HK Crane Operator (CIC) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Load moment

Load weight multiplied by the horizontal radius from the crane's slewing centre to the load's centre of gravity; the load moment limiter compares this value with the crane's rated moment curve.

Rated capacity

The maximum load a crane may lift at a stated radius and configuration under the manufacturer's chart, including or excluding rigging as the chart specifies, and within structural and stability limits.

Working radius

The horizontal distance from the slewing centre to the vertical line through the load's centre of gravity, measured with the boom under load because deflection increases the radius.

Rated capacity limiter

A device that senses load and radius and warns or stops motions before the rated capacity is exceeded; it must be calibrated, in operation, and never overridden to allow an overload lift.

Outrigger pad bearing pressure

The outrigger load divided by the area of the pad or spreader mat; it must stay below the ground's safe bearing capacity to prevent sinking and overturning.

Sling angle factor

The multiplier applied to a load to find tension per sling leg; it equals one divided by the cosine of the angle from vertical, so flatter slings carry far greater tension.

Safe working load

The maximum load a sling, shackle or other lifting accessory is rated to carry in a stated configuration, marked on the item and reduced for non-vertical or asymmetric loading.

Shock loading

Dynamic force produced by snatching, sudden stopping or a swinging load, which can exceed the static weight several times and overload rigging or the boom.

Two-crane tandem lift

A planned lift using two cranes on one load, requiring a written method statement, a lift supervisor, radio contact, and each crane rated for its planned share plus margin.

Pick-and-carry

Travelling with a suspended load on a mobile crane; capacity is much lower than stationary rating because tyre deflection and suspension movement reduce stability, so the travel chart applies.

Boom deflection effect

Bending of the boom under load lowers the boom tip and increases the working radius, so the actual capacity is less than the chart value for the unloaded radius.

Parts of line

The number of rope falls between boom tip and hook block; more parts reduce line pull and load per rope part but slow hoisting speed.

Dead wraps on drum

The minimum number of rope turns kept on the hoist drum at all times, as specified by the manufacturer, to retain rope anchorage and prevent the rope pulling free.

Thorough examination

A detailed inspection by a competent examiner at the statutory interval, with a report of the result, required before the crane is returned to service after certain events.

Pre-use inspection

Checks carried out by the operator before each shift, covering brakes, limit switches, ropes, hooks, latches, outriggers, level indicator and the rated capacity limiter.

Tower crane tip load

The maximum load permitted at the jib end, which often governs capacity at long radius; the load moment limiter must respect both the moment curve and the tip limit.

Tower crane climbing

Adding mast sections to raise a tower crane, carried out to the manufacturer's procedure with a method statement, exclusion zone, wind monitoring and trained personnel.

Overhead line clearance

The minimum distance kept between any part of the crane or load and live power lines, set by the supply voltage; goal posts, barriers or a permit control the approach.

Slewing brake

The brake that holds or slows the crane's rotation; it must be tested before use and applied smoothly, since abrupt braking swings the load and creates shock loading.

Banksman (signalman)

The designated person who directs the operator by standard hand signals or radio; only one signalman directs at a time, and anyone may give the emergency stop.

Standard hand signals

Agreed movements for raise, lower, slew, boom up or down, extend or retract, stop and emergency stop, given clearly from a position in the operator's view.

Crawler crane

A crane on continuous tracks, giving low ground pressure and the ability to travel with a load on prepared ground, but requiring transport between sites.

All-terrain mobile crane

A wheeled crane with telescopic boom able to travel on public roads and set up on outriggers on site; capacity depends on outrigger spread and counterweight.

Lorry loader

A crane mounted on a truck for loading and unloading the vehicle; stability relies on the vehicle's mass and outriggers, and the loader's own chart applies.

Man-riding basket

A certified platform for lifting people, used only with a specific risk assessment, secondary retention, reduced capacity and the manufacturer's approval for personnel lifting.

Wind speed limit

The maximum wind speed at which a crane may work in a given boom or jib configuration, set by the manufacturer; sail-area loads reach the limit sooner than the crane itself.

Crane level tolerance

The maximum out-of-level condition allowed by the manufacturer, commonly about one percent, because the capacity chart assumes the crane is set up level.

Hook safety latch

A spring-loaded device that closes the hook throat to stop slings slipping off; it must be present and working, and hooks must not be side-loaded beyond their rating.

Wire rope discard criteria

Conditions requiring removal from service, such as broken wires over a set count, kinking, bird-caging, severe corrosion or diameter loss beyond the manufacturer's limit.

Load chart selection

Choosing the correct chart page for the actual configuration - counterweight, outrigger spread, boom or jib combination and tyre pressure - before assessing any lift.

Suspended load rule

A load must never be left unattended, slewed over people or allowed to swing freely; the operator keeps control and lowers it to a safe landing before leaving the controls.

Emergency stop signal

A signal that any person may give, requiring the operator to stop all crane motions immediately and hold position until the reason is established and cleared.