Site and Equipment Inspection
What the exam tests
A site and equipment inspection is really two inspections: the ground/site and the crane. Walk the travel path and setup area for soft spots, voids, uncompacted fill, slopes, excavations, buried utilities, overhead lines, and swing or clearance hazards. Verify access, barricades, and that the crane can be set up level within manufacturer limits. Then perform the pre-shift inspection: fluid levels, leaks, tires, outrigger pads and floats, structural cracks, pins and keepers, wire rope, sheaves, hooks, safety latches, limit switches, the load moment indicator (LMI), anti-two-block device, horn, lights, fire extinguisher, and the load chart in the cab. Document deficiencies; tag out and remove the crane from service if a safety-related item is defective.
Traps
Questions confuse a pre-shift walkaround with periodic or annual inspections. Safety devices must be functional; never bypass an LMI or anti-two-block device. Wire rope rejection criteria include broken wires, kinks, bird-caging, crushing, corrosion, and heat damage. Hook traps include a missing latch, throat opening beyond the limit, excessive wear, and cracks. Power-line questions test minimum approach distances, which increase with voltage.
Rule of thumb
If a safety device is inoperable or the ground cannot be verified, the crane is not ready. For energized lines up to 50 kV, keep at least 10 ft; higher voltages require greater clearance.