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NZ Certificate in Cranes study materials
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NZ Certificate in Cranes practice questions

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Question 1Crane operation

Under the Approved Code of Practice for Cranes, what is the primary purpose of the pre-use inspection a dogman must complete before starting work with a mobile crane?

  1. To confirm the crane and lifting gear are safe and fit for the planned lift Correct answer.
  2. To establish the maximum wind speed for the site that day
  3. To calculate the crane's fuel consumption for the shift
  4. To record the operator's daily hours for payroll purposes

Explanation

A pre-use inspection is a safety control: the dogman and operator check the crane, ropes, hooks and lifting gear for defects and confirm the equipment suits the lift before any load is attached. It is not a commercial or meteorological record.

Question 2Crane operation

What does the term 'SWL' mean when marked on a lifting sling?

  1. The speed at which the load may be slewed
  2. The safe working load the sling may lift in the stated configuration Correct answer.
  3. The weight of the sling when wet
  4. The stretch limit of the sling under tension

Explanation

SWL (safe working load) is the maximum load a sling or lifting accessory is rated to carry in the configuration and conditions specified by the manufacturer. Exceeding it removes the safety margin built into the rating.

Question 3Crane operation

A dogman needs to direct a crane operator who cannot see the load. What is the correct control?

  1. The dogman shouts instructions from the landing point
  2. The operator relies on a fixed camera view only
  3. The dogman moves the load by hand to guide it
  4. A qualified signaller maintains continuous communication with the operator Correct answer.

Explanation

When the operator's view of the load or path is obstructed, a qualified signaller must relay signals so the operator has continuous, reliable information. Shouting or hand-guiding the load does not give safe, unambiguous control.

Question 4Crane operation

Why must a suspended load never be left unattended?

  1. Because the crane's brake will release automatically
  2. Because the operator's licence requires a break every hour
  3. Because the load may drift, swing or drop and strike people below Correct answer.
  4. Because the rope will permanently deform

Explanation

A load left hanging can move with wind or creep, and any failure of the holding brake would drop it onto people or plant. The area under a suspended load is a no-go zone for this reason.

Question 5Crane operation

Which hand signal conventionally tells a crane operator to raise the load?

  1. Forearm raised vertically with the index finger pointing upward and the hand moving in a small circle Correct answer.
  2. Both arms crossed in front of the chest
  3. Arm extended horizontally with the hand opening and closing
  4. Arm extended downward at 45 degrees with the palm open

Explanation

The standard raise signal is the forearm held vertically with the index finger up, the hand circling to indicate the hoist direction. Signals must be agreed and understood by both parties before the lift starts.

Question 6Crane operation

What is the main risk of using a wire rope sling with a broken outer wire and visible kinks?

  1. It may have lost strength and could fail under load Correct answer.
  2. It will stretch more and cushion the load
  3. It will improve grip on the load surface
  4. It will be easier to handle on the hook

Explanation

Broken wires and kinks indicate damage that reduces the rope's strength and can lead to sudden failure. Damaged slings must be tagged out and removed from service, not used because they seem easier to handle.

Question 7Crane operation

Before a lift begins, what must be established about the ground where a mobile crane will set up?

  1. That it is shaded during the hottest part of the day
  2. That it has been swept of loose gravel only
  3. That it is close to the site office
  4. That it is level and able to support the outrigger loads Correct answer.

Explanation

Outriggers concentrate the crane's weight and load onto small pads, so the ground must be level and strong enough to carry those pressures without settlement. Soft spots, voids and slopes can cause the crane to tip.

Question 8Crane operation

What does a 'blind lift' mean in crane operations?

  1. A lift where the operator cannot see the load or its path Correct answer.
  2. A lift of a load heavier than the crane's rating
  3. A lift carried out at night
  4. A lift using only synthetic slings

Explanation

A blind lift occurs when the operator's view of the load, the landing area or the travel path is obstructed. It requires a signaller or other agreed communication method to keep the operator informed.

Question 9Crane operation

A two-leg sling is used with the legs at a wide angle to each other. Compared with vertical legs, what happens to the load each leg carries?

  1. Each leg carries less load because the angle spreads it
  2. Each leg carries no load until the sling is tensioned
  3. Each leg carries more load because the angle increases leg tension Correct answer.
  4. Each leg carries exactly half the load regardless of angle

Explanation

As the angle between sling legs increases, the tension in each leg rises for the same vertical load. Wide sling angles therefore reduce the effective capacity of the assembly and must be kept within the manufacturer's limits.

Question 10Crane operation

What is the correct action if a dogman notices the crane's load moment indicator or rated capacity limiter alarm sounding during a lift?

  1. Continue slowly to finish the lift before the alarm becomes a fault
  2. Signal the operator to slew faster to reduce radius
  3. Increase engine speed to lift through the alarm
  4. Stop the lift and lower the load, then reassess with the operator Correct answer.

Explanation

The alarm warns that the crane is approaching or exceeding its rated capacity. The safe response is to stop, lower the load and reassess the lift plan rather than trying to power through the warning.

Question 11Crane operation

Why is a tag line used during a crane lift?

  1. To earth the crane against lightning
  2. To measure the weight of the load
  3. To control load rotation and swing from a safe distance Correct answer.
  4. To increase the crane's lifting capacity

Explanation

A tag line lets a person guide the load's orientation and limit swing while standing clear of the load's path. It does not add capacity or measure weight, and it must never be wrapped around a hand or body.

Question 12Crane operation

A load is being landed on a truck deck. When should the dogman approach to release the slings?

  1. When the operator signals that the brake is hot
  2. As soon as the load clears the ground
  3. While the load is still swinging to save time
  4. Only after the load is fully landed, stable and the slings are slack Correct answer.

Explanation

The dogman should only approach once the load is resting fully on a stable surface and the slings have gone slack, so there is no stored energy or movement that could trap or strike them. Approaching a moving or partly supported load is a common cause of serious injury.

Question 13Crane operation

What is the purpose of a lift study or lift plan for a complex crane lift?

  1. To replace the need for a competent operator
  2. To set the crane's hire rate
  3. To identify hazards, loads, radii and controls before the lift Correct answer.
  4. To record the crane's service history

Explanation

A lift plan documents the load weight, rigging, crane configuration, radii, ground conditions, hazards and controls so the lift can be executed predictably and safely. It supplements, but never replaces, competent people and equipment checks.

Question 14Crane operation

Why must the load radius be measured rather than estimated when checking a crane's capacity?

  1. Because capacity falls sharply as radius increases, so small errors matter Correct answer.
  2. Because radius is fixed by the sling length
  3. Because radius only matters when the boom is fully retracted
  4. Because radius changes with the colour of the load

Explanation

A crane's rated capacity decreases as the load radius increases, and the change can be steep near the chart limits. Estimating radius can therefore lead to an overload that a measured value would have revealed.

Question 15Crane operation

What is the correct way to store synthetic webbing slings after use?

  1. Cleaned, inspected and stored off the ground away from heat and chemicals Correct answer.
  2. Left on the crane hook overnight
  3. Coiled tightly and hung in direct sunlight
  4. Bundled with sharp-edged steel plates

Explanation

Synthetic slings degrade under UV, heat and chemical attack, so they should be cleaned, inspected and stored off the ground in a dry, protected place. Storing them on the hook or with sharp objects invites damage and unrecorded defects.

Question 16Crane operation

During a lift, the wind picks up and the load begins to swing and rotate. What is the best response?

  1. Increase the boom angle to reduce the effect of wind
  2. Have a dogman hold the load steady by hand
  3. Speed up the lift to finish before the wind gets stronger
  4. Lower the load to a safe position and reassess whether to continue Correct answer.

Explanation

Rising wind increases load swing and the sail area of the load, which can overload the crane and make the load uncontrollable. The safe action is to place the load down and reassess against the lift plan and wind limits before continuing.

Question 17Crane operation

What is the purpose of the rated capacity limiter on a mobile crane?

  1. To prevent the crane from being operated at all until serviced
  2. To limit the crane's road speed
  3. To measure the wind speed at the boom tip
  4. To warn and, where fitted, stop functions before the crane exceeds its rated capacity Correct answer.

Explanation

The rated capacity limiter monitors load and geometry and warns or inhibits crane functions as the rated capacity is approached or exceeded. It is a backup control, not a substitute for correct lift planning.

Question 18Crane operation

A load is known to weigh 4.2 tonnes. Two slings are used in a basket hitch with legs at 60 degrees to the horizontal. Which approach best confirms the slings are adequate?

  1. Assume each sling takes half the load regardless of angle
  2. Calculate leg tension using the sling angle and compare with the sling's rated capacity Correct answer.
  3. Use the crane's capacity chart to rate the slings
  4. Choose slings by their colour code only

Explanation

Leg tension depends on the sling angle: flatter legs carry more tension for the same vertical load. The calculated tension must be compared with each sling's rated capacity in that configuration, allowing for the hitch type.

Question 19Crane operation

What is the key hazard of working near overhead power lines with a crane?

  1. The load may become lighter
  2. The crane or load may contact live lines, causing electric shock or arcing Correct answer.
  3. The crane's paint may fade
  4. The crane's radio may lose signal

Explanation

Contact with overhead lines, or even close approach without contact, can cause arcing and fatal electric shock to the operator, dogman and people nearby. Exclusion zones and de-energising are the primary controls.

Question 20Crane operation

Why is a 'no-go zone' established beneath and around a suspended load?

  1. To reserve space for the crane's fuel truck
  2. To mark where slings are stored
  3. To give the operator a place to park
  4. To keep people clear of the area where a load could fall or swing Correct answer.

Explanation

A suspended load can fall or swing if a sling fails or the crane moves unexpectedly, so people must be excluded from the drop zone. Barriers and signage make the exclusion clear to everyone on site.

Question 21Crane operation

A crane's load chart shows a capacity for 'on outriggers, fully extended'. The crane is set up on outriggers that are only partly extended. What should be done?

  1. Add ten percent to the chart value for safety
  2. Use the chart value as normal
  3. Ignore the chart and rely on the load moment indicator
  4. Use the chart value for the actual outrigger configuration or extend them fully Correct answer.

Explanation

Crane capacity depends on the actual configuration, and partial outrigger extension generally reduces stability and capacity. The chart for the true configuration must be used, or the outriggers extended as specified.

Question 22Crane operation

What is the main reason for using a spreader beam when lifting a long, flexible load?

  1. To allow the load to be dragged
  2. To keep sling legs vertical and avoid crushing the load Correct answer.
  3. To reduce the load's weight
  4. To increase the crane's boom length

Explanation

A spreader beam holds the sling legs apart and closer to vertical, reducing horizontal compression on the load and preventing damage or collapse. It also improves control of the load's orientation.

Question 23Crane operation

A load is being lifted from soft ground and one outrigger begins to sink. What is the correct immediate action?

  1. Continue and monitor the outrigger
  2. Lower the load, stop the lift and reassess the setup Correct answer.
  3. Have a dogman pack the outrigger by hand while the load is suspended
  4. Slew the load over the sinking outrigger to add weight

Explanation

Outrigger settlement indicates the ground cannot support the crane and the machine may tip. The load must be lowered and the lift stopped so the setup can be re-engineered with proper pads or a new position.

Question 24Crane operation

Why must the crane operator and dogman agree on a dedicated radio channel and signal protocol before a lift?

  1. To record the lift for the client
  2. To allow the crane to be operated remotely
  3. To reduce radio licence costs
  4. To ensure instructions are unambiguous and not confused with other site traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

Crane sites often have several radios in use, and a dedicated channel with agreed call signs and protocols prevents instructions being misheard or acted on by the wrong operator. Clear communication is a primary control for blind lifts and complex picks.

Question 25Crane operation

A load's centre of gravity is offset well to one side of the hook. What is the likely consequence if the lift proceeds without correction?

  1. The crane's capacity will increase
  2. The load will tilt, and sling loads will be uneven Correct answer.
  3. The load will hang level and stable
  4. The load will weigh less

Explanation

If the centre of gravity is not below the hook, the load tilts until it is, and the slings carry unequal tension, with one leg potentially overloaded. The rigging should be arranged so the hook is above the centre of gravity, or the load balanced before lifting.

Question 26Crane operation

Under the New Zealand Approved Code of Practice for Cranes, who is responsible for ensuring a crane is inspected and certified before it is first put into service?

  1. The site safety officer alone
  2. The dogman on the first lift only
  3. The crane owner or person in control of the plant Correct answer.
  4. The crane manufacturer's local agent

Explanation

The person in control of the plant (usually the owner) must ensure the crane has the required inspection and certification before use. This duty sits with the owner or controller, not with individual crew members or the manufacturer's agent.

Question 27Crane operation

Which document should a crane operator check to confirm the maximum load a specific crane can lift at a given radius and boom length?

  1. The crane's load chart Correct answer.
  2. The dogman's lift log
  3. The site induction record
  4. The maintenance schedule

Explanation

The load chart is issued for the specific crane configuration and gives rated capacities for each radius, boom length and setup. It is the authoritative source the operator uses to confirm capacity before lifting.

Question 28Crane operation

What is the standard hand signal for 'stop' when directing a crane?

  1. One arm raised with the palm held toward the operator, held steady Correct answer.
  2. Arm extended, hand open, moved in a sweeping arc
  3. Both hands raised and rotated in circles
  4. Arm extended downward with fingers pointing to the ground

Explanation

The stop signal is a raised arm with the palm facing the operator, held steady to halt all crane motion. Signals must be unambiguous so the operator responds immediately.

Question 29Crane operation

Why must a crane operator test the brakes and controls before starting a lift?

  1. To check that the horn is working
  2. To warm the hydraulic oil to operating temperature
  3. To confirm the crane will hold and control the load safely Correct answer.
  4. To satisfy the site's daily paperwork requirement

Explanation

A control and brake check confirms the crane responds correctly and can hold a load without drift before committing to the lift. Faults found at this stage can be rectified before anyone is exposed to a falling load.

Question 30Crane operation

What does the term 'SWL' mean on a lifting sling?

  1. Sling wear level, a rating of remaining service life
  2. Static weight limit, the weight of the sling itself
  3. Safe working load, the maximum load the sling is rated to lift in its intended configuration Correct answer.
  4. Standard wire length, the manufactured length of the sling

Explanation

SWL (safe working load) is the maximum load a sling may carry in a given configuration, as set by its rating and tag. It is not a measure of the sling's own weight or length.

Question 31Crane operation

When a crane is slewing with a suspended load, what is the main reason for keeping the load close to the ground during travel?

  1. It reduces the swing radius and the risk of the load striking people or structures Correct answer.
  2. It allows the dogman to walk alongside more easily
  3. It reduces fuel consumption of the crane engine
  4. It keeps the load within the site boundary

Explanation

Keeping the load low shortens the pendulum and limits how far it can swing if the crane stops or the load is disturbed. This reduces the chance of impact with people or structures.

Question 32Crane operation

What is the purpose of a pre-lift briefing between the operator, dogman and riggers?

  1. To record the weight of the crane's counterweight
  2. To decide who will operate the crane next shift
  3. To agree the sequence, signals, roles and hazards before the lift starts Correct answer.
  4. To confirm each person's hourly rate

Explanation

A pre-lift briefing aligns the crew on the lift sequence, communication method, individual roles and the hazards identified in the lift plan. Everyone knows what will happen and who does what before the load moves.

Question 33Crane operation

A crane's hook block has a latch that will not close fully. What is the correct action?

  1. Tie the latch shut with wire and proceed
  2. Take the crane out of service until the latch is repaired Correct answer.
  3. Continue lifting but only with light loads
  4. Ask the dogman to hold the latch closed during the lift

Explanation

A defective hook latch can allow slings to slip off the hook under slack conditions, so the crane must not be used until it is repaired. Defects affecting load retention are never worked around.

Question 34Crane operation

A mobile crane is rated to lift 12 tonnes at the required radius on outriggers. The load including rigging weighs 9.5 tonnes. Which statement best describes the capacity check?

  1. The lift requires a second crane regardless of the figures
  2. The lift is automatically safe because the load is below the rated figure
  3. The lift exceeds capacity because rigging weight is ignored
  4. The lift is within capacity, but ground bearing, wind and dynamic effects must still be confirmed Correct answer.

Explanation

Being under the rated capacity is necessary but not sufficient; the operator must also confirm ground conditions, wind, and dynamic or shock loading. All of these can reduce the effective capacity below the chart figure.

Question 35Crane operation

A load is to be lifted with a two-leg sling. The load is rigid and its centre of gravity sits midway between the two attachment points. What effect does increasing the included angle between the legs have?

  1. The tension in each leg decreases for the same load
  2. The tension in each leg stays the same
  3. The tension in each leg increases for the same load Correct answer.
  4. The sling rating increases automatically

Explanation

As the angle between the legs widens, each leg carries a larger share of the load because the vertical component must still support the full weight. Wider angles therefore raise leg tension and reduce effective capacity.

Question 36Crane operation

A crane operator is asked to lift a load that is partially buried in the ground. What is the main hazard this presents?

  1. The load chart becomes inaccurate for that radius
  2. The crane's tyres will wear faster
  3. The load may break free suddenly, causing shock loading and loss of control Correct answer.
  4. The dogman cannot see the hook

Explanation

A buried or stuck load can release suddenly when it breaks free, producing shock loading far above the static weight. This can overload the crane or slings and cause the load to swing violently.

Question 37Crane operation

What is meant by the 'working load limit' of a shackle?

  1. The load at which the shackle will permanently deform
  2. The maximum load the shackle is rated to carry in service Correct answer.
  3. The weight of the shackle itself
  4. The proof load applied at manufacture

Explanation

The working load limit is the maximum load a shackle may carry in normal service, derived from its design and safety factor. It is lower than the load that would cause permanent deformation or failure.

Question 38Crane operation

A dogman needs to direct a crane to lower a load slowly. Which signal should be used?

  1. Arm raised with palm facing the operator, held still
  2. Both arms crossed over the chest
  3. Hand held up with fingers spread and rotated
  4. Forefinger pointed downward with the arm moving in horizontal circles, while the other arm is held motionless across the chest Correct answer.

Explanation

Use the standard LOWER signal with the forefinger pointing down and the arm moving in horizontal circles. Hold the other arm motionless across the chest to add MOVE SLOWLY. The combined signal specifies both the lowering direction and the required slow movement.

Question 39Crane operation

Why is a crane's counterweight important to its lifting capacity?

  1. It acts as a brake during lowering
  2. It balances the load moment and helps prevent the crane tipping forward Correct answer.
  3. It reduces the load radius automatically
  4. It increases the engine power available for hoisting

Explanation

The counterweight creates an opposing moment that balances the load moment about the crane's tipping point. Without adequate counterweight the crane could tip forward when lifting a load at radius.

Question 40Crane operation

A load is being lifted and the operator notices the crane's boom begins to deflect more than expected. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Ask the dogman to add a tag line
  2. Continue slowly and monitor the deflection
  3. Increase engine speed to lift faster
  4. Stop the lift, lower the load and investigate before continuing Correct answer.

Explanation

Unexpected boom deflection may indicate overloading, structural issues or incorrect setup. The safe response is to stop, land the load and investigate before resuming.

Question 41Crane operation

What is the main reason for using a qualified rigger to inspect slings before each lift?

  1. To record the sling's purchase price
  2. To calculate the crane's fuel use
  3. To identify damage such as cuts, broken wires or chemical attack that could cause failure under load Correct answer.
  4. To decide the colour coding of the site

Explanation

Pre-use inspection detects damage that reduces sling strength, such as cuts, broken wires, distortion or chemical degradation. Removing damaged slings prevents failure during the lift.

Question 42Crane operation

A crane is set up on a slope. What is the main concern for lifting operations?

  1. The hook will swing more freely
  2. The dogman will have difficulty walking
  3. The crane will use more fuel on the slope
  4. The load chart may no longer apply and the crane may be less stable Correct answer.

Explanation

Cranes are rated for level setup; operating on a slope changes load geometry and can reduce stability and invalidate the chart. The crane must be levelled or the manufacturer's slope limits observed.

Question 43Crane operation

What does 'radius' mean in crane capacity terms?

  1. The length of the boom from foot to tip
  2. The horizontal distance from the crane's slewing centre to the centre of the load Correct answer.
  3. The vertical height of the boom tip
  4. The distance between the crane's outriggers

Explanation

Radius is the horizontal distance from the slewing centre to the load's centre of gravity, and it directly determines rated capacity. It is not a vertical or boom-length measurement.

Question 44Crane operation

A load with an offset centre of gravity is being lifted with a single hook. What is the likely result if the offset is not corrected?

  1. The sling tension will be equal on all sides
  2. The crane's capacity will increase
  3. The load will tilt until the centre of gravity is below the hook, causing uncontrolled rotation Correct answer.
  4. The load will rise perfectly level

Explanation

An offset centre of gravity causes the load to rotate until the centre of gravity hangs directly below the hook. This can produce uncontrolled swinging and make the load difficult to land.

Question 45Crane operation

What is the correct action when a crane's rated capacity limiter activates during a lift?

  1. Stop and reduce the load or radius before continuing Correct answer.
  2. Lower the load and increase the radius
  3. Increase engine speed to complete the lift
  4. Override the limiter and complete the lift

Explanation

The rated capacity limiter warns that the crane is approaching or exceeding its rated capacity. The operator must stop and reduce the load or radius rather than override the device.

Question 46Crane operation

A dogman is directing a lift that requires the load to be moved out of the operator's direct line of sight. What is the most appropriate control?

  1. Sound the horn continuously during the move
  2. Rely on the operator's judgement alone
  3. Ask a bystander to wave the load through
  4. Use a dedicated signal person or radio communication with an agreed protocol Correct answer.

Explanation

When the operator cannot see the load, a dedicated signal person or agreed radio protocol keeps communication reliable. Uncontrolled or ad hoc signalling creates a risk of collision or uncontrolled movement.

Question 47Crane operation

Why should the load be raised slightly and held before the full lift begins?

  1. To warm the hydraulic system
  2. To confirm the load is balanced, rigging is secure and the crane holds it correctly Correct answer.
  3. To reduce the load's weight
  4. To allow the dogman time to take a photograph

Explanation

A trial lift confirms the rigging is secure, the load is balanced and the crane's brakes hold before the load is committed to full height. Any problem can be corrected close to the ground.

Question 48Crane operation

A synthetic webbing sling shows a deep cut across part of its width. What should happen to it?

  1. It should be removed from service and not used Correct answer.
  2. It can be used for light loads only
  3. It can be used if the cut is taped over
  4. It can be used at half its rated capacity

Explanation

A deep cut reduces the sling's strength and may propagate under load, so the sling must be withdrawn from service. Taping or derating does not restore its rated integrity.

Question 49Crane operation

Two cranes are to lift a single load together. Which factor most affects the load share carried by each crane?

  1. The colour of each crane
  2. The relative position of the load's centre of gravity between the two hooks Correct answer.
  3. The length of the tag lines used
  4. The fuel level in each crane

Explanation

In a tandem lift, each crane's share depends on where the load's centre of gravity sits relative to the two hooks. If the centre of gravity is closer to one crane, that crane carries more of the load.

Question 50Crane operation

A crane's load chart gives a capacity for a specific boom length and radius. The operator extends the boom beyond that length but keeps the same radius. What is the effect?

  1. The rated capacity at that radius may be lower and the chart must be rechecked Correct answer.
  2. The capacity is unaffected provided the load is light
  3. The capacity increases because the boom is longer
  4. The capacity remains identical because radius is unchanged

Explanation

Rated capacity depends on boom length as well as radius; a longer boom reduces structural capacity and changes the chart values. The operator must use the correct chart for the actual configuration.