Tower Crane Exam Study Guide (2026/2027 Edition) | Complete Questions & Answers | 100% Correct | Guaranteed A

Tower Crane Exam Study Guide (2026/2027 Edition) | Complete Questions & Answers | 100% Correct | Guaranteed A Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. Very few areas in either the United States or Canada require certification to operate a tower crane. ANSWER False Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. Self - erecting tower cranes are easier to erect than a conventional tower crane, but erection time takes longer. ANSWER False Q. How does the crane rotate with a fixed tower base? ANSWER Slewing ring beneath the jib Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. A mono type of tower can be either fixed or slewing. ANSWER True Q. What best describes a tower crane saddle jib? ANSWER Rolling trolley and supported by fixed pendant lines Q. What best describes a tower crane front luffing jib? ANSWER Stationary trolley and jib pivots at front of tower Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. In general, tower cranes are designed to have the same lifting capacity regardless of the jib length and load radius. ANSWER False Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. A tower crane only requires one identification plate. All components are included in that one ID plate. ANSWER False Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. All tower cranes manufactured by a company will have a common manufacturer's manual that is generic to all cranes made by that company. ANSWER False Q. Of the following, who must sign a tower crane log book? ANSWER - Operator - Service mechanic - Supervisor - All of the above (answer) Q. What is the first step taken before erecting a tower crane? ANSWER Prepare a site plan Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. Because of the typically high operating heights, tower crane operation is not affected by, and is therefore exempt from, powerline clearance regulations. ANSWER False Q. What method is often used to level and secure the tower structure being erected inside a building? ANSWER Hardwood wedges Q. When erecting tower cranes how many times should the bolts be reused? ANSWER Only once Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. Guylines are never used to secure a freestanding tower while it is being assembled. ANSWER False Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. When assembling the crane, spring clips are used to secure the pendant pins because of their ease and safety. ANSWER False Q. What is used to adjust the jib for proper inclination and eliminate jib twist? ANSWER Turnbuckles Q. A tower crane fastened to the outside of a building should be secured a minimum of: ANSWER Four floors Q. What is the purpose of a jib radius marker? ANSWER Indicate position of trolley on jib Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. A limit switch is a safety device that restricts movements of the crane and prevents overloading or damage. ANSWER True Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. Each crane requires only one limit switch. That switch will be on the trolley hoist. ANSWER False Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. All limit switches are of a mechanical type, including those on digital control cranes. ANSWER False Q. Tower crane brakes must apply when there is a power loss. These are called: ANSWER Fail safe brakes Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. Tower and mobile cranes are both load tested at 125% overload. ANSWER False Q. Tower crane operator controls should automatically return to what position when pressure is released? ANSWER Neutral Q. Every tower crane cab MUST be equipped with a: ANSWER Load rating chart Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. Because of their light weight, it is not necessary to include slings and rigging hardware in the pre-lift load weight calculations. ANSWER False Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. A tower crane can be safely operated in wind speeds exceeding 20-30 mph (30-50 km/h) if the load does not approach the crane capacity. ANSWER False Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. If so equipped, the digital computerized operator aid system can be used as a scale to test weigh a load. ANSWER False Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. The person giving signals must always be in a position to see the load clearly at all times. ANSWER True Q. The preferred method of contact between signalperson and operator is by: ANSWER Hard wire voice communication Q. If the jibs of two adjacent tower cranes can overlap, which of the following conditions should apply? ANSWER - Jibs set at different heights - Operators have voice contact - One person organize hoisting operations - All of the above (answer) Q. Determine if this statement is true or false. The jib of an unattended tower crane is locked in position and never allowed to weathervane with the wind. ANSWER False Which of the following OSHA regulations govern suspended personnel platforms? b) OSHA 1926.1431 (OJO) According to ASMR B30.3, the prohibited zone for power lines that are 60 kV is: c) 15 ft. According to ASME B30.3, load hoist rotation resistant wire rope has a design factor of: d) 5 to 1 According to ASME B30.3, on whose recommendations should a preventative maintenance program be set up? d) Crane manufacturer When using cable or nylon spreaders it is important to remember: b) The lower the spreader angle the greater the tension (OJO) According to OSHA, when testing a man basket how long must the test pick be maintained? b) 5 minutes According to ASME B30.3, what is the minimum pitch diameter for load hoisting sheaves? c) Not less than 18 times rope diameter According to ASME B30.3 what is the minimum pitch diameter for load block sheaves? b) Not less than 16 times rope diameter According ASME B30.3, what is the minimum pitch diameter for boom hoist sheaves? a) Not less than 15 times rope diameter (OJO) According to OSHA, when lifting personnel the cranes hook must be the type that: a) Can be closed and locked According to OSHA, when working over water with a man basket are the people inside required to wear a belt/harness? a) No harness or belt required (OJO) According to ASME B30.3, when working near power lines where should caution stickers be installed? c) At operators station and at the base of the crane According to OSHA, a periodic inspection is: b) Montly to annually Cranes idle for more than 6 months must have inspections performed: a) Frequent and periodic Cranes idle for less than 6 months must have inspections performed: c) Frequent Craned lifting personnel platforms must have the platform and rigging inspected: a) Prior to each shift Crane hooks must not be twisted in excess of: a) 10 degrees A crane hook's throat open must not exceed: b) 15% of its original size By order of hitch strength, which is the correct answer? b) Basket, vertical, choker According to ASME B30.3 and OSHA, you should always have at least how many wraps on a hoist drum? b) 2 (OJO) What is the minimum allowable distance from the crane and power lines under 50kV? b) 10 ft. According to ASME B30.3, how many people randomly broken wires must there be to remove a running wire rope from service? a) 12 According to ASME B30.3, when working near power lines when is a signal person required? c) When crane moves within a booms length of power lines According to OSHA, after the crane has been checked out and before personnel lift operations begin the crew should: b) Have a pre-lift meeting According to OSHA, when is it safe to work closer than the allowable distance from power lines? c) When utility company says lines are de-energized When should a tagline be used? a) When rotation of load would be dangerous What is the minimum design factor required for a boom hoist rope? b) 3.55 How many broken wires must be present in one strand of one lay for running wire rope to be removed from service? b) 4 (OJO) What is the maximum permitted wind speed when climbing a tower? c) 20mph According to ASME B30.3, a crane should be plumbed to: a) 1 to 500 According to ASME B30.3, the rated load under static conditions shall not exceed _______ of the calculated tipping loads. a) 63% According to ASME B30.3, an overhead power line is ALWAYS considered to be: a) energized until the power company has verified it is not energized (OJO) High-tensile bolts shall be market with manufacturer's designation and: b) Strength rating Bolt connections for tower sections must use high-tensile strength nuts with ratings of; b) 12 Washers used in high-tensile bolt connections shall be market with: a) HV (OJO) Before installation high-tensile bolt connection components shall be cleaned and visually examined for: d) Damage and corrosion (OJO) When ready to torque the nut on a high-tensile bolt connection you should: b) Lubricate threats During tightening of high-tensile connections the bolt is stretched to a specific percentage of its elastic limit at the correct: a) Torque Preferably the tightening torque shall be applied to the: c) Nut (OJO) The tightening torque values placed on the nuts and bolts of high-tensile bolt connections are dependent on the: d) Type and size What components of a tower crane are connected with high-tensile bolt connections? d) Foundation anchors, tower sections, slewing ring support (OJO) When the tower base bolts are torqued the counter job should be positioned: a) 0 degrees from the bolt (CHART) What is the counterweight configuration in layout "A" with maximum hook reach of 181'-0"? Answer: C (CHART) What is the counterweight configuration in layout "D" with a hoist unit, 105 HP (EB) and maximum hook reach of 218'-6"? Answer: D (SKIP) Questions 49-54 were skipped to due lack of answers SKIP Using jib configuration chart for crane "A", with 197 ft. of jib, what is the shortest length section? b) 16' 4 7/8" Using jib configuration chart for crane "A", how many 32' -9 3/4" sections should be used for 230 ft. jib? d) 4 (OJO) According to the NCCCO Tower Crane Reference Manual, what items below should be part of the operators daily pre-check? c) Wire ropes, limit switches (OJO) According to the NCCCO Tower Crane Reference Manual, how many safety turns (wraps) must be left on the hoist drum when the load hook is in its lowest position? d) 3 (OJO) According to the NCCCO Tower Crane Reference Manual, when possible, installing the hoist wire rope on a tower crane, you should wind the rope with approximately how much of the maximum permissible load? d) 10% According to ASME B30.3, what is the design factor for rotation resistant load hoist wire rope? d) 5.0 to 1 Who determines the correct hoist wire rope to be installed on tower cranes? Manufacturer What grade alloy steel chain should be used for crane hoisting slings? d) 80 According to ASME B30.3, using rotation resistant running rope on a tower crane, how many broken wires in six rope diameters can you have to leave it in service? a) 1 According to ASME B30.3, a periodic inspection of a tower cranes wire rope shall be performed at least? d) Annually According to ASME B30.3, which inspection does not require records to be kept? b) Frequent Wire rope lubricant is very important. It should be applied according to whose recommendations? c) Manufacturer When you have core failure in wire rope, a common result is? a) Reduction in diameter (OJO) According to OSHA1926.550, who is responsible for machinery and equipment inspection before each use? b) Competent person (OJO) Using the tie-in spacing chart A, what is the length between tie-in #1 and tie-in #2 using a hook height 543' 4"? c) 164.04" With a hook height of 350 feet, where should the hydraulic top climbing unit be positioned before operating crane according to chart B? No answer given (OJO) When is it permitted to shift the hoist gear of a tower crane? b) Neutral gear According to ASME B30.3, an overhead power line is ALWAYS considered to be: a) Energized until the power company has verified it is not energized According to ASME B30.3, maintenance personnel are permitted to operate the crane only when: c) Performing there duties (OJO) According to ASME B30.3, who should be present when telescoping or climbing operations begin? c) Operator According to OSHA 1926.559, when a wire rope bridle is used to connect the personnel platform to the load line, each bridle leg shall be connected to a: Master link Hand signals to construction tower crane operators shall be those prescribed by: c) ASME B30.3 According to OSHA 1926.550, what shall be provided at both ends of the travel of the trolley? a) Buffers (OJO) According to ASME B30.3, all controls shall be tested by the operator: b) At the start of a new shift According to a metric conversion table, bars multiplied by 14. equals? d) Miles According to ASME B30.3, which is the correct statement? d) Rated loads when wind is considered, the combined effects of static inertial and wind shall not exceed 77% of calculated tipping loads. (OJO) According to ASME 30.3, a class _______ fire extinguishers shall be kept in the cab or in the machinery platform: a) 10 BC According to OSHA 1926-550, a class _____ fire extinguisher shall be kept in the cab or on the machinery platform: a) 5 BC or higher (OJO) According to ASME B30.3, where must the wind velocity-indicating device be mounted? a) At or near the top of the crane According to ASME B30.3 a frequent inspection shall be performed by a(n): b) Designated person According to ASME B30.3, a frequent inspection in light service conditions must be performed: c) Monthly According to ASME B30.3, a frequent inspection in normal service conditions must be performed: b) Weekly to monthly According to ASME B30.3, a frequent inspection in heavy service conditions must be performed: d) Daily and weekly According to ASME B30.3, a periodic inspection in light service conditions must be performed: a) Annually According to ASME B30.3, a periodic inspection in normal service conditions must be performed: a) Semi-annually to annually According to ASME B30.3, a periodic inspection in heavy service conditions must be considered: c) Quarterly (OJO) According to ASME B30.3, when shall pre-operational testing be performed:? a) After erection and each climbing operations (OJO) According to ASME B30.3, Load Limit Device settings shall be verified by means of a static test using test loads of ______ of applicable rating. a) 102.5% - 110% According to ASME B30.3, hoist rope should be visually inspected at least once each: c) Work day According to ASME B30.3, trolley rope should be visually inspected at least once each: a) Month According to ASME B39.3? rotating resistant wire rope shall be removed from service if: b) There are two randomly distributed broken wires in six rope diameters or four randomly distributed broken wires in thirty rope diameters. According to B30.3, if MORE than _____ broken wire(s) at an end connection, the wire rope shall be re-socketed or replaced b) 2 According to ASME B30.3, who should be present during climbing or telescoping operations? b) Operator 3 According to ASME B30.3, operator shall test the brakes each time lifting a rated load by: b) Lifting it a few inches and applying the brakes. According to ASME B30.3, Personnel Platforms, shall be limited to a capacity of ______ persons. b) 6 According to OSHA 1926.550 (g), personnel platforms shall be limited to how many occupants? b) Number required for the work being performed According to ASME B30.3, personnel platform shall be proof tested with what percentage of the platforms rated capacity? d) 200% According to B30.3, personnel platform should not be used in winds in excess of: b) 15 mph According to B30.3, what is the duration of a proof test? b) 5 minutes According to ASME B30.3, if any controls do not operate properly they shall be adjusted or repaired prior to: a) Commencing the next lift operation According to OSHA, wire rope slings shall not be used if, in any length of eight diameters, the total number of visible broken wires exceeds _______ percent of the total number of wires b) 10 (OJO) According to OSHA 1926.251, rigging hardware shall be inspected: c) Prior to each shift According to OSHA 1926.251, custom designed rigging hardware shall be proof test to ______ percent of their rated load b) 125 According to OSHA 1926.251 a safety factor of ______ must be maintained on all wire rope slings d) 5 According to OSHA 1926.251, all rigging and rigging hardware must be inspected by a: c) Competent person The maximum included angle allowed when attaching slings directly to the hook is _____ degrees b) 90 The maximum included angle allowed when attaching slings a shackle then to the hook is ____degrees c) 120 Slings shall be removed from service if hooks are cracked or have been opened more than_______ percent of the normal throat opening measured at the narrowest point. c) 15 Slings shall be removed from service if hooks are twisted more than______degrees from the plane of the unbent hook. a) 10 According to OSHA 1926.753, cranes being used in steel erection activities shall be visually inspected by a competent person: a) Prior to each shift According to OSHA 1926.753, all loads shall be rigged by a(n): c) Qualified rigger According to OSHA 1926.753, the maximum number of pieces that you may Christmas tree is? d) 5 According to OSHA 1926.753, what is the minimum distance between pieces during Christmas tree operations? c) 7 ft. According to OSHA 1926.753, all hooks used will be equipped with _______ latches c) Self-closing (OJO) According to OSHA 1926.753, a "critical lift" means a lift that exceeds ______ percent of the rated capacity of the crane or derrick or requires the use of mote than one crane or derrick b) 75 What is the OSHA 1926.753, components of the multiple lift rigging assembly shall be specifically designed and assembled with a maximum capacity for total assembly and for each individual attachment point. This capacity, certified by the manufacturer or a qualified rigger, shall be based on the manufacturer's specifications with a ______ to 1 safety factor for all components. b) 5 What is the OSHA regulation dealing with Steel Erection? b) 1926.753 What is the proper procedure when using an insulating link or a boot near power lines? a) Be sure to maintain the correct allowable distance from the lines. According to ASME B30.3, a periodic inspection shall be performed by a(n): d) Appointed person Central ballast blocks must be distributed around the tower base: a) Equally According to the tower crane reference manual how often should the hoist wire rope be lubricated? b) 200 hours of operation According to the tower crane reference manual, using twist free wire rope the twist compensator should generally be: b) Open Tower crane load hooks must be inspected each time a crane is erected or once every ____ d) Year When installing a wedge socket with a wire rope, how long should be the tail length of the dead end be using standard 6 to 8 strand rope? c) 6 What is the task of high tensile bolt connections between tower sections? c) Connecting components and transmitting forces According to OSHA, machinery and equipment inspection before use, how is responsible Competent person