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RI Hoisting Engineer study materials
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RI Hoisting Engineer practice questions

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Question 1Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

When must a crane operator perform the pre-shift inspection of the hoisting equipment?

  1. After every 100 hours of operation
  2. Before each shift Correct answer.
  3. Only after a load has been dropped
  4. Once each week regardless of use

Explanation

Hoisting equipment must be inspected before each shift or before use so defects are found before lifting begins. The inspection covers items such as hooks, wire rope, brakes, and safety devices.

Question 2Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Before making a lift, outriggers on a mobile crane should be:

  1. Extended only on the load side
  2. Set on loose gravel for drainage
  3. Retracted to reduce the crane's footprint
  4. Fully extended on firm, level ground Correct answer.

Explanation

Outriggers are designed to carry lifting forces only when fully extended and properly supported. Firm, level ground prevents differential settlement that could reduce stability or tip the crane.

Question 3Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

For a given crane configuration, what happens to the rated capacity as the load radius increases?

  1. It increases gradually
  2. It increases only when the boom is lowered
  3. It remains unchanged
  4. It decreases Correct answer.

Explanation

Rated capacity is limited by the crane's strength and stability, and a larger radius increases the overturning moment for the same load. Therefore, the load chart shows lower capacity at greater radii.

Question 4Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What is the primary function of the latch on a crane hook?

  1. To increase the hook's rated capacity
  2. To indicate the weight of the load
  3. To allow the load to rotate freely
  4. To keep rigging on the hook Correct answer.

Explanation

The hook latch closes the throat so slings, shackles, or other rigging cannot slip off during slack or load movement. It does not change the hook's rated capacity.

Question 5Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What is the purpose of an anti-two-block device on a crane?

  1. It increases the boom's lifting capacity
  2. It measures wind speed at the boom tip
  3. It stops the hook block at the boom tip Correct answer.
  4. It locks the swing brake during lifting

Explanation

An anti-two-block device detects or prevents the hook block from being pulled into the boom tip. Contact between the block and boom can damage wire rope and cause a dropped load.

Question 6Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Why is a tag line used during a lift?

  1. To measure the load's center of gravity
  2. To attach the load to the hook
  3. To increase the lifting capacity of the crane
  4. To control load rotation and sway Correct answer.

Explanation

A tag line lets a rigger control the load's rotation and swinging without standing under it. It is not a load-bearing part of the lifting system.

Question 7Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What must be done before operating a crane where the boom could approach energized power lines?

  1. Ground the hook to the load with a cable
  2. Remove the boom's warning decals
  3. Maintain clearances and use a spotter Correct answer.
  4. Increase engine speed to shorten lift time

Explanation

The crane must maintain the required clearance from energized lines, and a dedicated spotter should warn the operator if the boom or load approaches the limit. The utility may also need to be notified or the line de-energized.

Question 8Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Under what condition may a crane operator leave the controls with a load suspended?

  1. When the load is below half capacity
  2. When the swing brake is set
  3. When a rigger is watching
  4. Never Correct answer.

Explanation

A suspended load must remain under operator control at all times. Leaving the controls with a load aloft risks uncontrolled motion if hydraulic pressure, brakes, or power change.

Question 9Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A load is suspended by two equal slings. As the angle between each sling and the horizontal decreases, the tension in each sling:

  1. increases Correct answer.
  2. decreases
  3. stays the same
  4. becomes equal to the load weight

Explanation

Sling tension equals load divided by twice the sine of the angle from horizontal. Lowering the angle reduces the sine value and increases the tension, which is why shallow sling angles are avoided.

Question 10Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A running wire rope is found to have a sharp kink and crushed strands. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Use the rope only for light loads
  2. Straighten the kink and return the rope to service
  3. Remove the rope from service and replace it Correct answer.
  4. Reduce the crane's capacity by 10 percent

Explanation

Kinking and crushed strands permanently damage wire rope and reduce its strength. Such rope must be removed from service rather than repaired or derated for continued use.

Question 11Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What does a load moment indicator (LMI) do on a crane?

  1. It warns or stops operation near capacity Correct answer.
  2. It physically locks the boom at a set radius
  3. It records the operator's daily inspection
  4. It measures the hydraulic oil temperature

Explanation

An LMI compares the actual load moment with the crane's rated capacity and warns or limits operation as capacity is approached. It helps the operator stay within the load chart.

Question 12Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What is the purpose of placing cribbing or mats under outrigger floats?

  1. To spread load over more ground area Correct answer.
  2. To reduce the crane's lifting radius
  3. To raise the crane's center of gravity
  4. To allow the outriggers to sink evenly

Explanation

Mats or cribbing increase the contact area, which lowers the bearing pressure on the soil. This reduces the chance of outrigger settlement or punch-through.

Question 13Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A crane must be set up on soft soil. Which action best reduces the risk of outrigger settlement?

  1. Use mats or crane pads under the floats Correct answer.
  2. Extend the outriggers less than fully
  3. Place the outriggers on the crane's rubber tires
  4. Increase the load radius before lifting

Explanation

Mats or engineered crane pads distribute the outrigger force over a larger area, lowering contact pressure on soft soil. This is the accepted way to improve bearing support.

Question 14Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

When two cranes are used to lift a single load, the lift should be:

  1. Limited to loads under 1,000 pounds
  2. Planned by a qualified person with one leader Correct answer.
  3. Performed with each operator working independently
  4. Made without a lift plan if each crane is under 50 percent capacity

Explanation

Multi-crane lifts require planning because load sharing can change as the load moves or the cranes drift. A qualified person should plan the lift and one designated leader should direct the operation.

Question 15Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

During a lift, anyone who sees an unsafe condition should:

  1. wait for the signal person to act
  2. continue the lift and report it afterward
  3. give an emergency stop signal Correct answer.
  4. adjust the load manually

Explanation

The operator must obey a stop signal from anyone who sees a hazard, because that person may have a better view of the danger. The lift should be halted before the condition causes an accident.

Question 16Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What should the operator do when wind causes the load to sway beyond control?

  1. Continue the lift and use more tag lines
  2. Lower the boom angle to reduce wind exposure
  3. Stop the lift and lower the load when safe Correct answer.
  4. Increase hoist speed to stabilize the load

Explanation

When wind makes the load uncontrollable, the lift should be stopped and the load lowered safely. Continuing risks striking nearby objects or workers and can overload the crane.

Question 17Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A crane hook's throat opening has increased by more than the manufacturer's allowable limit. What action is required?

  1. Use the hook only with synthetic slings
  2. Reduce the hook's rated capacity by half
  3. Close the throat with a press and continue
  4. Remove the hook from service Correct answer.

Explanation

A hook with excessive throat opening has been deformed and must be removed from service. Repair by bending or pressing is not permitted unless authorized by the manufacturer.

Question 18Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

When assembling a screw-pin shackle for a lift, the pin should be:

  1. replaced with a standard bolt of the same diameter
  2. welded to the shackle body for security
  3. fully seated and tightened in the shackle body Correct answer.
  4. left loose so it can be removed quickly

Explanation

The screw pin must be fully seated so the shackle can carry its rated load without the pin backing out. The pin should be tightened according to the manufacturer's guidance.

Question 19Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Which condition requires removal of a synthetic web sling from service?

  1. The sling has been stored in a clean, dry area
  2. The sling is stamped with its rated capacity
  3. The sling has cuts, burns, or broken stitching Correct answer.
  4. The sling is a different color from other slings

Explanation

Cuts, burns, and broken stitching reduce the strength of a synthetic web sling and are cause for removal. Color alone is not a defect, and capacity markings are required.

Question 20Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Who should perform the annual or periodic inspection of a crane?

  1. The crane's oiler during routine greasing
  2. The signal person at the start of a shift
  3. A qualified person designated by the employer Correct answer.
  4. Any employee who has previously operated the crane

Explanation

Periodic inspections are more thorough than pre-shift checks and must be performed by a qualified person. That person needs the training and experience to recognize structural and mechanical defects.

Question 21Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A crane has a gross rated capacity of 24,000 lb at the required radius. Deductions are 1,500 lb for the jib and 900 lb for rigging. What is the net capacity?

  1. 24,000 lb
  2. 25,400 lb
  3. 21,600 lb Correct answer.
  4. 22,500 lb

Explanation

Net capacity is the gross rated capacity minus all deductions. Subtract the jib deduction and rigging weight: 24,000 - 1,500 - 900 = 21,600 lb.

Question 22Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A 10,000 lb load is supported by two equal slings, each at 45 degrees above horizontal. What is the approximate tension in each sling?

  1. 7,070 lb Correct answer.
  2. 10,000 lb
  3. 14,140 lb
  4. 5,000 lb

Explanation

Each sling carries half the vertical load, or 5,000 lb. The sling tension is 5,000 divided by sin 45 degrees, which is approximately 7,070 lb.

Question 23Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A load creates a moment of 120,000 ft-lb about the crane's tipping axis at a 20 ft radius. What is the load weight?

  1. 2,400 lb
  2. 6,000 lb Correct answer.
  3. 240,000 lb
  4. 12,000 lb

Explanation

Load moment equals load weight times radius. Rearranging gives weight = moment / radius = 120,000 / 20 = 6,000 lb.

Question 24Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A crane's weight provides a stabilizing moment of 320,000 ft-lb about the tipping axis. The suspended load creates an overturning moment of 200,000 ft-lb. What is the net moment?

  1. 520,000 ft-lb stabilizing
  2. 200,000 ft-lb overturning
  3. 120,000 ft-lb stabilizing Correct answer.
  4. 120,000 ft-lb overturning

Explanation

Compare the stabilizing moment from the crane's weight with the overturning moment from the load. The stabilizing moment is larger by 320,000 - 200,000 = 120,000 ft-lb, so the net moment is stabilizing.

Question 25Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Soil under an outrigger mat has an allowable bearing pressure of 2,000 lb per square foot. The mat contact area is 6 square feet. What maximum load can that outrigger exert on the soil?

  1. 333 lb
  2. 6,000 lb
  3. 3,000 lb
  4. 12,000 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

Allowable load equals bearing pressure times contact area. Multiply 2,000 lb per square foot by 6 square feet to get 12,000 lb.

Question 26Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Where should an operator find the rated capacity of a crane at a specific radius, boom length, and configuration?

  1. On the crane manufacturer's load chart Correct answer.
  2. In the operator's daily inspection log
  3. On the tag attached to the rigging hardware
  4. In the site's general safety plan

Explanation

Rated capacity changes with radius, boom length, boom and jib configuration, and outrigger setup, and only the manufacturer's load chart accounts for all of those variables together. Site paperwork and hardware tags state other information.

Question 27Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What is the function of the safety latch on a crane hook?

  1. To allow the hook to swivel freely under a suspended load
  2. To increase the rated capacity of the hook
  3. To keep slings and rigging fittings from slipping off the hook Correct answer.
  4. To warn the operator when the hook is overloaded

Explanation

The latch closes the throat of the hook so that slings, chains, and fittings cannot slip off when tension is momentarily released. It does not change capacity and does not indicate load.

Question 28Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Before a crane is used at the start of a shift, who is responsible for performing the pre-use inspection?

  1. A third-party inspection agency
  2. The site safety officer
  3. The operator assigned to the crane Correct answer.
  4. The crane manufacturer's service department

Explanation

The operator inspects the crane before each shift, checking items such as controls, brakes, hooks, wire rope, and safety devices. Any deficiency is reported so it can be corrected before the crane is put to work.

Question 29Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

How many full wraps of wire rope should remain on a grooved drum when the load is at its lowest position?

  1. Five
  2. One
  3. Zero, as long as the rope end is anchored
  4. Two Correct answer.

Explanation

At least two full wraps must remain on the drum so the load is carried by rope friction on the drum rather than by the end anchorage. Fewer wraps can let the rope pull loose while a load is suspended.

Question 30Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Unless the load chart states otherwise, outrigger beams must be:

  1. extended to whatever length the operator finds convenient
  2. extended only far enough to level the crane
  3. fully extended with the floats set on firm bearing Correct answer.
  4. retracted whenever the load is on the crane's side

Explanation

Load charts are calculated on the assumption that the outrigger beams are fully extended and the floats bear on ground that will carry the pressure. Partial extension invalidates the chart and shortens the stability base.

Question 31Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

If the operator cannot clearly see or understand the signal being given, the operator should:

  1. follow the last signal that was received
  2. continue at slow speed while watching the load
  3. sound the horn and complete the lift
  4. stop the movement until communication is clear Correct answer.

Explanation

An unclear signal must be treated as a stop command, because acting on a misread signal can injure people or damage equipment. Movement resumes only when communication is re-established.

Question 32Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What must be established before any load is lifted?

  1. The number of workers present on the site
  2. The color code of the slings being used
  3. The total weight of the load, including rigging Correct answer.
  4. The wind direction at the boom tip

Explanation

The weight of the load plus rigging, block, and attachments must be known and compared with the crane's net capacity at the required radius before the lift starts. Estimating weight by eye is a leading cause of overload.

Question 33Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A running wire rope has four broken wires in one strand within one lay. What action is required?

  1. Remove the rope from service Correct answer.
  2. Reduce the working load by half and continue
  3. Weld the broken wire ends back into the strand
  4. Continue operating and note the condition in the log

Explanation

Four broken wires in one strand in one lay, or twelve randomly distributed broken wires in one lay, is a removal criterion for running ropes. The rope must be taken out of service and replaced.

Question 34Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A Grade 80 chain sling has a damaged link. What is the acceptable repair?

  1. Heat and straighten the damaged link
  2. Weld in a replacement link made of mild steel
  3. Remove the sling from service Correct answer.
  4. Cut out the link and shorten the chain

Explanation

Chain slings may not be repaired by welding, heating, or straightening, because those processes destroy the heat treatment and reduce strength. A damaged chain sling is removed from service and replaced.

Question 35Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

When should the swing lock on a crane be engaged?

  1. Whenever the crane is swinging a load
  2. Only while the boom is being extended
  3. When the crane is parked or during travel, as required Correct answer.
  4. While a load is being hoisted

Explanation

The swing lock is a mechanical parking and travel device that secures the upper works. It is not used to stop or hold a swinging load during operations; that is the function of the swing brake.

Question 36Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

What is the purpose of the boom stops on a crane?

  1. To cushion the boom when it is lowered to the ground
  2. To limit the crane's swing to a safe arc
  3. To stop the boom from falling backward over the crane Correct answer.
  4. To support the boom during travel between jobs

Explanation

Boom stops are structural or hydraulic stops that prevent the boom from rotating past its designed limit toward the rear, which could tip it back over the crane. They do not control swing or support the boom in travel.

Question 37Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

If the operator's view of the load is obstructed during a lift, what is required?

  1. A qualified signal person to direct the lift Correct answer.
  2. The operator must lift slowly using the load chart
  3. The load must be guided by hand
  4. The lift must be shared by two cranes

Explanation

An obstructed view requires a qualified signal person or equivalent agreed communication to direct the lift so the operator is not relying on assumptions. The method of signaling must be agreed before the lift begins.

Question 38Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Before making a lift, a mobile crane must be:

  1. level within the manufacturer's tolerance Correct answer.
  2. tilted slightly toward the load for stability
  3. level only when the boom is fully extended
  4. positioned with the outriggers on the least loaded side

Explanation

Load charts assume a level machine, so the crane must be leveled within the manufacturer's tolerance using its level indicator before lifting. An out-of-level crane side-loads the boom and shifts the capacity available.

Question 39Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Load radius on a crane is measured as the horizontal distance from:

  1. the boom foot pin to the center of the boom tip sheave
  2. the nearest outrigger float to the vertical line under the hook
  3. the center of rotation to the load's center of gravity Correct answer.
  4. the front bumper to the vertical line through the load

Explanation

Radius is the horizontal distance from the crane's center of rotation to the vertical line through the load's center of gravity, and that is the value used with the load chart. Boom length and outrigger position are separate values.

Question 40Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

When wire rope clips are used to form an eye, the saddle of each clip should be placed:

  1. on the short turnback end of the rope
  2. against the live, load-bearing end of the rope Correct answer.
  3. alternating sides along the rope
  4. on whichever side the clip fits best

Explanation

The saddle goes on the live, loaded end and the U-bolt on the turnback, using the number of clips and torque specified for that rope diameter. Reversing them crushes and distorts the load-bearing rope.

Question 41Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A synthetic web sling must lift a load with sharp corners. What should be done?

  1. Reduce the load to half the sling rating
  2. Use corner protectors between sling and load Correct answer.
  3. Wet the sling thoroughly before the lift
  4. Double the number of slings used

Explanation

Sharp corners cut and abrade synthetic webbing, so padding or corner protectors must be placed between the sling and the load. Webbing that is cut or worn must be removed from service.

Question 42Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Why is the area within the crane's swing radius barricaded?

  1. To mark where the rigging is stored
  2. To prevent the crane from traveling too far
  3. To reduce the wind load on the boom
  4. To keep people clear of the rotating counterweight Correct answer.

Explanation

The counterweight and the load sweep through an arc that can crush anyone standing inside it, so the swing radius is barricaded and kept clear. Verbal warnings are not a substitute for barricades.

Question 43Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

When a mobile crane travels with a suspended load, its allowable capacity is:

  1. the same as the lift capacity at the same radius
  2. the travel rating shown in the manufacturer's load chart Correct answer.
  3. increased because the crane is moving slowly
  4. limited only by the load rating of the tires

Explanation

Pick-and-carry operation is governed by the manufacturer's travel or pick-and-carry rating, which is generally lower than the static lift rating because of dynamic and structural loads. The chart for the travel configuration must be used.

Question 44Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

An inspection performed at intervals ranging from daily to monthly is classified as:

  1. a frequent inspection Correct answer.
  2. a pre-removal inspection
  3. a periodic inspection
  4. an annual inspection

Explanation

Frequent inspections are conducted at intervals from daily to monthly and are typically visual checks by the operator or a designated person. Periodic inspections cover intervals from one to twelve months.

Question 45Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A load of 30,000 lb is lifted with a load block weighing 1,000 lb. The hoist provides 6,500 lb of line pull. Ignoring friction, what is the minimum number of parts of line required?

  1. 4
  2. 5 Correct answer.
  3. 3
  4. 6

Explanation

Total load is 30,000 plus 1,000, or 31,000 lb. Dividing by 6,500 lb of line pull gives 4.77, so five parts are needed. Friction would require additional capacity, so this is a true minimum.

Question 46Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A boom pivot is 30 ft horizontally from the load's center of gravity and the boom tip is 40 ft above the pivot. Ignoring deflection, what boom length is needed?

  1. 70 ft
  2. 35 ft
  3. 45 ft
  4. 50 ft Correct answer.

Explanation

Boom length is the hypotenuse of the horizontal and vertical distances: the square root of 30 squared plus 40 squared, which is 50 ft. Actual boom length must be slightly greater to allow for deflection.

Question 47Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A rotation-resistant running wire rope is found to have six randomly distributed broken wires within one lay. What does this indicate?

  1. Normal wear, so operation may continue until the periodic inspection
  2. The rope must be removed from service Correct answer.
  3. The rope should be lubricated and returned to service
  4. Only the broken wires need to be cut out

Explanation

For rotation-resistant running ropes, six randomly distributed broken wires in one lay, or three in one strand in one lay, is a removal criterion. Standard six-strand ropes have higher limits, so the rope type must be identified before judging the damage.

Question 48Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

A single-leg sling has a vertical rated capacity of 4,000 lb. Used in a vertical basket hitch with both legs parallel, its approximate rated capacity is:

  1. 4,000 lb
  2. 6,000 lb
  3. 2,000 lb
  4. 8,000 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

A vertical basket hitch carries the load on two legs, so the capacity is twice the single-leg vertical rating, about 8,000 lb. If the legs are inclined, an angle factor reduces that value.

Question 49Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

Why should a swivel not be used with rotation-resistant wire rope?

  1. It prevents the load from being lowered
  2. It increases the fleet angle at the drum
  3. It reduces the rope's breaking strength by half
  4. It lets the rope rotate, defeating its design Correct answer.

Explanation

Rotation-resistant ropes are built with opposing lays that resist spinning, and a swivel allows the load to turn freely, defeating that design and risking core damage. Swivels are used only where the rope manufacturer permits them.

Question 50Hoisting Equipment Operation and Inspection

With the load lowered to its lowest working position, what is the minimum amount of wire rope that must remain wrapped on a grooved hoist drum?

  1. Two full wraps Correct answer.
  2. Four full wraps
  3. Three full wraps
  4. One full wrap

Explanation

Hoist drums must always retain at least two full wraps of wire rope when the load is at its lowest position, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise for a particular drum type. The wraps generate friction between rope and drum so that the rope anchorage is not called upon to carry the load. Allowing the drum to pay out below this minimum risks pulling the anchorage loose and dropping the load.