OSHA crane inspections practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1926.1412. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
Crane inspections
20 questions across 7 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Prefer to read? Here is every question in the Crane inspections set, grouped by topic. Open a question to see the answer, why it is right and the official source.
Who inspects and key terms
1. Under 1926.1412(d)(1), when must the competent person begin and complete the shift inspection?
- A. Begin it after the first lift of the shift and complete it by the end of the shift
- B. Begin and complete it once a week for equipment in continuous use
- C. Begin it prior to each shift the equipment will be used, and complete it before or during that shift
- D. Begin it only after the equipment is moved to a new site
Show answer
Answer: C. Begin it prior to each shift the equipment will be used, and complete it before or during that shift
"A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used, which must be completed before or during that shift."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
2. The shift inspection item in 1926.1412(d)(1)(xiv) covers safety devices and operational aids. How does 1926.1401 describe operational aids?
- A. Devices that assist the operator in the safe operation of the crane by providing information or automatically taking control of a crane function
- B. Written procedures the competent person follows to carry out the shift inspection
- C. Load charts and manuals that must be kept in the cab
- D. Crew members who watch the load and give signals to the operator
Show answer
Answer: A. Devices that assist the operator in the safe operation of the crane by providing information or automatically taking control of a crane function
Item (xiv) of the shift inspection is "Safety devices and operational aids for proper operation." Section 1926.1401 states: "Operational aids are devices that assist the operator in the safe operation of the crane by providing information or automatically taking control of a crane function."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1401, Definitions (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Modified and repaired equipment
3. Equipment has had a modification that affects its safe operation. Who must inspect it under 1926.1412(a)(1), and at what point?
- A. A competent person, at the start of the next shift the equipment is used
- B. The operator, during the first lift after the modification
- C. A registered professional engineer, within 30 days after the equipment returns to service
- D. A qualified person, after the modifications have been completed and prior to initial use
Show answer
Answer: D. A qualified person, after the modifications have been completed and prior to initial use
Such equipment "must be inspected by a qualified person after such modifications/additions have been completed, prior to initial use."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
4. Besides assuring the work was done in accordance with the approval obtained under 1926.1434, what must the inspection of modified equipment include under 1926.1412(a)(1)?
- A. A review by a representative of the equipment manufacturer
- B. Functional testing of the equipment
- C. Complete disassembly of the boom
- D. A written report sent to OSHA
Show answer
Answer: B. Functional testing of the equipment
Paragraph (a)(1)(ii) states: "The inspection must include functional testing of the equipment." Under (a)(2), the equipment "must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that the requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section have been met."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
5. After a repair that relates to safe operation, manufacturer equipment criteria for the repair are unavailable. What must the qualified person determine under 1926.1412(b)(1)(ii)(A)?
- A. Whether OSHA must approve the repair before use
- B. Whether the criteria for the most similar model may be used
- C. Whether the equipment must be permanently removed from service
- D. Whether a registered professional engineer (RPE) is needed to develop criteria for the repair/adjustment
Show answer
Answer: D. Whether a registered professional engineer (RPE) is needed to develop criteria for the repair/adjustment
"Where manufacturer equipment criteria are unavailable or inapplicable, the qualified person must" "Determine if a registered professional engineer (RPE) is needed to develop criteria for the repair/adjustment." If an RPE is needed, the employer must ensure the criteria "are developed by an RPE."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
6. What must the functional testing in an inspection of repaired/adjusted equipment cover under 1926.1412(b)(1)(iii)?
- A. The repaired/adjusted parts and other components that may be affected by the repair/adjustment
- B. Only the single part that was repaired
- C. Only the load hook and its latch
- D. Only the controls in the operator cab
Show answer
Answer: A. The repaired/adjusted parts and other components that may be affected by the repair/adjustment
"The inspection must include functional testing of the repaired/adjusted parts and other components that may be affected by the repair/adjustment."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Post-assembly inspection
7. Upon completion of assembly, what must the qualified person's inspection assure under 1926.1412(c)(1)?
- A. That the operator holds a current certification
- B. That a trial lift at rated capacity has been made
- C. That the equipment is configured in accordance with manufacturer equipment criteria
- D. That the monthly inspection record is on site
Show answer
Answer: C. That the equipment is configured in accordance with manufacturer equipment criteria
"Upon completion of assembly, the equipment must be inspected by a qualified person to assure that it is configured in accordance with manufacturer equipment criteria." 1926.1401 defines equipment criteria as "instructions, recommendations, limitations and specifications."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
8. Manufacturer equipment criteria for a configuration are unavailable, and the qualified person decides that a registered professional engineer is not needed. Who must the employer ensure develops the configuration criteria under 1926.1412(c)(2)(i)?
- A. The equipment operator
- B. The qualified person
- C. The signal person
- D. The competent person who does the shift inspection
Show answer
Answer: B. The qualified person
"If an RPE is not needed, the employer must ensure that the criteria are developed by the qualified person. If an RPE is needed, the employer must ensure that they are developed by an RPE." Under (c)(3), the equipment "must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that the equipment is configured in accordance with the applicable criteria."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Shift and monthly inspections
9. Under 1926.1412(d)(1), what must happen to the determinations made in conducting the shift inspection once the equipment is being operated?
- A. They must be reassessed in light of observations made during operation
- B. They stand for the rest of the shift and need no further review
- C. They must be sent to the equipment manufacturer for approval
- D. They must be repeated by a registered professional engineer before the next lift
Show answer
Answer: A. They must be reassessed in light of observations made during operation
Paragraph (d)(1) states: "Determinations made in conducting the inspection must be reassessed in light of observations made during operation."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
10. Under 1926.1412(d)(1), when does the shift inspection require taking apart equipment components or booming down?
- A. At every shift inspection
- B. Only on equipment with a boom longer than 100 feet
- C. Only when a qualified person is present
- D. When the results of the visual inspection or trial operation indicate that further investigation necessitating it is needed
Show answer
Answer: D. When the results of the visual inspection or trial operation indicate that further investigation necessitating it is needed
"Taking apart equipment components and booming down is not required as part of this inspection unless the results of the visual inspection or trial operation indicate that further investigation necessitating taking apart equipment components or booming down is needed."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
11. The shift inspection finds a deficiency in one of the items in 1926.1412(d)(1)(i) through (xiii). What does paragraph (d)(2) require?
- A. The deficiency is written down and corrected at the next monthly inspection
- B. The operator decides at the end of the shift whether to report it
- C. An immediate determination by the competent person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a safety hazard; if it does, the equipment is taken out of service until it has been corrected
- D. The manufacturer must be notified before the next lift
Show answer
Answer: C. An immediate determination by the competent person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a safety hazard; if it does, the equipment is taken out of service until it has been corrected
"An immediate determination must be made by the competent person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a safety hazard. If the deficiency is determined to constitute a safety hazard, the equipment must be taken out of service until it has been corrected."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
12. Under 1926.1412(e)(3)(i), what information must be documented for the monthly inspection, and by whom must it be maintained?
- A. Only the date of the inspection, kept by the equipment operator
- B. The items checked and the results of the inspection, and the name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date, maintained by the employer that conducts the inspection
- C. A photograph of each item checked, kept by the equipment manufacturer
- D. The operator's certification number, kept by the controlling contractor
Show answer
Answer: B. The items checked and the results of the inspection, and the name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date, maintained by the employer that conducts the inspection
"The following information must be documented and maintained by the employer that conducts the inspection: (A) The items checked and the results of the inspection. (B) The name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
13. Under 1926.1412(e)(1), each month the equipment is in service it must be inspected in accordance with which paragraph?
- A. Paragraph (f) (Annual/comprehensive)
- B. Paragraph (c) (Post-assembly)
- C. Paragraph (g) (Severe service)
- D. Paragraph (d) (Each shift)
Show answer
Answer: D. Paragraph (d) (Each shift)
"Each month the equipment is in service it must be inspected in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section (each shift)." Under (e)(2), the equipment "must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that no corrective action under paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section is required."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Annual/comprehensive inspection
14. In the annual/comprehensive inspection, the qualified person finds a deficiency that is not yet a safety hazard but needs to be monitored. What must the employer ensure under 1926.1412(f)(6)?
- A. That the deficiency is checked in the monthly inspections
- B. That the equipment is taken out of service until the deficiency is corrected
- C. That a registered professional engineer certifies the equipment within 30 days
- D. That the deficiency is checked again at the next annual inspection only
Show answer
Answer: A. That the deficiency is checked in the monthly inspections
"If the qualified person determines that, though not presently a safety hazard, the deficiency needs to be monitored, the employer must ensure that the deficiency is checked in the monthly inspections."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
15. The qualified person determines during the annual/comprehensive inspection that a deficiency is a safety hazard. Under 1926.1412(f)(5), what is the exception to taking the equipment out of service until it is corrected?
- A. When the operator agrees to work at reduced speed
- B. When the next annual inspection is less than 30 days away
- C. When temporary alternative measures are implemented as specified in § 1926.1416(d) or § 1926.1435(e)
- D. When lifts are kept under half of rated capacity
Show answer
Answer: C. When temporary alternative measures are implemented as specified in § 1926.1416(d) or § 1926.1435(e)
The equipment "must be taken out of service until it has been corrected, except when temporary alternative measures are implemented as specified in § 1926.1416(d) or § 1926.1435(e)."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
16. What does 1926.1412(f)(2) say about disassembly for the annual/comprehensive inspection of equipment structure, sheaves, drums, brakes and the other listed items?
- A. Disassembly is never part of the inspection
- B. Disassembly is required, as necessary, to complete the inspection
- C. Complete disassembly of the equipment is required every year
- D. Disassembly is required only if a registered professional engineer orders it
Show answer
Answer: B. Disassembly is required, as necessary, to complete the inspection
"In addition, at least every 12 months, the equipment must be inspected by a qualified person. Disassembly is required, as necessary, to complete the inspection."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Severe service and idle equipment
17. Under 1926.1412(g), the severity of use/conditions is such that there is a reasonable probability of damage or excessive wear, such as shock loading that may have exceeded rated capacity. What must happen?
- A. The employer must stop using the equipment, and a qualified person must inspect it for structural damage to determine if it can continue to be used safely
- B. The competent person adds the item to the next shift inspection, and work continues
- C. The equipment may be used until the next monthly inspection
- D. The operator must log the event, and the annual inspection is moved up by 30 days
Show answer
Answer: A. The employer must stop using the equipment, and a qualified person must inspect it for structural damage to determine if it can continue to be used safely
Where such conditions exist, "the employer must stop using the equipment and a qualified person must: (1) Inspect the equipment for structural damage to determine if the equipment can continue to be used safely."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
18. Equipment has been idle for 3 months or more. What does 1926.1412(h) require before its initial use?
- A. A shift inspection by the operator only
- B. A trial operation observed by a signal person
- C. An inspection by a registered professional engineer under the severe service paragraph
- D. An inspection by a qualified person in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e) (Monthly)
Show answer
Answer: D. An inspection by a qualified person in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e) (Monthly)
"Equipment that has been idle for 3 months or more must be inspected by a qualified person in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e) (Monthly) of this section before initial use."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Manufacturer procedures and documents
19. A manufacturer's inspection procedure relating to safe operation is more comprehensive, or has a more frequent schedule, than 1926.1412 requires. What does paragraph (j) say?
- A. The schedule in 1926.1412 controls instead
- B. That part of the manufacturer's procedure must be followed
- C. The employer may choose either schedule
- D. It is followed only if a registered professional engineer agrees
Show answer
Answer: B. That part of the manufacturer's procedure must be followed
Any such part of a manufacturer's procedures "that is more comprehensive or has a more frequent schedule of inspection than the requirements of this section must be followed."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)
20. Under 1926.1412(k), to whom must all documents produced under the inspection section be available, and for how long?
- A. Only to OSHA compliance officers, for five years
- B. Only to the equipment operator, until the next shift
- C. To all persons who conduct inspections under this section, during the applicable document retention period
- D. To the public on request, permanently
Show answer
Answer: C. To all persons who conduct inspections under this section, during the applicable document retention period
"All documents produced under this section must be available, during the applicable document retention period, to all persons who conduct inspections under this section."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1412, Inspections (as of Nov 4, 2026)