Mobile Crane Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers
1. What is a mobile crane?
Answer: A mobile crane is a wheeled or tracked crane designed for lifting and moving heavy loads on different terrains.
2. What are the main safety hazards of mobile crane operations?
Answer:
- Tip-over risks
- Overloading
- Boom collapse
- Power line contact
3. What qualifications are required to operate a mobile crane?
Answer:
- Certified crane operator license
- Mobile crane operation training
- Knowledge of safety regulations (OSHA, ANSI, etc.)
4. What should be included in a pre-operation inspection?
Answer:
- Hydraulic leaks
- Boom and cable integrity
- Brakes and controls functionality
5. How do you determine the safe lifting capacity of a mobile crane?
Answer: By referring to the crane’s load chart, which considers boom length, load radius, and counterweights.
6. What are the risks of overloading a mobile crane?
Answer: Overloading can cause structural failure, loss of stability, and tipping over.
7. How should a mobile crane be set up for stability?
Answer:
- Use outriggers and mats
- Ensure a level surface
- Follow manufacturer’s setup instructions
8. Why is wind speed important in crane operations?
Answer: High winds can cause load swinging and loss of control, leading to accidents.
9. What is the safe distance for crane operations near power lines?
Answer: At least 10 feet (3 meters) for up to 50kV power lines, increasing for higher voltages.
10. How should loads be properly rigged before lifting?
Answer:
- Use appropriate slings and shackles
- Ensure load balance
- Check for any damaged lifting gear
11. Why is it important to use tag lines?
Answer: Tag lines help control load movement and prevent swinging.
12. What are common causes of mobile crane tip-overs?
Answer:
- Overloading
- Soft or uneven ground
- Improper outrigger use
13. What should you do if a mobile crane becomes unstable?
Answer:
- Lower the load immediately
- Reposition outriggers
- Do not attempt to move the crane with a suspended load
14. How do you prevent boom collapse?
Answer:
- Do not exceed load limits
- Conduct regular inspections
- Avoid sudden movements
15. Why is a crane load chart important?
Answer: It guides operators on safe lifting capacities based on different configurations.
16. What are the primary components of a mobile crane?
Answer:
- Boom
- Counterweights
- Hoist system
- Outriggers
17. What is the purpose of a counterweight?
Answer: It balances the crane and prevents tipping during lifting.
18. What precautions should be taken when operating a crane on rough terrain?
Answer:
- Use rough-terrain cranes with large tires
- Ensure proper outrigger deployment
- Avoid sharp turns with a load suspended
19. How can you ensure safe crane movements on-site?
Answer:
- Follow designated travel paths
- Lower the boom when moving
- Use a spotter for guidance
20. What are the dangers of lifting loads over workers?
Answer:
- Falling load hazards
- Crane failure risks
21. How do you ensure proper communication between crane operators and ground personnel?
Answer:
- Use standard hand signals
- Utilize two-way radios
22. What is a crane’s working radius?
Answer: The distance from the center of rotation to the load, affecting lifting capacity.
23. What is the importance of boom deflection awareness?
Answer: Boom deflection affects load positioning and can cause uncontrolled movements.
24. What is the function of a load moment indicator (LMI)?
Answer: It alerts the operator if the crane approaches overload conditions.
25. How often should a mobile crane undergo maintenance?
Answer:
- Daily pre-shift checks
- Routine maintenance as per manufacturer guidelines
26. What are the emergency procedures for a crane malfunction?
Answer:
- Stop operations immediately
- Secure the load safely
- Notify maintenance personnel
27. Why is it dangerous to swing a crane boom too fast?
Answer: Sudden swings can destabilize the crane and cause load shifting.
28. How do you ensure a mobile crane is safe for transport?
Answer:
- Retract and secure the boom
- Remove counterweights if necessary
29. What is outrigger cribbing?
Answer: Wood or metal pads placed under outriggers to distribute weight evenly.
30. What should you do if a crane contacts power lines?
Answer:
- Do not touch the crane
- Warn others to stay away
- Notify emergency services
31. What is a dynamic load test?
Answer: A test to assess crane performance under actual lifting conditions.
32. What are the risks of operating a crane in poor visibility?
Answer:
- Difficulty in load positioning
- Higher chances of collision
33. Why is a pre-lift meeting important?
Answer: It ensures all team members understand their roles and safety measures.
34. How can a crane operator reduce fatigue?
Answer:
- Take scheduled breaks
- Stay hydrated and well-rested
35. Why should a crane operator maintain a clear view of the load?
Answer: To ensure proper positioning and avoid obstacles.
36. What is the purpose of a swing lock?
Answer: It prevents the crane from rotating unexpectedly.
37. What is the purpose of an anti-two-block system?
Answer: It prevents hook block contact with the boom tip, avoiding damage.
38. Why should a crane never be moved with a suspended load?
Answer: It can cause instability and tipping.
39. What is the purpose of a boom angle indicator?
Answer: It shows the boom’s inclination for safe lifting calculations.
40. What should be done if high winds suddenly occur?
Answer:
- Stop lifting operations
- Secure the boom
41. Why is the center of gravity important in crane operations?
Answer: Incorrect weight distribution can cause instability and tipping.
42. What are the risks of sudden crane stops?
Answer:
- Load swinging
- Potential structural damage
43. What should be done after a crane-related incident?
Answer:
- Secure the site
- Report to safety personnel
44. Why should a crane operator check for underground utilities?
Answer: To avoid outrigger penetration into underground structures.
45. What are the responsibilities of a signal person?
Answer:
- Provide clear communication
- Guide load movements safely
46. What should be done before refueling a mobile crane?
Answer:
- Shut down the engine
- Avoid open flames
47. What is the importance of a load radius indicator?
Answer: It helps determine safe lifting distances.
48. Why should lifts be conducted in a controlled manner?
Answer:
- To prevent sudden load shifts
- To maintain crane stability
49. How does temperature affect crane operations?
Answer: Extreme temperatures can affect hydraulics and metal components.
50. What are the benefits of mobile crane safety training?
Answer:
- Prevents workplace accidents
- Improves efficiency and compliance
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