NCCER Mobile Crane cheat sheet

Ground bearing pressure = total crane weight plus load, divided by the area of the bearing pads or track contact; outrigger floats reduce pressure by spreading it over a larger area, so recheck capacity whenever float size or cribbing changes.

Outrigger beams must be fully extended and floats fully deployed per the manufacturer's load chart; charts marked for partial extension apply only to those specific configurations and are usually much lower.

Set crane level within the manufacturer's tolerance (commonly 1 degree or less) using the crane's level indicator; a level machine is required for accurate load chart values and for swing control.

Inspection intervals: pre-shift visual and functional checks by the operator, periodic inspections at intervals set by the manufacturer or employer (often monthly), and a comprehensive annual inspection with written records.

Pre-lift walk-around covers wire rope (broken wires, kinks, corrosion, end terminations), hooks (throat opening, latch function), sheaves, drums, brakes, boom pins, hydraulic hoses, and outrigger/cribbing condition.

Clearance rule: maintain at least 10 ft (3 m) from energized power lines up to 50 kV, and add 0.4 in (1 cm) per kV above 50 kV, unless the utility de-energizes and grounds the line or the employer uses a documented alternative per OSHA 1926.1408.

Barricade the swing radius of the rotating superstructure and the counterweight tail swing; personnel must not enter the barricaded area while the crane is operating.

Shutdown sequence: land the load, retract boom to travel position, set the hook and boom per manufacturer, engage parking brake and outrigger locks, and secure the machine against wind and unauthorized use.

Sling tension in a two-leg bridle: tension per leg = (load / 2) / sin(angle from horizontal); as the angle flattens, leg tension rises sharply (at 30 degrees, each leg carries the full load).

Sling angle factor (load factor) = 1 / sin(angle from horizontal); multiply the load by this factor to size the sling for a symmetric two-leg lift.

Vertical hitch uses full sling capacity; choker reduces capacity (commonly to about 75-80 percent of vertical), and basket hitches typically retain about twice the single-leg vertical rating when legs are vertical.

Never exceed the hook's rated capacity or the sling's identification tag rating; remove slings from service for broken wires, cuts, burns, ultraviolet damage, missing tags, or distorted hardware.

Center of gravity: an off-center load tilts and shifts load between legs; attach slings so the hook is directly above the center of gravity, and use tag lines to control rotation.

Shock loading, side loading of hooks, and dragging loads are prohibited; hooks must load in the saddle, and hook latches must be functional.

Rigging hardware ratings are based on the weakest component; shackles, master links, and hooks must be rated and matched to the sling and load.

Personnel must never ride the load or stand under a suspended load; hands and feet stay clear of pinch points and the load is landed on blocking before rigging is removed.

Net capacity = gross capacity from the load chart minus the weight of all lifting attachments below the boom tip (hook block, slings, shackles, jib, headache ball, and any stowed equipment).

Load radius is measured horizontally from the center of rotation to the center of gravity of the load, not to the boom tip or the edge of the load.

Boom length and radius together determine gross capacity; a longer boom at the same radius generally reduces capacity because of boom weight and deflection.

Deductions for jib or auxiliary boom head, stowed jib, and counterweight configuration are listed in the chart notes and must be applied before comparing to the load weight.

Quadrant and over-the-end vs over-the-side ratings differ; swing and travel ratings are separate and usually lower than stationary pick ratings.

Area of operation (on outriggers, on tires, pick-and-carry, travel) is specified per chart; never interpolate between chart values unless the manufacturer's instructions permit it.

Calculate total load weight from shipping documents or by weighing when unknown; do not estimate the weight of an unfamiliar load.

Utilize the load moment indicator or rated capacity limiter as an aid, but the operator remains responsible for verifying the lift against the printed load chart.

A designated signal person is required when the operator cannot see the load or the point of operation, or when the operator or employer requires one; only one person gives signals at a time.

Hand signals follow a standardized set: raise/lower load, raise/lower boom, swing, stop, emergency stop, extend/retract boom, and travel directions; the signal person must be qualified and the operator must know the set.

Emergency stop signal is any rapid movement of the hand or arm across the body; the operator must stop immediately on any emergency signal from anyone.

Radio communication must be dedicated to the lift, with clear channel discipline; a lost or garbled signal means stop until communication is restored.

Voice signals must be clear and distinct; when radios fail, the operator stops and waits for a qualified hand signal or a re-established link.

The signal person must have a clear view of the load, the rigging, and the landing area, and must maintain line of sight with the operator or use a relay signaler.

Travel signals are given from the direction of travel or by a designated flagger; the operator follows signals only from the designated signal person.

Stop the lift when the signal is unclear, when the load drifts, or when a person enters the barricaded area; resume only after the situation is corrected.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC governs cranes and derricks in construction; 1910.180 covers general industry crawler and locomotive cranes, and 1910.179 covers overhead and gantry cranes.

Power line clearance: 10 ft minimum for lines up to 50 kV, plus 0.4 in per kV above 50 kV; if the crane must work closer, the utility must de-energize and ground the line or an employer-designed alternative must be in place.

A lift plan and critical lift procedure are required for lifts near capacity, multi-crane lifts, lifts over occupied areas, and lifts of personnel; personnel lifting requires a specific platform and manufacturer's approval.

Weather limits: stop operations when wind exceeds the manufacturer's limit or when the load's sail area makes control impossible; lightning, ice, and poor visibility are stop-work conditions.

Ground conditions: assess soil bearing, voids, uncompacted fill, and slope; use mats or cribbing sized to the outrigger load, and never set up over underground utilities without verification.

Personnel must wear high-visibility clothing, head protection, and fall protection as required; only trained and qualified operators, riggers, and signal persons may perform those tasks.

Two-blocking, boom contact with structures, and uncontrolled swing are leading causes of crane incidents; anti-two-block devices and rated capacity limiters must be functional and never bypassed.

Lockout/tagout, fire extinguisher availability, and exclusion zones around the swing radius and landing area are required; report incidents and near misses per the employer's program.

Ground bearing pressure = total crane weight plus load, divided by the area of the bearing pads or track contact; outrigger floats reduce pressure by spreading it over a larger area, so recheck capacity whenever float size or cribbing changes.

Outrigger beams must be fully extended and floats fully deployed per the manufacturer's load chart; charts marked for partial extension apply only to those specific configurations and are usually much lower.

Set crane level within the manufacturer's tolerance (commonly 1 degree or less) using the crane's level indicator; a level machine is required for accurate load chart values and for swing control.

Inspection intervals: pre-shift visual and functional checks by the operator, periodic inspections at intervals set by the manufacturer or employer (often monthly), and a comprehensive annual inspection with written records.

Pre-lift walk-around covers wire rope (broken wires, kinks, corrosion, end terminations), hooks (throat opening, latch function), sheaves, drums, brakes, boom pins, hydraulic hoses, and outrigger/cribbing condition.

Clearance rule: maintain at least 10 ft (3 m) from energized power lines up to 50 kV, and add 0.4 in (1 cm) per kV above 50 kV, unless the utility de-energizes and grounds the line or the employer uses a documented alternative per OSHA 1926.1408.

Barricade the swing radius of the rotating superstructure and the counterweight tail swing; personnel must not enter the barricaded area while the crane is operating.

Shutdown sequence: land the load, retract boom to travel position, set the hook and boom per manufacturer, engage parking brake and outrigger locks, and secure the machine against wind and unauthorized use.

Sling tension in a two-leg bridle: tension per leg = (load / 2) / sin(angle from horizontal); as the angle flattens, leg tension rises sharply (at 30 degrees, each leg carries the full load).

Sling angle factor (load factor) = 1 / sin(angle from horizontal); multiply the load by this factor to size the sling for a symmetric two-leg lift.

Vertical hitch uses full sling capacity; choker reduces capacity (commonly to about 75-80 percent of vertical), and basket hitches typically retain about twice the single-leg vertical rating when legs are vertical.

Never exceed the hook's rated capacity or the sling's identification tag rating; remove slings from service for broken wires, cuts, burns, ultraviolet damage, missing tags, or distorted hardware.

Center of gravity: an off-center load tilts and shifts load between legs; attach slings so the hook is directly above the center of gravity, and use tag lines to control rotation.

Shock loading, side loading of hooks, and dragging loads are prohibited; hooks must load in the saddle, and hook latches must be functional.

Rigging hardware ratings are based on the weakest component; shackles, master links, and hooks must be rated and matched to the sling and load.

Personnel must never ride the load or stand under a suspended load; hands and feet stay clear of pinch points and the load is landed on blocking before rigging is removed.

Net capacity = gross capacity from the load chart minus the weight of all lifting attachments below the boom tip (hook block, slings, shackles, jib, headache ball, and any stowed equipment).

Load radius is measured horizontally from the center of rotation to the center of gravity of the load, not to the boom tip or the edge of the load.

Boom length and radius together determine gross capacity; a longer boom at the same radius generally reduces capacity because of boom weight and deflection.

Deductions for jib or auxiliary boom head, stowed jib, and counterweight configuration are listed in the chart notes and must be applied before comparing to the load weight.

Quadrant and over-the-end vs over-the-side ratings differ; swing and travel ratings are separate and usually lower than stationary pick ratings.

Area of operation (on outriggers, on tires, pick-and-carry, travel) is specified per chart; never interpolate between chart values unless the manufacturer's instructions permit it.

Calculate total load weight from shipping documents or by weighing when unknown; do not estimate the weight of an unfamiliar load.

Utilize the load moment indicator or rated capacity limiter as an aid, but the operator remains responsible for verifying the lift against the printed load chart.

A designated signal person is required when the operator cannot see the load or the point of operation, or when the operator or employer requires one; only one person gives signals at a time.

Hand signals follow a standardized set: raise/lower load, raise/lower boom, swing, stop, emergency stop, extend/retract boom, and travel directions; the signal person must be qualified and the operator must know the set.

Emergency stop signal is any rapid movement of the hand or arm across the body; the operator must stop immediately on any emergency signal from anyone.

Radio communication must be dedicated to the lift, with clear channel discipline; a lost or garbled signal means stop until communication is restored.

Voice signals must be clear and distinct; when radios fail, the operator stops and waits for a qualified hand signal or a re-established link.

The signal person must have a clear view of the load, the rigging, and the landing area, and must maintain line of sight with the operator or use a relay signaler.

Travel signals are given from the direction of travel or by a designated flagger; the operator follows signals only from the designated signal person.

Stop the lift when the signal is unclear, when the load drifts, or when a person enters the barricaded area; resume only after the situation is corrected.

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC governs cranes and derricks in construction; 1910.180 covers general industry crawler and locomotive cranes, and 1910.179 covers overhead and gantry cranes.

Power line clearance: 10 ft minimum for lines up to 50 kV, plus 0.4 in per kV above 50 kV; if the crane must work closer, the utility must de-energize and ground the line or an employer-designed alternative must be in place.

A lift plan and critical lift procedure are required for lifts near capacity, multi-crane lifts, lifts over occupied areas, and lifts of personnel; personnel lifting requires a specific platform and manufacturer's approval.

Weather limits: stop operations when wind exceeds the manufacturer's limit or when the load's sail area makes control impossible; lightning, ice, and poor visibility are stop-work conditions.

Ground conditions: assess soil bearing, voids, uncompacted fill, and slope; use mats or cribbing sized to the outrigger load, and never set up over underground utilities without verification.

Personnel must wear high-visibility clothing, head protection, and fall protection as required; only trained and qualified operators, riggers, and signal persons may perform those tasks.

Two-blocking, boom contact with structures, and uncontrolled swing are leading causes of crane incidents; anti-two-block devices and rated capacity limiters must be functional and never bypassed.

Lockout/tagout, fire extinguisher availability, and exclusion zones around the swing radius and landing area are required; report incidents and near misses per the employer's program.