I85PREP
⌘ K
HK Builder's Lift Operator (CIC) study materials
HK Builder's Lift Operator (CIC) study resources

HK Builder's Lift Operator (CIC) practice questions

One question at a time. Build your HK Builder's Lift Operator (CIC) understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations, which person is responsible for ensuring that a builder's lift is not used unless it has a valid certificate of safety?

  1. The lift operator on duty
  2. The contractor responsible for the construction site Correct answer.
  3. The manufacturer of the builder's lift
  4. The Labour Department inspector

Explanation

The regulations place the duty on the contractor responsible for the site to ensure that a builder's lift is not used unless a valid certificate of safety is in force. The operator's duty is to operate safely, not to certify the equipment. The manufacturer and the inspector have no statutory duty to ensure daily use compliance.

Question 2Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

What is the maximum interval between thorough examinations of a builder's lift under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations?

  1. Every 12 months
  2. Every 3 months
  3. Every 6 months Correct answer.
  4. Every 24 months

Explanation

The regulations require a builder's lift to be thoroughly examined by a competent examiner at intervals not exceeding six months. A certificate of safety must be issued following the examination and kept available on site. More frequent inspection may be required after alteration or repair.

Question 3Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Which document must a builder's lift operator hold to operate a builder's lift on a construction site in Hong Kong?

  1. A valid electrical worker licence
  2. A valid builder's lift operator certificate issued by the Construction Industry Council Correct answer.
  3. A valid certificate of safety for the lift
  4. A valid first-aid certificate

Explanation

Only a person holding a valid builder's lift operator certificate may operate a builder's lift. The certificate is issued after training and assessment by the Construction Industry Council. The certificate of safety relates to the equipment, not the operator, and electrical or first-aid qualifications do not authorise operation.

Question 4Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Before starting a shift, what should a builder's lift operator do if the certificate of safety for the lift is not displayed or available on site?

  1. Refuse to operate the lift and report the matter to the contractor responsible Correct answer.
  2. Borrow a certificate from another lift on the same site
  3. Operate the lift carefully and report the missing certificate at the end of the shift
  4. Ask a colleague to operate the lift instead

Explanation

A builder's lift must not be used unless a valid certificate of safety is in force and available. The operator should refuse to operate and report the deficiency to the contractor responsible. Operating without the certificate or passing the task to an unqualified colleague would breach the regulations.

Question 5Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations, what must be provided at each landing of a builder's lift?

  1. A telephone connected to the site office
  2. A fire extinguisher
  3. A warning sign in English only
  4. A secure gate that cannot be opened from the outside except by the operator Correct answer.

Explanation

Each landing must be fitted with a secure gate that is kept closed and locked except when the platform is at that landing. The gate must be incapable of being opened from the outside except by the operator. This prevents falls into the liftway and unauthorised access.

Question 6Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

What is the maximum rated load that may be carried in a builder's lift at any one time?

  1. The load that the operator estimates to be safe
  2. The load that the platform can physically contain
  3. The load stated in the manufacturer's manual, regardless of the certificate
  4. The safe working load specified in the current certificate of safety Correct answer.

Explanation

The safe working load is the maximum load specified in the certificate of safety for the particular lift. The operator must ensure that neither the number of persons nor the total weight exceeds that figure. Manufacturer's data and personal estimates do not override the certified safe working load.

Question 7Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

When should a builder's lift operator carry out a pre-use inspection of the lift?

  1. Only after the lift has been repaired
  2. At the start of each shift before the lift is used Correct answer.
  3. Only when a Labour Department inspector requests it
  4. Once a week on a fixed day

Explanation

The operator must inspect the builder's lift before use at the beginning of each shift. The inspection covers such items as the gates, interlocks, ropes and control devices. Recording the inspection and reporting defects promptly are part of the operator's duty.

Question 8Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

What action should a builder's lift operator take if a landing gate interlock is found to be defective during the pre-use check?

  1. Tie the gate shut with wire and continue operating
  2. Stop using the lift, lock it out, and report the defect to the contractor responsible Correct answer.
  3. Operate the lift only at slow speed
  4. Ask the passengers to hold the gate closed during travel

Explanation

A defective interlock means the lift is unsafe and must be taken out of service. The operator should isolate or lock out the lift and report the defect so that it can be repaired and re-examined. Improvising with wire, slow speed or manual holding does not make the lift safe.

Question 9Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations, who may carry out a thorough examination of a builder's lift?

  1. The lift operator
  2. The site safety officer
  3. A competent examiner Correct answer.
  4. The contractor's foreman

Explanation

A thorough examination must be carried out by a competent examiner, who is a person with the required qualifications and experience recognised under the regulations. The operator, safety officer and foreman may inspect and report but cannot issue the certificate of safety. The examiner's role is distinct from routine inspection.

Question 10Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Which of the following is a duty placed on a builder's lift operator by the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations?

  1. To conduct the annual financial audit of the site
  2. To design the lift's control system
  3. To ensure that the lift is not operated in an unsafe manner Correct answer.
  4. To purchase spare parts for the lift

Explanation

The operator must operate the builder's lift safely and must not operate it in an unsafe manner. This includes observing the safe working load, keeping gates closed and refusing to operate a defective lift. Design, procurement and audit duties fall outside the operator's statutory role.

Question 11Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

A builder's lift operator is asked to carry a load that exceeds the safe working load because the site is behind schedule. What is the correct response?

  1. Carry half the load now and the rest later without recording it
  2. Carry the load only if no one else is on the platform
  3. Carry the load but reduce the speed of travel
  4. Refuse to carry the overload and explain the safe working load limit Correct answer.

Explanation

The safe working load must never be exceeded, regardless of programme pressure. The operator should refuse the overload and explain the limit to the person giving the instruction. Overloading can cause structural failure, rope failure or loss of control.

Question 12Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

What must be displayed inside a builder's lift or at the landing to inform users of the permitted load?

  1. The operator's training certificate
  2. A copy of the site safety policy
  3. The manufacturer's telephone number
  4. A notice stating the safe working load and the maximum number of persons Correct answer.

Explanation

A notice specifying the safe working load and the maximum number of persons must be displayed so that users are aware of the limits. This supports the operator's duty to prevent overloading. Other site documents do not substitute for this specific notice.

Question 13Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations, what is required when a builder's lift is erected on a site?

  1. It must be examined and certified by a competent examiner before use Correct answer.
  2. It must be insured against theft
  3. It must be tested with a full load every day
  4. It must be painted in a bright colour

Explanation

Before a builder's lift is put into use, it must be thoroughly examined and certified by a competent examiner. The certificate of safety must then be kept available and the lift re-examined at the prescribed intervals. Colour, daily load testing and insurance are not the statutory pre-use requirement.

Question 14Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

What should a builder's lift operator do if a passenger attempts to open the landing gate while the lift is moving?

  1. Continue travelling and warn the passenger verbally
  2. Increase speed to reach the landing quickly
  3. Stop the lift at the next landing and refuse to carry the passenger Correct answer.
  4. Ignore the behaviour because the interlock will prevent opening

Explanation

The operator must stop the lift at the next landing and prevent the passenger from continuing the journey. Interference with the gate creates a serious risk of falling from the platform. The operator should also report the incident so that the hazard can be managed.

Question 15Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations?

  1. To ensure the safe construction, use and maintenance of builder's lifts Correct answer.
  2. To regulate the wages of lift operators
  3. To require builder's lifts to be registered as vehicles
  4. To set out the fees for operating a builder's lift

Explanation

The regulations are safety legislation aimed at ensuring that builder's lifts are properly constructed, examined, maintained and used. They impose duties on contractors, examiners and operators. Fee setting, wage regulation and vehicle registration are outside their scope.

Question 16Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

A builder's lift has been modified by the contractor to increase its platform size. What must happen before the lift is used again?

  1. The lift may be used at half the normal load
  2. The modification must be photographed for the site file
  3. The operator may use it if the modification looks strong
  4. The lift must be thoroughly examined and a new certificate of safety issued Correct answer.

Explanation

Any alteration or modification affecting the safety of a builder's lift requires a fresh thorough examination and a new certificate of safety before further use. The modification may change the safe working load or structural behaviour. Visual assessment or reduced loading is not an acceptable substitute.

Question 17Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations, what is the operator required to do if the lift's overspeed safety device operates during a journey?

  1. Continue at a lower speed without reporting
  2. Reset the device and continue the journey
  3. Stop using the lift and report the incident for examination Correct answer.
  4. Dismantle the device to prevent it operating again

Explanation

Operation of the overspeed safety device indicates a fault or unsafe condition. The lift must be taken out of service and the incident reported so that the cause can be investigated and the lift re-examined. Resetting, dismantling or continuing at lower speed would defeat the safety device.

Question 18Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Which of the following records must be kept for a builder's lift under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations?

  1. The names of all visitors to the site
  2. The certificate of safety and records of thorough examinations Correct answer.
  3. The operator's daily travel expenses
  4. The fuel consumption of the site vehicles

Explanation

The certificate of safety and records of thorough examinations must be kept and made available for inspection. These records demonstrate that the lift has been examined at the required intervals. Travel expenses, visitor lists and fuel records are unrelated to the lift's safety regime.

Question 19Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

What is the operator's duty when a builder's lift is left unattended at the end of a shift?

  1. Lower the platform to the ground and remove the landing gates
  2. Leave the keys in the control panel for the next operator
  3. Secure the lift against unauthorised use and leave it in a safe condition Correct answer.
  4. Leave the platform at the top landing with the gate open

Explanation

At the end of a shift the operator must leave the lift in a safe condition and secure it against unauthorised use. This typically includes isolating the power and securing the controls. Leaving gates open, keys accessible or gates removed creates serious hazards.

Question 20Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Which legislation is the primary source of the statutory duties for builder's lift operators in Hong Kong?

  1. The Road Traffic Ordinance
  2. The Buildings Ordinance
  3. The Employees' Compensation Ordinance
  4. The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations Correct answer.

Explanation

The Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations set out the specific statutory duties for the safe use of builder's lifts. The Road Traffic Ordinance concerns vehicles, the Buildings Ordinance concerns building works approval, and the Employees' Compensation Ordinance concerns compensation. None of these regulates builder's lift operation.

Question 21Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

A builder's lift operator notices that the wire rope has several broken wires. What is the correct action?

  1. Stop using the lift and report the defect for examination and repair Correct answer.
  2. Reduce the load by half and continue operating
  3. Continue operating and monitor the rope weekly
  4. Apply grease to the broken wires and continue

Explanation

Broken wires in a lift rope indicate deterioration that may reduce its strength. The lift must be taken out of service and the defect reported so that the rope can be examined and replaced if necessary. Greasing or reducing load does not restore rope integrity.

Question 22Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations, what is the consequence for a contractor who permits a builder's lift to be used without a valid certificate of safety?

  1. The operator alone is liable, not the contractor
  2. The contractor only needs to apologise to the workers
  3. The contractor may be prosecuted and liable to a fine Correct answer.
  4. The lift is automatically transferred to the Government

Explanation

Using a builder's lift without a valid certificate of safety is an offence under the regulations, and the contractor responsible may be prosecuted and fined. The operator may also face liability for unsafe operation. An apology or transfer of the lift does not discharge the legal responsibility.

Question 23Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

What is the operator's responsibility regarding the landing gates while the lift platform is at a landing?

  1. The gate may be removed to speed up loading
  2. The gate must be kept closed and locked except when the platform is at that landing Correct answer.
  3. The gate may be left open if the operator is nearby
  4. The gate may be opened by any worker who needs access

Explanation

Landing gates must be kept closed and locked except when the platform is at the landing for loading or unloading. This prevents persons from falling into the liftway. Leaving gates open, removing them or allowing uncontrolled opening defeats this protection.

Question 24Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

A builder's lift operator is asked to operate a lift that has just been repaired after a failure. What must be confirmed before the lift is used?

  1. That the lift has been washed and cleaned
  2. That the repair cost has been approved by the contractor
  3. That the repair was done by the site foreman
  4. That the lift has been examined and a certificate of safety is in force Correct answer.

Explanation

After a repair affecting safety, the lift must be thoroughly examined and a valid certificate of safety must be in force before it is used again. The examiner's certification confirms that the repair has restored the lift to a safe condition. Who did the repair or whether it was cleaned is not the legal test.

Question 25Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Which of the following statements about the operator's authority is correct under Hong Kong law?

  1. The operator may only refuse if the contractor agrees in writing
  2. The operator has the authority and duty to refuse to operate an unsafe builder's lift Correct answer.
  3. The operator must operate the lift if a Labour Department inspector is on site
  4. The operator must obey any instruction from a supervisor even if it is unsafe

Explanation

The operator has both the authority and the duty to refuse to operate a builder's lift that is unsafe or not properly certified. Safety obligations under the regulations override instructions to act unsafely. Written agreement or the presence of an inspector does not remove this duty.

Question 26Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations, what must a contractor ensure regarding the thorough examination of a builder's lift before it is first used on a construction site?

  1. That a thorough examination has been carried out by the operator before each shift.
  2. That a thorough examination has been carried out by a competent examiner since the lift was last erected or altered. Correct answer.
  3. That a thorough examination has been carried out by the manufacturer at the time of purchase only.
  4. That a thorough examination has been carried out by a competent examiner within the preceding 6 months.

Explanation

The Regulations require that a builder's lift be thoroughly examined by a competent examiner after erection or alteration and before it is first used, and subsequently at prescribed intervals. The examination must be by a competent examiner, not the operator, and must be current for the lift's configuration. A one-off manufacturer's examination at purchase does not satisfy the requirement for site erection or alteration.

Question 27Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

A builder's lift operator finds that the lift's rated load plate is missing. What is the operator's most appropriate immediate action under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations?

  1. Make a temporary handwritten sign showing the rated load and continue operating.
  2. Record the defect in the logbook and continue operating until the end of the shift.
  3. Continue operating but limit the load to half the rated capacity as a precaution.
  4. Report the missing plate to the person in charge and take the lift out of service until the plate is replaced. Correct answer.

Explanation

The Regulations require that the rated load be clearly marked on the lift, and the operator must not use a lift that does not comply. A missing plate means the permitted load is not displayed, so the lift should be reported and taken out of service until the plate is restored. Continuing operation, even with a reduced load or a temporary sign, does not meet the statutory marking requirement.

Question 28Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Which of the following is a duty of the competent examiner when conducting a thorough examination of a builder's lift under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations?

  1. To issue a certificate of thorough examination only if the lift is safe for use. Correct answer.
  2. To inform the Commissioner for Labour immediately of any defect found.
  3. To supervise the operator during the examination.
  4. To operate the lift personally to test its functions under load.

Explanation

The competent examiner must carry out the thorough examination and, if satisfied that the lift is in safe working order, issue a certificate of thorough examination. The certificate is the formal record that allows the lift to be used. The examiner does not personally operate the lift as a substitute for the operator, nor is the examiner required to supervise the operator or report every defect directly to the Commissioner.

Question 29Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

A builder's lift operator is instructed by a site supervisor to allow a worker to ride on the lift platform while it is carrying a load of materials. What is the operator's correct response under Hong Kong law?

  1. Allow the worker to ride provided the total load does not exceed the rated load.
  2. Allow the worker to ride only if the worker holds a valid safety card.
  3. Refuse, because the Regulations prohibit the carriage of persons on a builder's lift except in specified circumstances. Correct answer.
  4. Allow the worker to ride if the supervisor signs a written authorization.

Explanation

Builder's lifts are primarily for materials, and the Regulations restrict the carriage of persons. Passengers may only be carried where the lift is designed and permitted for that purpose and the required safety measures are in place. A supervisor's instruction or a worker's safety card does not override the statutory prohibition.

Question 30Legislation, regulations and codes of practice

Under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Builder's Lifts) Regulations, what is the operator required to do before leaving the lift unattended at the end of a shift?

  1. Leave the platform at the highest landing to save time on the next shift.
  2. Leave the lift running but lock the landing gates.
  3. Lower the platform to the ground or the lowest landing and secure the controls. Correct answer.
  4. Ask a co-worker to watch the lift until the next shift starts.

Explanation

When a builder's lift is left unattended, the operator must bring the platform to a safe position, normally the ground or lowest landing, and secure the controls so that unauthorized persons cannot operate it. Leaving the platform elevated or the lift running creates a risk of unauthorized use and falls. A co-worker watching the lift is not a substitute for securing it.

Question 31Builder's lift types, structures and components

On a builder's lift, what is the primary function of the mast?

  1. To guide and support the car vertically while carrying the working loads Correct answer.
  2. To provide the electrical power supply to the hoist motor
  3. To act as the main anchorage for the operator's safety harness
  4. To carry the suspended counterweight along guide rails

Explanation

The mast is the vertical structure that guides the car and carries the loads imposed by the car, the payload and the tie-ins to the building. It is anchored to the structure at intervals so that the combined loads reach the building safely.

Question 32Builder's lift types, structures and components

Which component of a builder's lift directly engages the rack to raise and lower the car?

  1. The drive pinion (output gear) Correct answer.
  2. The tie-in collar
  3. The safety device wedge block
  4. The guide roller assembly

Explanation

On a rack-and-pinion builder's lift, the motor drives a pinion that meshes with the vertical rack fixed to the mast. Rotation of the pinion against the rack produces the lifting motion.

Question 33Builder's lift types, structures and components

What is the purpose of the tie-ins fitted between the mast and the building structure?

  1. To provide a walkway between the car and the landing
  2. To allow the mast to be climbed automatically without a crane
  3. To transfer mast loads into the building and keep the mast plumb and stable Correct answer.
  4. To earth the electrical system of the hoist

Explanation

Tie-ins are structural connections at specified vertical intervals that restrain the mast and pass wind and operational loads into the building. They also maintain the plumbness and stability of the mast.

Question 34Builder's lift types, structures and components

A builder's lift car is fitted with a centrifugal overspeed governor. What does this device do when the car descends too fast?

  1. It cuts the hoist motor power but applies no braking
  2. It sounds an alarm in the site office only
  3. It trips the safety device so the car grips the mast Correct answer.
  4. It releases the counterweight to slow the car

Explanation

The overspeed governor detects excessive downward speed and triggers the safety device, which grips the mast guide or rack and brings the car to a controlled stop. It is an independent protective system, not merely an alarm.

Question 35Builder's lift types, structures and components

Which statement best describes a rack-and-pinion builder's lift compared with a rope-suspended hoist?

  1. The car is raised by a chain loop driven from a ground-level winch
  2. The car is driven by a pinion meshing with a toothed rack fixed to the mast Correct answer.
  3. The car is lifted by a hydraulic ram acting directly under the platform
  4. The car is supported by steel wire ropes running over a sheave at the mast top

Explanation

A rack-and-pinion lift has a toothed rack mounted along the mast, and a motor-driven pinion on the car climbs the rack. This removes reliance on wire ropes for suspension.

Question 36Builder's lift types, structures and components

Why must the safety device on a builder's lift operate on the rack or a dedicated safety guide rather than on the same surface used for normal driving?

  1. To allow the safety device to be tested only when the car is loaded
  2. Because the rack is always made of softer steel than the guide
  3. Because regulations forbid braking on any toothed component
  4. So that normal wear on the drive surface cannot reduce braking effectiveness Correct answer.

Explanation

The safety device grips a surface that is not subject to the continuous wear of the driving interface, so its braking performance stays reliable. This independence is central to the fail-safe concept.

Question 37Builder's lift types, structures and components

What is the function of the guide rollers on a builder's lift car?

  1. To tension the hoist ropes
  2. To drive the car up the mast
  3. To keep the car aligned with the mast and transmit horizontal loads Correct answer.
  4. To lock the car at each landing

Explanation

Guide rollers run against the mast sections and constrain the car laterally, keeping it aligned and transferring horizontal forces into the mast. They do not provide motive power.

Question 38Builder's lift types, structures and components

A builder's lift has a rated load of 2000 kg and a car mass of 1500 kg. Which information is essential before deciding whether a particular load may be carried?

  1. The length of the electrical supply cable
  2. The number of tie-in bolts used at the topmost tie
  3. The rated load and the load distribution limits stated by the manufacturer Correct answer.
  4. The colour coding of the mast sections

Explanation

Safe loading depends on the rated load and on how the load is distributed within the car, since eccentric loading can overload the mast and car structure. The manufacturer's load chart governs what may be carried.

Question 39Builder's lift types, structures and components

Why are builder's lift landing gates fitted with interlocks?

  1. To prevent the car from being moved unless the gate is closed and secured Correct answer.
  2. To count the number of passengers using the lift
  3. To illuminate the landing when the car arrives
  4. To slow the car as it approaches the landing

Explanation

Landing gate interlocks ensure the car cannot be operated unless the gate at the landing is closed and locked. This prevents persons from falling into the hoistway or being struck by a moving car.

Question 40Builder's lift types, structures and components

What is the role of the counterweight on a builder's lift that is fitted with one?

  1. To keep the mast plumb during high winds
  2. To balance part of the car and payload weight and reduce drive loads Correct answer.
  3. To act as a secondary safety device during overspeed
  4. To increase the maximum rated load of the car

Explanation

A counterweight offsets part of the car and payload weight, reducing the torque required from the drive and the loads in the mast. It runs in its own guided path alongside the mast.

Question 41Builder's lift types, structures and components

An operator notices the mast sections are joined with special high-strength bolts and that some bolts are missing on a section joint. What is the correct action?

  1. Continue operating and report the missing bolts at the end of the shift
  2. Stop operation and report the defect so the joint can be made good before use Correct answer.
  3. Tighten the remaining bolts and resume normal operation
  4. Continue operating but reduce the rated load by half

Explanation

Mast section joints rely on all specified bolts to transmit loads; missing bolts compromise the structural integrity of the mast. Operation must stop and the defect must be rectified before the lift is used again.

Question 42Builder's lift types, structures and components

Which item forms part of the car structure and provides the platform on which materials are carried?

  1. The final limit switch
  2. The car deck (platform) with its supporting frame Correct answer.
  3. The anemometer
  4. The slack-rope detector

Explanation

The car deck and its supporting frame form the load-bearing platform of the car onto which materials are placed. The other items are control or safety devices rather than structural members.

Question 43Builder's lift types, structures and components

What is the purpose of the final limit switch on a builder's lift?

  1. To switch on the mast warning light at night
  2. To stop the car if it travels beyond its normal uppermost limit Correct answer.
  3. To lock the landing gate during operation
  4. To measure the weight of the load in the car

Explanation

The final limit switch is a backup device that cuts the power if the car overruns its normal top limit, preventing the car from running into the mast head. It operates independently of the normal limit.

Question 44Builder's lift types, structures and components

A builder's lift is installed next to a building and the manufacturer specifies a maximum free-standing height before the first tie-in is required. Why is this limit important?

  1. Because the operator cannot see the car above that height
  2. Because the landing gates are not available above that height
  3. Because the electrical cable cannot reach higher without a tie
  4. Because the untied mast must resist wind and operational loads by its own strength and foundation Correct answer.

Explanation

Below the first tie-in the mast acts as a cantilever and must resist wind and operational loads through its own strength and base fixing. Exceeding the free-standing height risks overstressing the mast and foundation.

Question 45Builder's lift types, structures and components

Which component protects the drive from damage if the car jams against an obstruction while descending?

  1. The landing gate spring
  2. The overload sensor on the car deck
  3. The slack-rope or slack-chain detector, where fitted Correct answer.
  4. The mast tie-in collar

Explanation

On machines using ropes or chains, a slack-rope or slack-chain detector senses loss of tension caused by a jammed car and stops the drive. This prevents rope or chain damage and further hazardous movement.

Question 46Builder's lift types, structures and components

What is the primary reason for fitting a toe board around the edge of a builder's lift car deck?

  1. To increase the rated load of the car
  2. To provide a handhold for the operator
  3. To reduce wind loading on the car
  4. To prevent materials and tools from falling off the deck Correct answer.

Explanation

Toe boards along the deck edges stop loose materials and tools from sliding or being kicked off the car and falling onto persons below. They are a basic falling-object control.

Question 47Builder's lift types, structures and components

A builder's lift uses a climbing frame to extend the mast as the building rises. Which statement about this process is correct?

  1. Mast climbing can proceed in any wind condition as long as the car is empty
  2. The car may carry workers during mast climbing without restriction
  3. The climbing frame lifts new mast sections into place using the lift's own drive and a suitable support arrangement Correct answer.
  4. The tie-ins may be omitted during climbing and fitted later at random

Explanation

The climbing frame uses the drive to raise new mast sections and insert them into the mast, following the manufacturer's procedure. Climbing is a controlled operation with defined wind limits and tie-in requirements.

Question 48Builder's lift types, structures and components

What does an overload device fitted to a builder's lift car do?

  1. It prevents the car from being started when the load exceeds the rated capacity Correct answer.
  2. It records the weight of each load for billing purposes
  3. It automatically opens the landing gate when the car is full
  4. It increases motor power to lift heavier loads

Explanation

An overload device senses when the load in the car exceeds the rated capacity and prevents the lift from operating. This protects the car structure, mast and drive from overstress.

Question 49Builder's lift types, structures and components

Which combination correctly describes the load path from a suspended load in the car down to the ground?

  1. Load, car deck, car frame, drive pinion and rack, mast, tie-ins and base, ground Correct answer.
  2. Load, car deck, electrical cable, control panel, ground
  3. Load, car deck, safety device, counterweight, ground
  4. Load, car deck, guide rollers, landing gate, ground

Explanation

Loads pass from the deck through the car frame to the pinion and rack, then into the mast and through the tie-ins and base into the building and ground. Understanding this path shows why each component must be sound.

Question 50Builder's lift types, structures and components

What is the purpose of the base frame and foundation of a builder's lift?

  1. To provide storage for spare mast sections
  2. To support the landing gates only
  3. To spread the mast and car loads into the supporting ground or structure Correct answer.
  4. To house the operator's rest area

Explanation

The base frame and foundation distribute the vertical and overturning loads from the mast into the ground or supporting structure. Adequate foundation design is essential to overall stability.