OSHA crane power line safety practice questions
20 free practice questions from 29 CFR 1926.1408. Each answer is explained and linked to the rule it comes from.
Crane power line safety
20 questions across 8 topics. After each answer you see why it is right, with a link to the official source.
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Work zone and the 20-foot determination
1. Under 1926.1408(a)(1), when the employer identifies the work zone by demarcating boundaries, what else must the employer do?
- A. Send a copy of the boundary map to the utility owner/operator
- B. Prohibit the operator from operating the equipment past those boundaries
- C. Mark the boundaries in red paint on the power line poles
- D. Repeat the demarcation at the start of every lift
Show answer
Answer: B. Prohibit the operator from operating the equipment past those boundaries
Under (a)(1)(i) the employer may identify the work zone by "Demarcating boundaries (such as with flags, or a device such as a range limit device or range control warning device) and prohibiting the operator from operating the equipment past those boundaries".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
2. When does 1926.1408(a) require the employer to identify the work zone and make the power line determination?
- A. Within two working days after operations begin
- B. After the first load has been lifted
- C. Only when the operator asks for it
- D. Before beginning equipment operations
Show answer
Answer: D. Before beginning equipment operations
Paragraph (a) begins: "Before beginning equipment operations, the employer must: (1) Identify the work zone" and (2) make the power line determination.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
3. Under 1926.1408(a)(1)(ii), how may the employer define the work zone instead of demarcating boundaries?
- A. As the area 360 degrees around the equipment, up to the equipment's maximum working radius
- B. As the area directly beneath the nearest power line
- C. As the area the utility owner/operator shows on its service map
- D. As the area inside the operator's line of sight from the cab
Show answer
Answer: A. As the area 360 degrees around the equipment, up to the equipment's maximum working radius
The second way is "Defining the work zone as the area 360 degrees around the equipment, up to the equipment's maximum working radius."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Options (1), (2) and (3)
4. Under Option (1) of 1926.1408(a)(2), what must the employer confirm from the utility owner/operator?
- A. That the line's voltage is no more than 50 kV
- B. That the line is insulated
- C. That the power line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite
- D. That a dedicated spotter has been assigned to the line
Show answer
Answer: C. That the power line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite
Option (1) is "Deenergize and ground. Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the power line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
5. What is the first step of Option (3), Table A clearance, in 1926.1408(a)(2)(iii)(A)?
- A. Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach distance permitted under Table A
- B. Measure the height of the power line above the ground
- C. Ask OSHA to approve the planned clearance distance
- D. Install an insulating link on the load line
Show answer
Answer: A. Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach distance permitted under Table A
Option (3) starts: "(A) Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach distance permitted under Table A".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
6. Under Option (2) of 1926.1408(a)(2), how does the employer ensure that no part of the equipment, load line or load gets closer than 20 feet to the power line?
- A. By training each crew member under paragraph (g)
- B. By obtaining a written clearance permit from OSHA
- C. By implementing the measures specified in paragraph (b) of the section
- D. By having the operator check the distance once a day
Show answer
Answer: C. By implementing the measures specified in paragraph (b) of the section
Option (2) requires the employer to "Ensure that no part of the equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), gets closer than 20 feet to the power line by implementing the measures specified in paragraph (b) of this section."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Encroachment precautions
7. Under 1926.1408(b), the encroachment precautions apply where they are required under which options?
- A. Option (1) only
- B. Option (2) or Option (3)
- C. Option (1) or Option (2)
- D. Option (1) or Option (3)
Show answer
Answer: B. Option (2) or Option (3)
Paragraph (b) applies "Where encroachment precautions are required under Option (2) or Option (3) of this section", and then "all of the following requirements must be met".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
8. Under 1926.1408(b)(3), what applies if the operator is unable to see the elevated warning line?
- A. The warning line must be moved 10 feet closer to the equipment
- B. Work must stop until the utility owner/operator deenergizes the line
- C. A proximity alarm replaces the warning line and no other measure is needed
- D. A dedicated spotter must be used, in addition to one of the measures in (b)(4)(i), (iii), (iv) and (v)
Show answer
Answer: D. A dedicated spotter must be used, in addition to one of the measures in (b)(4)(i), (iii), (iv) and (v)
"If the operator is unable to see the elevated warning line, a dedicated spotter must be used as described in § 1926.1408(b)(4)(ii) in addition to implementing one of the measures described in §§ 1926.1408(b)(4)(i), (iii), (iv) and (v)."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
9. According to 1926.1408(b)(5), the requirements of paragraph (b)(4) do not apply to which work?
- A. Work done under Option (3)
- B. Work where tag lines are used
- C. Work done during daylight hours
- D. Work covered by subpart V of part 1926
Show answer
Answer: D. Work covered by subpart V of part 1926
"The requirements of paragraph (b)(4) of this section do not apply to work covered by subpart V of this part."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
10. During a lift the boom stays outside the minimum clearance distance, but a sling in the rigging breaches it. Does that meet the 1926.1401 definition of encroachment?
- A. Yes; the definition covers any part of the crane, load line or load, including rigging and lifting accessories
- B. No; only the boom and jib are counted
- C. No; encroachment means actual contact with the power line
- D. Only if the operator can see the power line from the cab
Show answer
Answer: A. Yes; the definition covers any part of the crane, load line or load, including rigging and lifting accessories
"Encroachment is where any part of the crane, load line or load (including rigging and lifting accessories) breaches a minimum clearance distance that this subpart requires to be maintained from a power line."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1401, Definitions (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Encroachment prevention measures
11. Where an insulating link/device is the measure chosen under 1926.1408(b)(4)(v), where must it be installed?
- A. At the tip of the boom
- B. On the power line itself
- C. At a point between the end of the load line (or below) and the load
- D. Between the operator's cab and the boom
Show answer
Answer: C. At a point between the end of the load line (or below) and the load
The measure is "An insulating link/device, as defined in § 1926.1401, installed at a point between the end of the load line (or below) and the load."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
12. Where a dedicated spotter is the measure selected under 1926.1408(b)(4)(ii), what must the spotter be equipped with?
- A. A proximity alarm mounted on the boom tip
- B. A visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance
- C. A copy of the utility owner/operator's voltage records
- D. A non-conductive tag line attached to the load
Show answer
Answer: B. A visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance
The dedicated spotter must "Be equipped with a visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance." One example the rule gives is "A clearly visible line painted on the ground".
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Voltage information and Table A
13. Where Option (3) is used, what does 1926.1408(c) require of the utility owner/operator of the power lines?
- A. Provide the requested voltage information within two working days of the employer's request
- B. Deenergize the line within two working days of the employer's request
- C. Send a crew to act as dedicated spotters
- D. Mark the minimum approach distance on the ground
Show answer
Answer: A. Provide the requested voltage information within two working days of the employer's request
"Where Option (3) of this section is used, the utility owner/operator of the power lines must provide the requested voltage information within two working days of the employer's request."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
14. Where encroachment precautions are required under Option (3), 1926.1408(b)(3) requires an elevated warning line, barricade, or line of signs in view of the operator. Where must it be placed?
- A. Directly beneath the power line
- B. At the edge of the equipment's maximum working radius
- C. At a distance the operator picks from the cab
- D. At the minimum approach distance under Table A
Show answer
Answer: D. At the minimum approach distance under Table A
Paragraph (b)(3) places it "at 20 feet from the power line (if using Option (2) of this section) or at the minimum approach distance under Table A (see § 1926.1408) (if using Option (3) of this section)."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
15. Under Option (3), Table A clearance, in 1926.1408(a)(2)(iii), what does step (A) require?
- A. Confirm that the line has been deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite
- B. Measure the height of the line above the ground at the work zone
- C. Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach distance permitted under Table A
- D. Have the operator estimate the line's voltage from the cab
Show answer
Answer: C. Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach distance permitted under Table A
Step (A) of Option (3) reads: "Determine the line's voltage and the minimum approach distance permitted under Table A (see § 1926.1408)." Deenergizing and grounding is a separate option, "Option (1)—Deenergize and ground."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Operations below power lines
16. Under 1926.1408(d)(1), unless an exception applies, what must the employer have confirmed before any part of the equipment, load line or load is allowed below a power line?
- A. That a proximity alarm has been installed on the boom
- B. That the utility owner/operator has deenergized and (at the worksite) visibly grounded the power line
- C. That the load weighs less than the equipment's rated capacity
- D. That the operator holds a signal person qualification
Show answer
Answer: B. That the utility owner/operator has deenergized and (at the worksite) visibly grounded the power line
Nothing is allowed below a power line "unless the employer has confirmed that the utility owner/operator has deenergized and (at the worksite) visibly grounded the power line, except where one of the exceptions in paragraph (d)(2) of this section applies."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
17. For equipment with articulating or extensible booms, the exception in 1926.1408(d)(2)(iii) looks at the uppermost part of the equipment with the boom in which position?
- A. Fully retracted and lowered to horizontal
- B. At the angle planned for the lift
- C. In the fully extended position, at true vertical
- D. Stowed in its travel position
Show answer
Answer: C. In the fully extended position, at true vertical
For these booms the test is "The uppermost part of the equipment, with the boom in the fully extended position, at true vertical", compared with the plane of the power line.
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Energized lines, transmitter towers and devices
18. Under 1926.1408(e), the employer must assume all power lines are energized unless who confirms that the line has been and continues to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite?
- A. The utility owner/operator
- B. The crane operator
- C. The dedicated spotter
- D. The equipment manufacturer
Show answer
Answer: A. The utility owner/operator
"The employer must assume that all power lines are energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the power line has been and continues to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
Training
19. Under 1926.1408(g)(1)(i), the training on procedures in the event of electrical contact with a power line must include what need for crew in the area?
- A. The need to approach the equipment and help the operator climb down
- B. The need to touch the load to check whether it is energized
- C. The need to take over the controls from the operator
- D. The need to avoid approaching or touching the equipment and the load
Show answer
Answer: D. The need to avoid approaching or touching the equipment and the load
The training must include "The need for crew in the area to avoid approaching or touching the equipment and the load."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)
20. Under 1926.1408(g)(1)(iii), power lines are presumed to be uninsulated unless who confirms that a line is insulated?
- A. The crane operator after a visual check
- B. The utility owner/operator or a registered engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution
- C. Any competent person at the worksite
- D. The equipment manufacturer
Show answer
Answer: B. The utility owner/operator or a registered engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution
"Power lines are presumed to be uninsulated unless the utility owner/operator or a registered engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution confirms that a line is insulated."
Source: eCFR: 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power line safety (up to 350 kV)—equipment operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)