NY Crane Operator flashcards

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

Load moment

The product of load weight and the horizontal radius from the crane's rotation center to the load. Load charts are limited by load moment, so capacity falls as radius increases.

Anti-two-block device

A safety device that stops hoisting when the hook block approaches the boom tip, preventing two-blocking that can snap wire rope and drop the load.

Swing radius

The area swept by the crane's rotating upper structure, counterweight, and load. Personnel must stay outside it, and the area should be barricaded during operation.

Shock loading

A sudden application or release of force, such as rapid hoisting or stopping, that can exceed the crane's rated capacity and damage the boom or rope.

Power line contact

If the boom or load touches an energized line, the operator stays in the cab and warns others away until the utility de-energizes the line.

NYC crane operator license

A license issued by the NYC Department of Buildings that authorizes hoisting-machine operation. It requires experience, examination, and fitness, and must be carried while operating.

DOB crane permit

A Department of Buildings approval required before crane erection or use. It identifies the crane, location, and approved configuration and must remain current.

Licensed signalperson

A person recognized by the Department who directs crane motions by hand signal or radio. Only this person may direct non-stop motions.

Operator refusal authority

The licensed operator must refuse any lift that exceeds the load chart or is unsafe, even when directed by a supervisor or contractor to proceed.

NYC Construction Codes

The body of law governing construction in New York City, including Title 28 of the Administrative Code and Building Code Chapter 33, which regulates crane operations.

Sling tension formula

For a two-leg bridle, tension per leg equals load weight times leg length divided by twice the vertical height, or load divided by twice the cosine of the angle from vertical.

Working load limit

The maximum load a rigging component may carry in a specific configuration. It equals breaking strength divided by the design factor, typically 5 for wire rope and chain.

Choker hitch derating

A choker configuration reduces a sling's capacity compared with a vertical hitch because the sling chokes the load and bends around it, per the manufacturer's chart.

Net capacity

Gross chart capacity minus the weight of the hook block, slings, spreader bars, and below-the-boom attachments. It must exceed the load weight for a safe lift.

Center of gravity

The point where the load's weight is balanced. The hook should be placed above it, or the load will tilt and shift during the lift.

Sling angle effect

As the horizontal angle between sling legs decreases, tension rises. At 30 degrees from horizontal, each leg carries the full load; at 60 degrees, about 0.58 of it.

Daily pre-shift inspection

A check before each shift covering wire rope, hooks, brakes, limit switches, the anti-two-block device, and fluid levels. Defects found must be corrected before lifting.

Wire rope removal criteria

Conditions requiring rope replacement, including broken wire counts in a lay length, diameter reduction from core failure, and severe corrosion or heat damage.

Outrigger float sizing

Floats or mats must be sized so bearing pressure stays under the soil's allowable capacity. Never block under the outrigger beam, and check for underground utilities.

Level setup requirement

The crane must be level within the manufacturer's tolerance before lifting. Out-of-level setup reduces capacity and can cause tipping or side loading of the boom.

Post-overload inspection

After any overload, shock load, or power line contact, the crane must be removed from service and inspected by a qualified person before returning to work.

Swing radius barricade

A barrier around the crane's rotating area, including the counterweight swing, that keeps personnel out during operation and is set up before lifting begins.

Standard hand signals

A recognized set of signals for raise, lower, swing, stop, and emergency stop. The operator responds only to the designated signalperson, except any stop signal.

Emergency stop signal

A signal that requires the operator to stop immediately, regardless of who gives it. Only the designated signalperson may direct other motions.

Radio communication protocol

A dedicated channel with clear call-outs of each command and the crane's response, confirmed before movement. Loss of communication means stop.

Tag line use

A rope used to control load rotation and swing, held by personnel outside the swing radius. It must never be wrapped around hands or body parts.

Pre-lift meeting

A briefing confirming the lift plan, load weight, radius, path, tag line assignments, emergency stop signal, wind limit, and communication method before the lift.

Relay signalperson

A second signalperson used when the operator cannot see the primary signalperson, relaying commands so communication remains continuous and clear.

Exclusion zone

The area under the load and within the swing radius where personnel are prohibited during lifting, kept clear by barricades and verified by the operator.

Designated signalperson

The single person authorized to direct crane motions by hand signal or radio. The operator follows this person's signals except for any stop signal.

Two-leg bridle tension

Tension per leg equals load weight times leg length divided by twice the vertical height. This shows how sling angle changes the force in each leg.

Boom configuration effect

Load chart capacity depends on boom length, radius, counterweight, and outrigger spread. Changing any of these invalidates the chart value and requires a new calculation.