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High Risk Work Licence - Portal Boom Crane (CP) study materials
High Risk Work Licence - Portal Boom Crane (CP) study resources

High Risk Work Licence - Portal Boom Crane (CP) practice questions

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Question 1Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

Under the model WHS laws, what is the primary duty of care owed by a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) operating a portal boom crane?

  1. To follow only the instructions issued by the crane manufacturer
  2. To eliminate every foreseeable risk regardless of cost or practicality
  3. To provide insurance cover for any injuries that occur on site
  4. To ensure the health and safety of workers and others affected by the work, so far as reasonably practicable Correct answer.

Explanation

The primary duty requires a PCBU to ensure health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable, which balances the likelihood and severity of harm against the cost and difficulty of control measures. It is not an absolute guarantee and it extends beyond employees to other persons affected by the crane operations.

Question 2Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

What does the phrase 'so far as is reasonably practicable' require a crane operator's employer to weigh?

  1. The seniority of the person who reported the hazard
  2. The likelihood and degree of harm against the cost and difficulty of reducing the risk Correct answer.
  3. Only the cost of any safety equipment
  4. The number of years the crane has been in service

Explanation

Reasonably practicable involves weighing the likelihood and severity of harm against what is known about the hazard and the availability, suitability and cost of ways to remove or reduce it. Cost alone never justifies leaving a serious risk uncontrolled.

Question 3Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A crane hire company supplies a portal boom crane with a driver to a construction site. Which statement best describes its WHS duties?

  1. Only the site principal contractor holds duties for the crane work
  2. The hire company has duties as a PCBU for the plant and the workers it supplies Correct answer.
  3. Duties pass entirely to the crane driver once the crane arrives
  4. No duties apply because the crane is only being hired out

Explanation

A PCBU that supplies plant or labour retains its own duties, and multiple duty holders can share responsibility for the same activity. The hire company must ensure the plant is safe and without risks to health and that its workers are properly trained and supervised. These duties sit alongside, not instead of, the principal contractor's duties.

Question 4Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

Where two PCBUs have overlapping duties for the same crane lift, what must they do?

  1. They may agree in writing to waive their duties
  2. Each must discharge its own duty, consulting and coordinating with the others Correct answer.
  3. Only the PCBU with the largest workforce must act
  4. They must nominate one PCBU to hold all duties for the lift

Explanation

Where more than one person has a duty for the same matter, each person retains responsibility and must discharge their duty to the extent they have capacity to influence and control the matter. The law requires duty holders to consult, cooperate and coordinate activities. Duties cannot be contracted away.

Question 5Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

Which workplace duty holder must consult workers about matters that may affect their health and safety, including crane lift planning?

  1. Only the union delegate
  2. The PCBU, so far as reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  3. Only the crane manufacturer
  4. Only the safety regulator

Explanation

The WHS laws impose a duty on the PCBU to consult with workers and their representatives on health and safety matters that directly affect them. Consultation must occur so far as is reasonably practicable and should happen before decisions are made about crane operations and controls.

Question 6Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A portal boom crane is being used near an overhead powerline. Which legal instrument most directly sets the specific control requirements for this hazard?

  1. The site's social club rules
  2. The operator's employment contract
  3. The crane's purchase invoice
  4. The applicable WHS regulation dealing with electrical safety and plant Correct answer.

Explanation

Specific hazards such as plant near energised electrical installations are governed by detailed provisions in the WHS regulations, supported by codes of practice. These set mandatory controls such as exclusion zones and de-energising where required. Contracts and invoices do not create safety controls.

Question 7Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

What is the legal status of an approved code of practice under the model WHS laws?

  1. It is advisory only and can be ignored without consequence
  2. It provides practical guidance and may be used to show whether a duty was complied with Correct answer.
  3. It applies only to government-owned workplaces
  4. It is legally binding in every respect and replaces the Act

Explanation

An approved code of practice is not itself law, but it is admissible in proceedings and a court may consider it as evidence of whether a duty holder complied. A person may follow another method that achieves the same or better standard. This makes codes strong practical guidance rather than absolute rules.

Question 8Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A worker holds a high risk work licence for a portal boom crane. What does this licence legally authorise?

  1. Designing crane lift studies and certifying the crane
  2. Performing the licensed class of work, subject to the PCBU's duties and site requirements Correct answer.
  3. Operating any crane type on any site without further training
  4. Supervising all lifting operations on the site

Explanation

A high risk work licence authorises the holder to perform the specified class of high risk work. It does not replace the PCBU's duty to provide training, supervision and safe systems, nor does it extend to other crane classes or to engineering roles. Site-specific requirements still apply.

Question 9Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A person operates a portal boom crane while their high risk work licence has expired. What is the legal position?

  1. The operation is lawful if a supervisor is present
  2. The operation is unlawful because the person is not licensed to perform the work Correct answer.
  3. The operation is lawful if the lift is under one tonne
  4. The operation is lawful because the person was previously assessed as competent

Explanation

High risk work must be carried out by a person who holds a current licence for that class of work. An expired licence means the person is no longer licensed, regardless of prior experience. Allowing unlicensed operation also breaches the PCBU's duties.

Question 10Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

What must a PCBU do before allowing a worker to operate a portal boom crane for the first time at a new site?

  1. Issue the worker a copy of the crane manual only
  2. Record the worker's name in the site diary
  3. Rely on the worker's verbal assurance of experience
  4. Verify the licence and provide site-specific induction, training and supervision Correct answer.

Explanation

The PCBU must confirm the worker holds the correct current licence and then provide induction, site-specific information, training and supervision so the work is done safely. Experience alone is not a substitute for verification and induction. These steps form part of the duty to provide a safe system of work.

Question 11Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A principal contractor on a construction site becomes aware that a crane operator is repeatedly breaching exclusion zones. What is the most appropriate legal response?

  1. Ask the operator to sign a declaration promising to comply
  2. Take immediate steps to stop the unsafe practice and address the breach under the safety management arrangements Correct answer.
  3. Ignore it because the operator holds a valid licence
  4. Wait for the next scheduled safety audit

Explanation

A PCBU must act on known risks and ensure its safe system of work is followed, which includes stopping unsafe work and taking proportionate corrective action. A current licence does not excuse unsafe conduct. Delaying action or relying on a signed promise leaves the risk uncontrolled.

Question 12Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

Which person is legally responsible for notifying the regulator of a 'dangerous incident' involving a portal boom crane?

  1. The injured worker only
  2. The PCBU that has management or control of the workplace or plant Correct answer.
  3. Any member of the public who witnessed it
  4. The crane manufacturer in all cases

Explanation

The PCBU with management or control of the workplace or the plant involved must notify the regulator of a dangerous incident as soon as practicable. Notification duties are placed on duty holders, not on injured workers or bystanders. The manufacturer may have separate obligations but is not the default notifier.

Question 13Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A portal boom crane collapses and the boom strikes a worker, causing serious injury. Which statement about notifying the regulator is correct?

  1. Notification must wait until the insurance claim is settled
  2. Notification is only required if the worker dies
  3. The incident must be notified to the regulator as a notifiable incident Correct answer.
  4. Notification is optional because the injury was an accident

Explanation

A serious injury or dangerous incident arising from plant such as a crane is a notifiable incident under WHS law. The PCBU must notify the regulator immediately or as soon as practicable and preserve the site until instructed otherwise. Notification does not depend on death or on insurance processes.

Question 14Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

After a notifiable incident involving a portal boom crane, what must generally happen at the incident site?

  1. The site must be preserved and not disturbed until the regulator permits otherwise Correct answer.
  2. All workers must leave the site permanently
  3. The crane must be immediately dismantled and removed
  4. The site must be sold to a new owner

Explanation

The PCBU must preserve the site of a notifiable incident so far as reasonably practicable until the regulator has been notified and, where relevant, authorised disturbance. Limited action to make the site safe or help an injured person is permitted. This preserves evidence for investigation.

Question 15Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

What is a worker's legal duty in relation to their own health and safety while operating a portal boom crane?

  1. To override the supervisor's directions when they disagree
  2. To purchase their own safety equipment
  3. To personally guarantee that no incident will occur
  4. To take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their acts or omissions Correct answer.

Explanation

Workers must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for others affected by their acts or omissions, and must follow reasonable instructions and cooperate with safety policies. This duty sits alongside, not instead of, the PCBU's primary duty. It does not make workers guarantors of safety.

Question 16Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A crane operator is directed by a supervisor to lift a load that exceeds the crane's rated capacity. What should the operator do?

  1. Comply because the supervisor has more authority
  2. Refuse to perform the unsafe lift and report the direction Correct answer.
  3. Perform the lift but at reduced speed
  4. Ask another worker to perform the lift instead

Explanation

Workers must not carry out unsafe work and must follow the safe system of work, which includes the crane's rated capacity. An instruction to exceed capacity is unreasonable and should be refused and reported. Passing the task to another worker does not remove the hazard.

Question 17Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

What does 'duty of care' require of a crane operator toward a dogman working near the load?

  1. Complete elimination of all risk without exception
  2. Nothing, because the dogman is employed by another company
  3. Only a warning after the lift is complete
  4. Reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions that could foreseeably injure the dogman Correct answer.

Explanation

Duty of care requires taking reasonable care to avoid foreseeable harm to others affected by the work, including workers from other companies. The duty is not limited by employer boundaries. It is a standard of reasonable care, not absolute elimination of all risk.

Question 18Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

Which document sets out how a PCBU will manage the risks of crane operations and is required to be maintained under WHS law?

  1. The risk register or safe work method statement and associated safety management records Correct answer.
  2. A customer satisfaction survey
  3. The crane operator's personal resume
  4. A marketing brochure

Explanation

PCBUs must maintain records of risk management, such as risk registers, safe work method statements for high risk construction work, and documented control measures. These records demonstrate how risks have been identified and controlled. Marketing, survey and resume documents do not serve this function.

Question 19Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A portal boom crane is used for high risk construction work. What is generally required in relation to a safe work method statement (SWMS)?

  1. It can be replaced by a verbal briefing
  2. It must be prepared before work begins and workers must follow it Correct answer.
  3. It may be written after the work is complete
  4. It is only needed if the client requests it

Explanation

For high risk construction work, a SWMS must be prepared before the work starts, be specific to the task and site, and be followed by workers. It must also be reviewed and revised if controls change or a risk is not controlled. Verbal briefings and retrospective documents do not satisfy the requirement.

Question 20Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

What is the primary purpose of a high risk work licence assessment under the national scheme?

  1. To confirm the candidate can perform the licensed work safely and competently Correct answer.
  2. To certify the crane's structural integrity
  3. To replace the employer's safety obligations
  4. To guarantee the candidate will be employed

Explanation

The assessment verifies that a candidate can safely and competently perform the class of high risk work, usually through knowledge and practical assessment by a registered assessor. It does not guarantee employment, certify plant, or transfer employer duties.

Question 21Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A crane operator notices that a sling in use is damaged but the dogman says it is fine. What is the operator's most appropriate legal action?

  1. Record the damage and continue for the shift
  2. Continue the lift because the dogman accepted responsibility
  3. Stop the lift and have the damaged sling removed from service Correct answer.
  4. Continue but reduce the load weight

Explanation

Workers must not use plant or equipment that is defective and must take reasonable care for others' safety. A damaged sling creates a foreseeable risk, so the lift should stop until the item is quarantined and replaced. The dogman's assurance does not transfer the duty.

Question 22Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

What does the concept of 'management or control' of a workplace mean for WHS duties?

  1. It removes all duties from other PCBUs on site
  2. Only the owner of the land holds any duty
  3. Management or control only applies to office buildings
  4. The PCBU with management or control must ensure the workplace and its entry and exit are safe, so far as reasonably practicable Correct answer.

Explanation

A PCBU with management or control of a workplace has a duty to ensure the workplace, its entry and exit, and any fixtures or plant are safe so far as reasonably practicable. This duty sits alongside other duties and is not limited to a particular building type. Ownership alone is not the test.

Question 23Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

A crane operator holds a current licence but has never operated a portal boom crane model with a hydraulic luffing system. What must the PCBU do?

  1. Provide additional familiarisation and training on that specific crane before unsupervised operation Correct answer.
  2. Rely on the operator to learn during a live lift
  3. Allow operation because the licence covers the class
  4. Ask the operator to watch a video only

Explanation

A licence confirms competence in the class of work but does not cover the specific make, model and controls of every crane. The PCBU must provide familiarisation and any additional training needed before unsupervised operation. Live learning and video-only induction are not adequate for a different control system.

Question 24Compliance, duty of care and legal responsibilities

Which statement best reflects the relationship between the WHS Act and the WHS regulations?

  1. The two instruments are unrelated
  2. The regulations override the Act entirely
  3. The Act sets general duties, while the regulations prescribe detailed requirements and controls Correct answer.
  4. The Act applies only to mines and the regulations to all other sites

Explanation

The WHS Act establishes general duties and the framework, while the WHS regulations set out detailed, specific requirements such as licensing, plant and high risk work controls. The regulations operate within and support the Act rather than overriding it. Both instruments apply across the jurisdiction they cover.

Question 25Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Before a portal boom crane is used to lift a load near an overhead powerline, which control measure should be applied first?

  1. Fit insulated sleeves to the crane's outrigger legs
  2. Instruct the dogger to watch the powerline during the lift
  3. Arrange with the electricity supply authority to have the line de-energised and isolated Correct answer.
  4. Erect warning signs at the crane access gate

Explanation

The hierarchy of control requires eliminating the hazard before relying on administrative or protective measures. De-energising and isolating the line removes the electrical hazard entirely, so it outranks signage, insulation and observer instructions.

Question 26Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A portal boom crane is set up on compacted fill beside an excavation. Which hazard most directly threatens crane stability?

  1. Dust entering the operator cabin
  2. Ground collapse or subsidence under the outrigger or wheel loading Correct answer.
  3. Noise from the crane's diesel engine
  4. Reduced visibility from afternoon sun glare

Explanation

Crane stability depends on the ground carrying the outrigger or wheel loads without yielding. Ground near an excavation can subside or collapse, causing the crane to tip. Dust, noise and glare are health and visibility issues, not stability threats.

Question 27Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What is the main purpose of a pre-start hazard inspection of a portal boom crane?

  1. To confirm the crane's registration with the manufacturer
  2. To identify defects and hazards so they are controlled before work begins Correct answer.
  3. To allocate crane time to different site crews
  4. To record the crane's fuel consumption for the shift

Explanation

A pre-start inspection is a hazard identification step that lets defects and site hazards be controlled before the crane is used. Fuel records, manufacturer registration and crew scheduling are administrative tasks unrelated to hazard control.

Question 28Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A crane operator notices a hydraulic hose weeping oil during a lift. What is the correct immediate action?

  1. Increase engine speed to maintain hydraulic pressure
  2. Wipe the hose and resume lifting once the surface is dry
  3. Continue the lift and monitor the leak until the shift ends
  4. Stop the lift, lower the load safely and report the defect Correct answer.

Explanation

A leaking hydraulic hose indicates a defect that could lead to loss of control or sudden failure. The load must be landed safely and the defect reported and repaired before further lifting. Continuing or masking the leak leaves an uncontrolled hazard.

Question 29Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which environmental condition should cause a portal boom crane lift to be reassessed because it affects load control?

  1. Light rain falling on the crane's cab roof
  2. Ambient temperature below the operator's comfort level
  3. High humidity in the afternoon
  4. Wind speed approaching the crane's rated limit for the load Correct answer.

Explanation

Wind acting on the load and boom increases the effective load and can cause the load to drift out of control. Lifts must be reassessed or stopped as wind approaches the rated limit. Rain, temperature and humidity are comfort factors unless they create a specific hazard.

Question 30Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Why must a portal boom crane's load chart be consulted before every lift?

  1. It records the operator's competency and licence details
  2. It lists the crane's service history and maintenance dates
  3. It defines the maximum safe load for the boom length, radius and configuration in use Correct answer.
  4. It shows the crane's transport weight for road permits

Explanation

The load chart gives the rated capacity for each combination of boom length, radius and configuration. Exceeding it overloads the crane and can cause structural failure or tipping. Service history, transport weight and operator details are unrelated records.

Question 31Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A dogger is guiding a load and cannot see the crane operator. What is the safest control?

  1. Signal the operator to lift slowly without communication
  2. Ask a nearby worker to shout instructions to the operator
  3. Use a agreed communication method such as radio or hand signals relayed by a second person Correct answer.
  4. Have the dogger step closer to the load to regain line of sight

Explanation

When line of sight is lost, a reliable communication system must be in place before the lift continues. Radio contact or a relayed signal system keeps control with a competent person. Moving closer, lifting blind or relying on untrained shouting all remove reliable control.

Question 32Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

When planning a lift, what does the term 'slew zone' refer to?

  1. The area where the crane's outriggers are deployed
  2. The maximum height the hook can reach
  3. The area swept by the boom, load and counterweight as the crane rotates Correct answer.
  4. The distance from the crane to the nearest site boundary

Explanation

The slew zone is the space swept by the rotating superstructure, including the boom, load and rear counterweight. People and structures within it are exposed to crush and strike hazards. Boundary distance, hook height and outrigger footprint describe different things.

Question 33Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A portal boom crane is to lift a load over a public footpath. Which control best protects pedestrians?

  1. Post a sign asking pedestrians to watch for falling loads
  2. Schedule the lift for a quiet time of day
  3. Instruct the dogger to warn pedestrians verbally
  4. Close and divert the footpath with physical barriers for the duration of the lift Correct answer.

Explanation

Physical exclusion keeps people out of the hazard zone and does not depend on their cooperation. Signs, timing and verbal warnings are administrative measures that can fail if people ignore them or are distracted.

Question 34Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Why is a risk assessment reviewed after a change to the lift plan, such as a heavier load?

  1. The change may introduce new hazards or alter the effectiveness of existing controls Correct answer.
  2. The crane's fuel use will change with the load
  3. Reviews are required only to satisfy insurance paperwork
  4. The operator's shift length may need adjusting

Explanation

A heavier load changes forces, radii and control requirements, so hazards and control effectiveness must be reassessed. Reviews exist to manage real risk, not merely to satisfy paperwork, fuel use or rostering.

Question 35Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What is the primary hazard of operating a portal boom crane on a slope beyond the manufacturer's limit?

  1. The operator's view will be obstructed
  2. The crane may tip or the load may swing out of the rated radius Correct answer.
  3. The engine will overheat on the incline
  4. The crane's tyres will wear faster

Explanation

Operating on an excessive slope shifts the centre of gravity and changes the load radius, increasing tipping risk and causing the load to swing. Tyre wear, engine temperature and visibility are secondary or unrelated concerns.

Question 36Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A crane is working near a site office with workers inside. Which control is most appropriate?

  1. Have the operator avoid slewing over the office
  2. Ask office workers to listen for the crane's reversing alarm
  3. Relocate the office outside the slew zone or protect it with a suitable barrier Correct answer.
  4. Place a traffic cone at the office door

Explanation

The most reliable control is to remove people from the hazard by relocating the structure or providing a physical barrier. Alarms, cones and operator avoidance rely on behaviour and do not protect occupants if a load or crane component fails.

Question 37Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which factor is most important when selecting a suitable crane position on a site?

  1. Ground bearing capacity and the radius needed to reach the load Correct answer.
  2. Availability of shade for the operator
  3. Distance from the site's lunch room
  4. Proximity to the site's car parking area

Explanation

Crane position must ensure the ground can support the loads imposed and that the required radius is within the crane's capacity. Parking, lunch room distance and shade are convenience factors that do not govern stability or capacity.

Question 38Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What should be done if a load is found to be heavier than the mass stated on its documentation?

  1. Stop and reassess the lift against the load chart before proceeding Correct answer.
  2. Proceed if the load still looks within the crane's capability
  3. Reduce boom length while keeping the same radius
  4. Add counterweight to the crane and continue

Explanation

An unverified or incorrect mass means the lift may exceed the rated capacity, so the lift must stop and be reassessed. Adding counterweight, changing boom length without recalculation, or judging by appearance does not establish that the lift is safe.

Question 39Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which of the following best describes a residual risk after controls are applied to a crane lift?

  1. The risk transferred to another contractor
  2. The risk that existed before any controls were applied
  3. The risk that has been completely eliminated
  4. The risk that remains once the chosen controls are in place Correct answer.

Explanation

Residual risk is what remains after controls are implemented and must be evaluated to decide whether it is acceptable. Pre-control risk is the initial risk, elimination means no risk remains, and transferring risk does not describe residual risk.

Question 40Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A crane operator is asked to make a lift that the operator believes is unsafe. What is the correct response?

  1. Make the lift but keep the load low
  2. Make the lift because the supervisor has given the instruction
  3. Refuse the lift and raise the concern through the site's hazard reporting process Correct answer.
  4. Ask another worker to operate the crane for this lift

Explanation

A worker who believes a task is unsafe has the right and duty to stop and report it. Following an unsafe instruction, making a partial lift, or handing control to an unqualified person all allow the hazard to persist.

Question 41Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which of the following is an example of a engineering control for crane operations?

  1. Fitting a rated capacity limiter that prevents overload Correct answer.
  2. Requiring high-visibility clothing on site
  3. Rotating operators to reduce fatigue
  4. Conducting a toolbox talk before the shift

Explanation

Engineering controls change the plant or environment itself, such as a rated capacity limiter that intervenes to prevent overload. Toolbox talks, clothing requirements and operator rotation are administrative or PPE controls that depend on human behaviour.

Question 42Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Why should an exclusion zone under a suspended load be maintained even during a short lift?

  1. A load can fall or swing at any time, so people must not be beneath it Correct answer.
  2. The zone keeps the crane's paintwork clean
  3. It reduces the load's weight on the hook
  4. The crane's exhaust fumes are concentrated under the load

Explanation

Suspended loads can drop or swing unexpectedly because of equipment failure, wind or load shift, so no one should stand or pass beneath them. Fumes, paintwork and hook loading are not the reason for the exclusion zone.

Question 43Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A portal boom crane must travel with a suspended load across uneven ground. Which combination of controls best manages the risk?

  1. A planned route with ground assessment, reduced speed and a spotter Correct answer.
  2. Relying on the crane's suspension to absorb all movement
  3. Travelling at normal speed to reduce exposure time
  4. Using the highest gear to smooth the ride

Explanation

Travelling with a suspended load combines travel and lifting hazards, so the route must be assessed, speed kept low and a spotter used to control the load and people. Higher speed or gearing increases load swing and tipping risk, and suspension cannot absorb all movement.

Question 44Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Two cranes are to work in the same area. Which control is most important to prevent collision?

  1. Painting each crane a different colour
  2. Relying on each operator to watch the other crane
  3. Scheduling both cranes to work simultaneously without a plan
  4. A coordinated lift plan defining each crane's zone, sequence and communication Correct answer.

Explanation

Multiple cranes create collision and load interaction hazards that require a coordinated plan setting zones, sequence and communication. Colour coding, unplanned simultaneous work and informal observation do not provide reliable separation.

Question 45Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What is the main risk of lifting a load with a large surface area in strong wind?

  1. The load's mass increases significantly
  2. The load chart becomes invalid for all loads
  3. The crane's hydraulic oil thins and loses pressure
  4. The load acts as a sail, increasing forces and causing loss of control Correct answer.

Explanation

A large surface area catches the wind, adding force to the load and boom and causing the load to drift or swing. The mass does not increase, hydraulic oil behaviour is not the issue, and the load chart remains valid for the configuration.

Question 46Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A site introduces a new crane model with a different load chart. What is the most appropriate action before work starts?

  1. Update the lift plan and brief operators and doggers on the new capacities and controls Correct answer.
  2. Assume the new crane has the same capacity as the old one
  3. Rely on the operator to read the new chart on the day
  4. Continue using the old lift plan because the task is unchanged

Explanation

A different load chart changes the safe capacities and radii, so the lift plan and worker briefing must be updated. Reusing the old plan, relying on ad hoc reading or assuming equal capacity leaves the lift uncontrolled.

Question 47Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which approach best demonstrates consultation in managing crane hazards on a site?

  1. Recording hazards only when an incident occurs
  2. Involving operators, doggers and affected workers in identifying hazards and reviewing controls Correct answer.
  3. Distributing the lift plan after the lift is complete
  4. Having management finalise the lift plan without worker input

Explanation

Consultation means involving the workers who do the task in identifying hazards and shaping controls, which improves the quality and ownership of the risk assessment. Management-only planning, late distribution and incident-only recording exclude the people best placed to identify hazards.

Question 48Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A crane's outrigger is set on a timber pad over a buried service. Which is the most significant hazard?

  1. The timber may rot before the crane is packed up
  2. The service may interfere with radio communications
  3. The pad may make the crane noisier
  4. The service may be damaged or the pad may fail, causing the crane to move Correct answer.

Explanation

Loading a buried service through an outrigger pad can damage the service and cause the pad to settle or fail, destabilising the crane. Rot, radio interference and noise are not the principal hazards in this situation.

Question 49Portal boom crane fundamentals, terminology and rated capacity

On a portal boom crane, what does the rated capacity represent?

  1. The load at which the crane's structural steel begins to yield
  2. The average load the crane can move in one hour of operation
  3. The maximum load the crane may lift for a given configuration and radius Correct answer.
  4. The mass of the crane including all counterweight and ballast

Explanation

Rated capacity is the maximum load a crane is permitted to lift under a specific set of conditions such as boom length, radius and configuration. It is set by the manufacturer after applying design factors and is shown on the load chart for that configuration. It is not a structural yield point, a machine mass, or a productivity figure.

Question 50Portal boom crane fundamentals, terminology and rated capacity

What is the term for the horizontal distance from the crane's slew centre to the centre of the suspended load?

  1. Radius Correct answer.
  2. Clearance
  3. Boom angle
  4. Headroom

Explanation

Radius is measured horizontally from the centre of rotation of the crane to the vertical line through the load's centre of gravity. Radius increases as the boom is lowered or extended, and rated capacity falls as radius increases. Boom angle and headroom describe different geometric features.