NCCCO Mobile Crane cheat sheet

Pre-shift inspection covers wire rope, hooks, rigging, brakes, clutches, limit switches, LMI/RCL, outriggers, tires, fluid leaks, and alarms; correct defects before lifting.

Wire rope removal: 6 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay, 3 broken wires in one strand in one lay, wear exceeding 1/3 of wire diameter, or kinking/crushing.

Hook removal: cracks, deformation, throat opening increase greater than 15%, wear greater than 10% of original dimension, or missing/damaged safety latch.

Verify LMI/RCL and anti-two-block devices are powered, calibrated, and functioning; never bypass or disable safety devices.

Outrigger pads must distribute force over enough area to prevent settlement; check soil bearing, voids, utilities, and slopes under each float.

Level the crane within manufacturer tolerance before lifting; many charts require level within 1% of grade.

Inspect slings and rigging for cuts, broken wires, burns, knots, distorted hardware, and missing tags; remove damaged gear from service.

Check site for power lines, excavations, underground utilities, traffic, pedestrians, wind, and weather before setup and throughout the shift.

Extend outriggers fully and set floats on stable cribbing unless the load chart specifically covers a partial or on-rubber configuration.

Ground bearing pressure = total weight on each outrigger ÷ effective pad area; include crane, counterweight, load, and rigging.

Match load chart to actual boom length, jib, counterweight, outrigger spread, and reeving; a different configuration requires a different chart.

Barricade the swing radius and keep personnel clear of the counterweight and rotating superstructure.

Keep setup away from excavations, trenches, utility trenches, and buried utilities; maintain required slope setback and clearance.

Assemble boom and jib with correct pins, retainers, and reeving; confirm boom angle and length sensors read correctly.

Check that outrigger beams, jacks, and floats are free of damage and that beams are pinned or locked in the charted position.

Avoid shock loading: start and stop smoothly, take up slack gradually, and never jerk a load.

Never leave the operator station with a load suspended; if leaving controls, lower load and secure crane.

Avoid side loading and dragging loads; boom and rope are designed for vertical lifting unless manufacturer approves otherwise.

Travel with a load only when the manufacturer's pick-and-carry chart permits it; keep boom low, load near ground, and travel slow.

Use anti-two-block device and warning; two-blocking can part wire rope and drop the load.

Plan multiple-crane lifts with equal load sharing, a qualified lift plan, and one designated leader/signalperson.

Stop operations when wind, lightning, visibility, or ground conditions exceed manufacturer or site limits.

Account for load swing, centrifugal force, and wind drift when swinging; use taglines to control rotation.

Radius is horizontal distance from crane center of rotation to center of the load/hook, not to boom tip.

Read capacity at the actual radius, boom length, quadrant/area, and configuration; if between chart radii, use the next longer radius.

Deduct from gross chart capacity: hook block, slings, spreader beams, jib, auxiliary boom head, and all below-boom-tip rigging.

Boom deflection increases actual radius and reduces capacity; verify radius after load is applied.

Capacity can differ by area of operation (over front, side, rear) and by outrigger spread; use chart for actual position.

Jib capacities are separate and lower; deduct jib weight and all rigging per chart notes.

Never exceed rated capacity; the load chart and manufacturer's operating manual govern.

On-rubber capacities apply only to specific pick-and-carry configurations and tire pressures; never use them for static lifts.

Use standard ASME B30.5 hand signals; only one designated signalperson directs the operator at a time.

Any person may give an emergency stop signal, and the operator must stop immediately when it is given.

Test radio communication before the lift; agree on channel, voice signals, and a backup signalperson if communication fails.

If a signal is unclear or communication is lost, stop the operation until clear communication is restored.

Hoist signal: forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circle.

Lower signal: arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circle.

Stop signal: arm extended, palm down, move arm back and forth horizontally.

Dog everything signal: clasp hands in front of body.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC and ASME B30.5 set mobile crane requirements; manufacturer's manual and load chart take precedence when more restrictive.

Minimum approach distance to power lines: 10 ft for ≤50 kV; 15 ft for 50–200 kV; 20 ft for 200–350 kV; 25 ft for 350–500 kV; 35 ft for 500–750 kV; 45 ft for 750–1000 kV.

Operator has authority and duty to stop and refuse any lift that is unsafe or not in compliance.

Never operate a crane under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs judgment or reaction.

Inspections include shift, monthly, and annual/comprehensive; keep records and correct deficiencies before operation.

Only qualified riggers and signalpersons may perform those duties; verify qualifications before the lift.

Do not bypass, disable, or remove LMI/RCL, anti-two-block, or other safety devices.

Report accidents, near misses, damage, and malfunctions; remove crane from service until repaired and inspected.