NCCCO Digger Derrick Operator Practice Exam
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of a digger derrick?
A. To lift and move personnel
B. To dig holes and set poles
C. To transport construction materials
D. To excavate trenches
B. To dig holes and set poles
Rationale: The digger derrick is specifically designed for augering
holes and setting utility poles efficiently, combining lifting and digging
capabilities.
2. Which OSHA regulation primarily governs the operation of digger
derricks?
A. 1910 Subpart N
B. 1926 Subpart CC
, C. 1910 Subpart O
D. 1926 Subpart P
B. 1926 Subpart CC
Rationale: OSHA’s Subpart CC addresses cranes and derricks in
construction, which includes digger derricks, outlining safety
requirements for their operation.
3. Before starting a digger derrick, the operator should:
A. Check the weather forecast
B. Conduct a pre-operation inspection
C. Notify the job supervisor only
D. Start the engine immediately
B. Conduct a pre-operation inspection
Rationale: A thorough pre-operation inspection is crucial to ensure
mechanical safety, stability, and proper functioning before any
operation begins.
4. When lifting a load with a digger derrick, the operator should:
A. Keep the boom fully extended at all times
B. Use rated capacity charts to determine safe limits
, C. Ignore the manufacturer’s load chart if experienced
D. Lift loads faster to increase efficiency
B. Use rated capacity charts to determine safe limits
Rationale: Operators must consult the digger derrick’s load chart to
ensure the lifted load does not exceed the machine’s rated capacity for
the given boom angle and extension.
5. What is the function of outriggers on a digger derrick?
A. Increase speed
B. Provide stability
C. Improve digging depth
D. Protect the hydraulic system
B. Provide stability
Rationale: Outriggers stabilize the digger derrick, preventing tipping
when lifting loads or augering holes.
6. When positioning a digger derrick for pole setting, the operator
should:
A. Always park on a slope for leverage
B. Avoid checking for underground utilities
, C. Ensure the base is level and stable
D. Keep the outriggers retracted
C. Ensure the base is level and stable
Rationale: A level and stable base is essential for safe operation;
uneven ground increases the risk of tip-over.
7. Which type of soil requires the most caution when augering
holes?
A. Sandy soil
B. Clay soil
C. Rocky soil
D. Peat soil
C. Rocky soil
Rationale: Rocky soil can resist auger penetration, increase torque on
the equipment, and cause mechanical failure or sudden movement,
requiring extra caution.
8. What should the operator do if the digger derrick begins to tip?
A. Accelerate lifting to counteract
B. Immediately lower the load and stop operations
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a digger derrick?
A. To lift and move personnel
B. To dig holes and set poles
C. To transport construction materials
D. To excavate trenches
B. To dig holes and set poles
Rationale: The digger derrick is specifically designed for augering
holes and setting utility poles efficiently, combining lifting and digging
capabilities.
2. Which OSHA regulation primarily governs the operation of digger
derricks?
A. 1910 Subpart N
B. 1926 Subpart CC
, C. 1910 Subpart O
D. 1926 Subpart P
B. 1926 Subpart CC
Rationale: OSHA’s Subpart CC addresses cranes and derricks in
construction, which includes digger derricks, outlining safety
requirements for their operation.
3. Before starting a digger derrick, the operator should:
A. Check the weather forecast
B. Conduct a pre-operation inspection
C. Notify the job supervisor only
D. Start the engine immediately
B. Conduct a pre-operation inspection
Rationale: A thorough pre-operation inspection is crucial to ensure
mechanical safety, stability, and proper functioning before any
operation begins.
4. When lifting a load with a digger derrick, the operator should:
A. Keep the boom fully extended at all times
B. Use rated capacity charts to determine safe limits
, C. Ignore the manufacturer’s load chart if experienced
D. Lift loads faster to increase efficiency
B. Use rated capacity charts to determine safe limits
Rationale: Operators must consult the digger derrick’s load chart to
ensure the lifted load does not exceed the machine’s rated capacity for
the given boom angle and extension.
5. What is the function of outriggers on a digger derrick?
A. Increase speed
B. Provide stability
C. Improve digging depth
D. Protect the hydraulic system
B. Provide stability
Rationale: Outriggers stabilize the digger derrick, preventing tipping
when lifting loads or augering holes.
6. When positioning a digger derrick for pole setting, the operator
should:
A. Always park on a slope for leverage
B. Avoid checking for underground utilities
, C. Ensure the base is level and stable
D. Keep the outriggers retracted
C. Ensure the base is level and stable
Rationale: A level and stable base is essential for safe operation;
uneven ground increases the risk of tip-over.
7. Which type of soil requires the most caution when augering
holes?
A. Sandy soil
B. Clay soil
C. Rocky soil
D. Peat soil
C. Rocky soil
Rationale: Rocky soil can resist auger penetration, increase torque on
the equipment, and cause mechanical failure or sudden movement,
requiring extra caution.
8. What should the operator do if the digger derrick begins to tip?
A. Accelerate lifting to counteract
B. Immediately lower the load and stop operations
