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NM GS24 STRUCTURAL STEEL ERECTION
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND WELL
EXPLAINED ANSWERS
Purpose of the Exam
The GS-24 Structural Steel Erection Exam is required for licensure in
New Mexico for contractors involved in structural steel erection. It
assesses technical knowledge, safety practices, and compliance with
industry standards and regulations.
1. Which steel grade is most commonly used for structural shapes in
building erection?
A. A36
B. A992
C. A514
D. A500
Answer: A
Rationale: A36 is a standard structural steel grade used widely in
buildings due to its strength and weldability.
2. What is the minimum safety factor for a wire rope sling used in steel
erection?
A. 3:1
B. 4:1
,2
C. 5:1
D. 6:1
Answer: C
Rationale: OSHA requires a minimum 5:1 safety factor for wire rope
slings in lifting operations.
3. Before starting a lift, a rigger must check:
A. The color of the sling only
B. Load weight, sling condition, and hardware integrity
C. Crane operator’s license only
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Rationale: Inspecting slings and hardware, as well as confirming the
load weight, is critical for safety.
4. In steel erection, what is the purpose of a “controlled decking zone”
(CDZ)?
A. To allow welding in unprotected areas
B. To control access in areas where floors are incomplete
C. To designate storage areas for steel
D. To indicate crane swing areas
Answer: B
Rationale: CDZs are designated areas where fall protection rules are
modified to allow deck installation while minimizing fall hazards.
,3
5. What is the proper angle limit for a sling to prevent overloading the
sling?
A. 30° from horizontal
B. 45° from horizontal
C. 60° from horizontal
D. 90° from horizontal
Answer: B
Rationale: Sling angles less than 45° increase tension on the sling;
angles above 45° help distribute the load safely.
6. When erecting steel, what is the first step in the sequence?
A. Install roof joists
B. Erect columns and main structural members
C. Bolt the secondary members
D. Install floor decking
Answer: B
Rationale: Structural steel erection begins with columns and main
framing; secondary members follow once the main frame is stable.
7. What is the purpose of drift pins during steel erection?
A. To secure the crane hook
B. To temporarily align bolt holes for installation
C. To measure steel length
D. To support rigging slings
, 4
Answer: B
Rationale: Drift pins help align bolt holes in members before permanent
bolting.
8. Which type of bolted connection is designed to resist slip under load?
A. Bearing connection
B. Slip-critical connection
C. Shear-only connection
D. Welded connection
Answer: B
Rationale: Slip-critical connections prevent movement by friction
between connected surfaces under load.
9. According to OSHA, at what height is fall protection required for steel
erection activities?
A. 6 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 15 feet
D. 20 feet
Answer: C
Rationale: OSHA Subpart R specifies fall protection is required at 15 feet
or higher during steel erection.
10. What is the proper way to signal a crane operator during a lift?
A. Using only hand gestures familiar to the operator
NM GS24 STRUCTURAL STEEL ERECTION
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND WELL
EXPLAINED ANSWERS
Purpose of the Exam
The GS-24 Structural Steel Erection Exam is required for licensure in
New Mexico for contractors involved in structural steel erection. It
assesses technical knowledge, safety practices, and compliance with
industry standards and regulations.
1. Which steel grade is most commonly used for structural shapes in
building erection?
A. A36
B. A992
C. A514
D. A500
Answer: A
Rationale: A36 is a standard structural steel grade used widely in
buildings due to its strength and weldability.
2. What is the minimum safety factor for a wire rope sling used in steel
erection?
A. 3:1
B. 4:1
,2
C. 5:1
D. 6:1
Answer: C
Rationale: OSHA requires a minimum 5:1 safety factor for wire rope
slings in lifting operations.
3. Before starting a lift, a rigger must check:
A. The color of the sling only
B. Load weight, sling condition, and hardware integrity
C. Crane operator’s license only
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Rationale: Inspecting slings and hardware, as well as confirming the
load weight, is critical for safety.
4. In steel erection, what is the purpose of a “controlled decking zone”
(CDZ)?
A. To allow welding in unprotected areas
B. To control access in areas where floors are incomplete
C. To designate storage areas for steel
D. To indicate crane swing areas
Answer: B
Rationale: CDZs are designated areas where fall protection rules are
modified to allow deck installation while minimizing fall hazards.
,3
5. What is the proper angle limit for a sling to prevent overloading the
sling?
A. 30° from horizontal
B. 45° from horizontal
C. 60° from horizontal
D. 90° from horizontal
Answer: B
Rationale: Sling angles less than 45° increase tension on the sling;
angles above 45° help distribute the load safely.
6. When erecting steel, what is the first step in the sequence?
A. Install roof joists
B. Erect columns and main structural members
C. Bolt the secondary members
D. Install floor decking
Answer: B
Rationale: Structural steel erection begins with columns and main
framing; secondary members follow once the main frame is stable.
7. What is the purpose of drift pins during steel erection?
A. To secure the crane hook
B. To temporarily align bolt holes for installation
C. To measure steel length
D. To support rigging slings
, 4
Answer: B
Rationale: Drift pins help align bolt holes in members before permanent
bolting.
8. Which type of bolted connection is designed to resist slip under load?
A. Bearing connection
B. Slip-critical connection
C. Shear-only connection
D. Welded connection
Answer: B
Rationale: Slip-critical connections prevent movement by friction
between connected surfaces under load.
9. According to OSHA, at what height is fall protection required for steel
erection activities?
A. 6 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 15 feet
D. 20 feet
Answer: C
Rationale: OSHA Subpart R specifies fall protection is required at 15 feet
or higher during steel erection.
10. What is the proper way to signal a crane operator during a lift?
A. Using only hand gestures familiar to the operator
