MA Crane Operator flashcards

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

Rated capacity

The maximum load a crane may lift for a specific boom length, radius, counterweight, outrigger configuration, and operating area, as stated by the manufacturer; rigging and attachments not included in the chart must be deducted.

Load radius

The horizontal distance from the crane's center of rotation to the vertical line through the load's center of gravity; capacity decreases as radius increases.

Gross load

The total of the load, rigging, slings, shackles, hook block, jib, and other attachments that the crane must support; chart deductions must be applied to determine net capacity.

Pick-and-carry capacity

A manufacturer's rating for lifting and traveling with a load on tires, based on tire pressure, suspension condition, steering mode, travel path, and ground slope; it is often lower than stationary capacity.

Sling tension formula

For a symmetric two-leg lift, tension per leg equals load divided by two times the sine of the angle each leg makes with horizontal; lower angles increase tension.

Choker hitch effect

A choker hitch grips the load by passing the sling around it and through one end; it reduces sling capacity compared with a vertical hitch and can crush the load.

Wire rope removal criteria

Remove a wire rope sling from service for broken wires, kinks, bird-caging, severe corrosion, heat damage, crushed strands, or missing identification tags; follow ASME B30.9 and manufacturer limits.

Sling angle factor

The multiplier applied to a sling's vertical capacity to account for angled legs; it equals the sine of the angle from horizontal for a single leg and is used in tension calculations.

Ground bearing pressure

The force per unit area under an outrigger float or track; estimate by dividing the load carried by that support by the effective bearing area of the float, mat, or blocking.

Crane leveling tolerance

Cranes must be set up level within the manufacturer's specified tolerance, commonly about 1 percent grade or 0.5 degrees; exceeding it can reduce capacity and cause tipping.

Outrigger float blocking

Mats or cribbing under outrigger floats spread load into the soil; blocking must be level, sized to extend beyond the float, and placed on firm, undisturbed ground with no voids.

Shift inspection

A pre-use inspection performed before each shift by a qualified person, covering brakes, controls, wire rope, hooks, limit switches, fluids, leaks, tires, and safety devices; defects must be corrected before operation.

Power line clearance table

OSHA construction minimum approach distances include 10 feet for lines up to 50 kV, 15 feet for 50-200 kV, 20 feet for 200-350 kV, and 25 feet for 350-500 kV.

Swing radius hazard

The area swept by the crane's counterweight and boom during rotation; barricade it and keep personnel out because the counterweight can crush or pin workers against fixed objects.

Load moment indicator

An instrument that displays load moment and warns or stops operation when capacity is approached; it is an aid and does not replace the load chart or operator judgment.

Side loading prohibition

Crane booms and rigging are not designed for side loads unless the manufacturer approves; do not drag loads sideways or pull with the boom outside the rated chart.

Emergency stop signal

A hand or voice signal that must be obeyed immediately by stopping all crane motion; any person may give it when a hazard is seen, and the operator must stop first and question later.

Signalperson qualification

A signalperson must be qualified by knowledge and demonstration of the required signals, crane operations, and limitations; the operator must stop if signals are unclear or the signalperson is out of view.

Hand signal stop

The standard stop hand signal is an arm extended horizontally with palm down, moving the arm back and forth; it tells the operator to stop the current motion.

Radio signal protocol

Before a lift, test the radio or voice communication, agree on channel and language, identify the signalperson, and use clear commands; an unclear or interrupted signal requires stopping.

Massachusetts hoisting license

Massachusetts requires a state hoisting engineer license to operate hoisting machinery under M.G.L. chapter 146; the license class and restrictions must match the equipment being operated.

License on site

A licensed hoisting engineer must carry the Massachusetts license while operating and present it on request to authorities; operating without the required license is prohibited.

Massachusetts regulation 520 CMR

Massachusetts regulations in 520 CMR govern hoisting machinery and hoisting engineer licensing, including application, examination, license classes, and equipment operation requirements.

Employer verification

Massachusetts employers must ensure crane operators hold the appropriate hoisting engineer license and operate only equipment covered by that license; allowing unlicensed operation violates state law.

OSHA Subpart CC

29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC sets construction crane and derrick requirements, including inspections, operation, power-line safety, signaling, qualification, and load chart use.

ASME B30.9

The consensus standard for slings that covers design, marking, inspection, removal criteria, and safe use of wire rope, chain, synthetic, and metal mesh slings.

OSHA 1926.1412 inspections

Construction cranes require shift, monthly, annual, and quadrennial inspections depending on equipment type; defects must be corrected before use, and records must be maintained as required.

Operator certification rule

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 requires crane operators on covered construction equipment to be certified or licensed by an accredited body and evaluated, with limited exceptions.

Power line contact response

If a crane contacts energized lines, the operator should stay in the cab, warn others away, and call the utility and emergency services; do not touch the crane or load unless de-energized.

OSHA fatality reporting

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1904, an employer must report a work-related fatality within 8 hours and an in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours.

Post-incident inspection

After a crane accident, overload, tip-over, or rigging failure, a qualified person must inspect the crane and rigging before any further lifting; damaged components must be removed from service.

Emergency stop priority

Any emergency stop signal or observed danger requires the operator to stop all crane motion immediately, secure the load, and not resume until the hazard is cleared by a responsible person.