ensure stability?
Answer:
- On level ground
- With proper foundation support
- Away from overhead hazards
14. What are the emergency procedures for a tower crane?
Answer:
- Stop all operations
- Activate emergency brakes
- Notify the safety officer immediately
15. What should be done in case of strong winds during crane operation?
Answer:
- Stop lifting operations
- Secure the hook and boom
- Follow manufacturer wind speed limits
16. How can electrical hazards be avoided?
Answer:
- Maintain a safe distance from power lines
- Use warning signs
- Ensure grounding of the crane
17. What are the key responsibilities of a signalman?
Answer:
- Communicate with the crane operator
- Give clear and standard hand signals
- Ensure load safety
18. Why is communication between the crane operator and ground personnel important?
Answer: It prevents accidents, improves coordination, and ensures safe lifting operations.
19. What are the risks of operating a crane in poor visibility?
Answer:
- Increased risk of collisions
- Difficulty in positioning loads
- Reduced signal visibility
20. How should a tower crane be shut down properly?
Answer:
- Lower all loads
- Turn off power
- Secure the crane against wind movement
21. What are the common causes of tower crane collapse?
Answer:
- Overloading
- Weak foundation
- Mechanical failure
22. How often should tower cranes be maintained?
Answer: As per manufacturer recommendations and OSHA regulations.
23. What should you do if the crane’s brakes fail?
Answer:
- Stop operations immediately
- Activate emergency systems
- Report the issue for repair
24. Why is it dangerous to operate a tower crane near other cranes?
Answer:
- Risk of collisions
- Interference with load movement
25. How can tower crane operators avoid fatigue?
Answer:
- Take regular breaks
- Follow shift regulations
- Stay hydrated and alert
26. What is the purpose of an anti-collision system in tower cranes?
Answer: It prevents crane collisions in multi-crane worksites.
27. How should a tower crane be anchored?
Answer: It should be secured with a deep foundation or tie-in points.
28. What should be done if a load starts swinging dangerously?
Answer:
- Stop the crane
- Lower the load safely
29. What is the proper procedure for lifting personnel using a tower crane?
Answer:
- Only use certified man baskets
- Follow safety harness rules
30. What are common mistakes made by tower crane operators?
Answer:
- Ignoring load limits
- Miscommunication with ground crew
31. What PPE is required for tower crane operators?
Answer:
- Hard hat
- High-visibility vest
- Safety harness
32. What is the safe distance between a crane and power lines?
Answer: At least 10 feet (3 meters).
33. Why is tag line use important?
Answer: Tag lines help control load movement and prevent swinging.
34. How should a tower crane be prepared for storms?
Answer:
- Secure loads
- Lower the boom
35. What is the purpose of a crane anemometer?
Answer: It measures wind speed to prevent unsafe operations.
36. What is a crane’s safe working load (SWL)?
Answer: The maximum load a crane can lift safely.
37. How should a crane’s lifting path be planned?
Answer:
- Avoid obstacles
- Use spotters
38. How do you prevent unauthorized crane operation?
Answer:
- Keep keys secured
- Restrict access to trained personnel
39. Why should sudden movements be avoided in crane operations?
Answer: They cause load instability and increase accident risk.
40. What is a crane’s boom deflection?
Answer: The natural bending of the boom under load.
41. What is a crane’s load radius?
Answer: The distance between the crane’s center and the load.
42. What should you do if a crane’s wire rope is damaged?
Answer:
- Stop operations
- Replace the wire rope
43. What is the correct procedure for lifting long loads?
Answer:
- Use spreader bars
- Maintain balance
44. How do you identify potential structural failure in a crane?
Answer:
- Cracks or deformations
- Unusual noises
45. What is the correct way to store a tower crane after use?
Answer:
- Lower the hook
- Engage parking brakes
46. How should a tower crane be dismantled safely?
Answer: Follow manufacturer guidelines and expert supervision.
47. What is a luffing crane?
Answer: A crane with a movable jib for tight spaces.
48. What is a climbing tower crane?
Answer: A crane that can be raised as a building grows.
49. Why should crane operators avoid distractions?
Answer: Distractions can lead to accidents and misjudgments.
50. What should be done after a tower crane accident?
Answer:
- Secure the site
- Report to authorities
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