Site and Equipment Inspection and Setup
Domain 1: Site and Equipment Inspection and Setup
The exam tests whether you can find defects before they become failures and set an articulating crane so its load chart is valid. An articulating crane's stability depends on outrigger spread, ground bearing, level condition and clearances-not just on the boom.
Pre-shift inspection
- Walk around with the engine off and controls neutral. Check hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks, chafing and cracked fittings; check pins, keepers, boom section locks and outrigger beam locks.
- Inspect wire rope for broken wires, kinks, crush damage and end connections; check the hook for cracks, throat opening and a functioning latch.
- Confirm the load chart is present and matches the crane configuration, and that decals, LMI/RCL, anti-two-block and outrigger position indicators are functional.
- Check tires, brakes, parking brake, lights, horn, fire extinguisher and fluid levels. Tag out and report defects.
Setup rules
- Assess ground bearing: avoid voids, septic tanks, backfilled trenches and utility covers. Use mats or cribbing sized for the outrigger float load.
- Deploy outriggers fully on the charted spread; use the manufacturer's sequence. All four must carry load. Set the machine level within the manufacturer's tolerance, set the parking brake and chock wheels.
- Establish the exclusion zone and identify power lines. Maintain the OSHA minimum approach distance; for lines 50 kV or below the construction baseline is 10 ft, and a closer approach requires de-energizing/grounding or approved procedures.
Worked example
A rear outrigger is estimated to carry 9,000 lb. Its float is 1.5 ft square, or 2.25 ft²: 9,000 ÷ 2.25 = 4,000 lb/ft². A 4 ft square pad spreads the load over 16 ft²: 9,000 ÷ 16 = about 560 lb/ft². Verify that value against the soil's allowable bearing pressure and use a larger pad if needed.
Traps
Using three outriggers, leveling with the boom, assuming pads are optional, setting up over unmarked utilities, and accepting a chart for a different outrigger spread.