OSHA crane operation and work area control practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1926.1417 and 1926.1424. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
Crane operation and work area control
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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Manufacturer procedures and their availability
1. Where the manufacturer procedures are unavailable, who must develop the procedures related to the capacity of the equipment under 1926.1417(b)(3)?
- A. The operator assigned to the equipment
- B. A competent person named by the controlling entity
- C. A registered professional engineer familiar with the equipment, who must also sign them
- D. The employer's safety manager, with the operator's signature
Show answer
Answer: C. A registered professional engineer familiar with the equipment, who must also sign them
"Procedures related to the capacity of the equipment must be developed and signed by a registered professional engineer familiar with the equipment." Procedures for the operational controls, by contrast, "must be developed by a qualified person."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
2. The rated capacities are available in the cab only in electronic form, and a failure makes them inaccessible. What does 1926.1417(c)(2) require of the operator?
- A. Finish the current lift and report the failure in writing at the end of the shift
- B. Continue operating if a signal person watches the load
- C. Continue operating from memory of the load chart for the rest of the shift
- D. Immediately cease operations or follow safe shut-down procedures until the rated capacities are available in electronic or other form
Show answer
Answer: D. Immediately cease operations or follow safe shut-down procedures until the rated capacities are available in electronic or other form
"In the event of a failure which makes the rated capacities inaccessible, the operator must immediately cease operations or follow safe shut-down procedures until the rated capacities (in electronic or other form) are available."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
3. Which items does 1926.1417(c)(1) name among the procedures that must be readily available in the cab at all times for use by the operator?
- A. Rated capacities (load charts), recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, instructions, and the operator's manual
- B. The project schedule and the site safety plan
- C. The operator's certification card and medical card
- D. Only the operator's manual
Show answer
Answer: A. Rated capacities (load charts), recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, instructions, and the operator's manual
The procedures, "including rated capacities (load charts), recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, instructions, and operator's manual, must be readily available in the cab at all times for use by the operator."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Operator attention and leaving the controls
4. 1926.1417(d) bars the operator from activities that divert attention while actually operating the equipment, giving cellular phones as an example. What use of a cellular phone does the paragraph set apart?
- A. Calls from the employer's dispatcher
- B. Use for signal communications
- C. Calls made while the load is suspended but not moving
- D. Hands-free calls of short length
Show answer
Answer: B. Use for signal communications
The operator must not engage in any activity that diverts attention, "such as the use of cellular phones (other than when used for signal communications)."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
5. Under 1926.1417(e)(1), an operator leaves the controls while the load is held suspended. Where must the operator be, and what may the operator be doing?
- A. In the site office, within radio range of the crew
- B. At the landing area, giving signals for the next lift
- C. Adjacent to the equipment, and not engaged in any other duties
- D. Anywhere on the site, as long as the cab door is locked
Show answer
Answer: C. Adjacent to the equipment, and not engaged in any other duties
One of the conditions that must all be met is: "The operator remains adjacent to the equipment and is not engaged in any other duties."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
6. Under 1926.1417(e)(1)(iii), who must determine that it is safe for the operator to leave the controls with the load suspended, and implement measures to restrain the equipment's functions?
- A. The competent person
- B. The signal person
- C. A registered professional engineer
- D. The controlling entity
Show answer
Answer: A. The competent person
"The competent person determines that it is safe to do so and implements measures necessary to restrain the boom hoist and telescoping, load, swing, and outrigger or stabilizer functions."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
7. Under 1926.1417(e)(2), when does the rule on leaving the controls with a suspended load not apply to working gear such as slings, spreader bars, ladders and welding machines?
- A. When it weighs less than 75 percent of the maximum rated capacity
- B. When it is suspended over an entrance or exit that is closed
- C. When the operator has placed a tag in the cab
- D. When its weight is negligible relative to the lifting capacity of the equipment as positioned and it is suspended over an area other than an entrance or exit
Show answer
Answer: D. When its weight is negligible relative to the lifting capacity of the equipment as positioned and it is suspended over an area other than an entrance or exit
The provisions "do not apply to working gear ... where the weight of the working gear is negligible relative to the lifting capacity of the equipment as positioned, and the working gear is suspended over an area other than an entrance or exit."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Tag-out, start-up and repairs
8. The employer has taken one function of the equipment out of service, but not the whole equipment. What does 1926.1417(f)(1) require?
- A. Only a verbal warning to the operator at the start of the shift
- B. A tag in a conspicuous position stating that the function is out of service and is not to be used
- C. A lock on the main disconnect, with no tag
- D. Only an entry in the inspection record
Show answer
Answer: B. A tag in a conspicuous position stating that the function is out of service and is not to be used
"Where the employer has taken a function(s) out of service, a tag must be placed in a conspicuous position stating that the function is out of service and is not to be used."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
9. A do not operate sign is on the starting control. Other than removal of the sign by a person authorized to remove it, what allows the operator to start the equipment under 1926.1417(f)(2)(i)?
- A. The sign has been on the control for more than one full shift
- B. The operator has verified that no one is servicing, working on, or otherwise in a dangerous position on the machine, and that it has been repaired and is working properly
- C. The supervisor tells the operator by radio that the lift is urgent
- D. A signal person is posted at the front of the equipment
Show answer
Answer: B. The operator has verified that no one is servicing, working on, or otherwise in a dangerous position on the machine, and that it has been repaired and is working properly
The operator must not start the equipment "until the sign has been removed by a person authorized to remove it, or until the operator has verified that: (A) No one is servicing, working on, or otherwise in a dangerous position on the machine. (B) The equipment has been repaired and is working properly."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
10. Equipment adjustments or repairs are necessary. What does 1926.1417(j)(1) require of the operator?
- A. To tell the signal person orally before the next lift
- B. To note it at the next monthly inspection
- C. To inform, in writing and promptly, the person the employer designated to receive such information and, where there are successive shifts, the next operator
- D. To notify every employee on the site in person
Show answer
Answer: C. To inform, in writing and promptly, the person the employer designated to receive such information and, where there are successive shifts, the next operator
"The operator must, in writing, promptly inform the person designated by the employer to receive such information and, where there are successive shifts, to the next operator." The employer then notifies affected employees "at the beginning of each shift."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Weather, safety devices and wire rope
11. Under 1926.1417(h), what event requires the competent person to determine whether it is necessary to implement manufacturer recommendations for securing the equipment?
- A. A local storm warning has been issued
- B. The end of each work shift
- C. A function has been taken out of service
- D. The equipment is traveling with a load
Show answer
Answer: A. A local storm warning has been issued
"When a local storm warning has been issued, the competent person must determine whether it is necessary to implement manufacturer recommendations for securing the equipment."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
12. The competent person has determined that there is a slack rope condition requiring re-spooling. What must be verified before starting to lift under 1926.1417(m)?
- A. That the rope has been replaced
- B. That the load moment indicator has been recalibrated
- C. That a registered professional engineer has approved the lift
- D. That the rope is seated on the drum and in the sheaves as the slack is removed
Show answer
Answer: D. That the rope is seated on the drum and in the sheaves as the slack is removed
"It must be verified (before starting to lift) that the rope is seated on the drum and in the sheaves as the slack is removed."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Rated capacity, load weight, brakes and counterweight
13. The operator uses the method in 1926.1417(o)(3)(ii), and the device shows the load exceeds 75 percent of the maximum rated capacity at the longest radius that will be used during the lift. What must the operator do?
- A. Not proceed with the lift until verifying the weight of the load by the method in paragraph (o)(3)(i)
- B. Proceed if a competent person supervises the lift
- C. Proceed after testing the brakes
- D. Proceed after reducing the swing speed
Show answer
Answer: A. Not proceed with the lift until verifying the weight of the load by the method in paragraph (o)(3)(i)
If it exceeds 75 percent, "the operator must not proceed with the lift until he/she verifies the weight of the load in accordance with paragraph (o)(3)(i) of this section."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
14. Under 1926.1417(o)(3)(i), the load weight is determined from a source or calculation method recognized by the industry, or other equally reliable means. When must this information be provided to the operator prior to the lift?
- A. Only for lifts over the front area of wheel-mounted equipment
- B. Only when the equipment is traveling with the load
- C. When requested by the operator
- D. Only when a storm warning has been issued
Show answer
Answer: C. When requested by the operator
"In addition, when requested by the operator, this information must be provided to the operator prior to the lift."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
15. In duty cycle and repetitive lifts where each lift is 90% or more of the maximum line pull, to which lift does the brake test in 1926.1417(s) apply?
- A. Every lift in the cycle
- B. Only the last lift of the shift
- C. None of them
- D. The first lift, but not successive lifts
Show answer
Answer: D. The first lift, but not successive lifts
"In duty cycle and repetitive lifts where each lift is 90% or more of the maximum line pull, this requirement applies to the first lift but not to successive lifts."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Moving the equipment and the load
16. The manufacturer does not prohibit traveling with a load, and the equipment will travel with one. What must the employer ensure a competent person does under 1926.1417(u)(2)(i)?
- A. Supervises the operation, determines if rated capacity must be reduced, and makes determinations on load position, boom location, ground support, travel route, overhead obstructions and speed of movement
- B. Signs a written travel permit for the whole project
- C. Walks in front of the equipment as its only signal person
- D. Inspects the equipment monthly while it travels
Show answer
Answer: A. Supervises the operation, determines if rated capacity must be reduced, and makes determinations on load position, boom location, ground support, travel route, overhead obstructions and speed of movement
The employer must ensure that "A competent person supervises the operation, determines if it is necessary to reduce rated capacity, and makes determinations regarding load position, boom location, ground support, travel route, overhead obstructions, and speed of movement necessary to ensure safety."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
17. Under 1926.1417(z), a locomotive crane must not be swung into a position where railway cars on an adjacent track could strike it until what has been done?
- A. The railroad has been notified in writing 24 hours ahead
- B. It is determined that cars are not being moved on the adjacent track and proper flag protection has been established
- C. The boom has been lowered and the load landed
- D. The crane's travel brakes have been set
Show answer
Answer: B. It is determined that cars are not being moved on the adjacent track and proper flag protection has been established
It must not be swung there "until it is determined that cars are not being moved on the adjacent track and that proper flag protection has been established."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1417, Operation (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Swing radius hazards and multiple equipment
18. The operator knows that an employee went to a swing radius hazard location. Under 1926.1424(a)(3)(ii), until when must the operator not rotate the superstructure?
- A. Until five minutes have passed
- B. Until the operator sounds the horn
- C. Until informed, in accordance with a pre-arranged system of communication, that the employee is in a safe position
- D. Until the load has been landed
Show answer
Answer: C. Until informed, in accordance with a pre-arranged system of communication, that the employee is in a safe position
"The operator must not rotate the superstructure until the operator is informed in accordance with a pre-arranged system of communication that the employee is in a safe position."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1424, Work area control (as of Nov 4, 2026)
19. Under 1926.1424(a)(2)(ii), when may the employer mark the swing radius hazard areas with a combination of warning signs and high visibility markings on the equipment instead of barriers?
- A. Whenever the operator prefers markings
- B. When the work will last less than one shift
- C. When a signal person is assigned to the equipment
- D. When the employer can demonstrate that it is neither feasible to erect barriers on the ground nor on the equipment
Show answer
Answer: D. When the employer can demonstrate that it is neither feasible to erect barriers on the ground nor on the equipment
"Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is neither feasible to erect such barriers on the ground nor on the equipment, the hazard areas must be clearly marked by a combination of warning signs ... and high visibility markings on the equipment." The employer must also "train each employee to understand what these markings signify."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1424, Work area control (as of Nov 4, 2026)
20. Where any part of a crane/derrick is within the working radius of another crane/derrick, who must institute a system to coordinate operations under 1926.1424(b)?
- A. Each crane operator, separately
- B. The controlling entity; if there is none, the employer (if only one employer operates the equipment) or employers
- C. The equipment manufacturer
- D. The signal person for each crane
Show answer
Answer: B. The controlling entity; if there is none, the employer (if only one employer operates the equipment) or employers
"The controlling entity must institute a system to coordinate operations. If there is no controlling entity, the employer (if there is only one employer operating the multiple pieces of equipment), or employers, must institute such a system."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1424, Work area control (as of Nov 4, 2026)