MOBILE CRANE OPERATOR A 60 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2025
In what situation does a hard hat NOT need to be worn when operating a mobile crane? -
ANSWER When the operator is in an enclosed structure that meets the FOPS regulation FALLING
OBJECT STRUCTURE
Wind speeds can be variable throughout the working day. What action must be taken to ensure
safe working conditions are maintained? - ANSWER Wind speeds must be constanly monitored
Name THREE ways in which an operator can minimise their impact upon the environment whilst
using the machine. - ANSWER Efficient use of the crane , Lower engine speed ,Well maintained
machine, Correct disposal waste , planning the work before to maximise efficiency
When working in a confined area or space: what danger can be present with regards to the
counterweight of the machine, when should measures be taken and what measures should be
implemented? - ANSWER The gap between the counterweight and a structure being reduced or
contacted the object structure when slewing . Minimum 600mm . Ensure sufficient clearance or
block the access in the area .
As a lifting machine, the crane must be thoroughly examined. What is the purpose of the
examination and who would carry out the examination? - ANSWER To ensure the crane is free
from structural defects and problems not covered by the daily checks . AN AUTHORISED AND
COMPETENT PERSON
Two cranes are working in the same vicinity that encroach the operating radius of each. What
actions would the lift plan or method statement normally specify? - ANSWER Crane Co-
ordinator , Slew Restrictors , Crash Radio's
Why should a crane be re-fuelled at the end of the day? - ANSWER To prevent condensation
building up in the tank as it's cooling down
Which parts of the crane is the radius (for lifting) measured from? - ANSWER From the centre of
the slew ring to the central point of the hook
, What is the purpose of a roll or ROPS frame? - ANSWER The purpose of the ROPS is to provide
protection in the eventuality of a rollover with the machine ROLL OVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE
What is the purpose of a Method Statement and what is required of the operator? - ANSWER A
method statement describes how the work will be done safely and efficiently . The Operator
must be compliant with the Method Statement .
Apart from the operator, who else may need to use the machine's Operator's Manual? -
ANSWER Maintenance Staff , Supervisors and Transporter Drivers
During the lifting operation, part of the task cannot be carried out as detailed in the lift plan.
What initially must happen to the lifting operation and who authorises any changes? - ANSWER
The Operation must stop until the plan is amended . The appointed Person
What is the main purpose of the Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI)? - ANSWER A device that
automatically provides to the operator warnings that the load is approaching or is Exceeding the
rated capacity of the crane within a specified tolernce
Who only can authorise partial outrigger extensions and what is the effect on lifting capacity by
partially extending the outriggers? - ANSWER The Manufacturer , Lifting Capacity is normally
reduced
Name THREE ways in which wind speed can affect the lifting operation. - ANSWER Can cause
load swing , can Slow or Increase the Slew speed of the crane , can shut down lifting opertions
What is the purpose of the hoisting limit switch (also known as the 'chandelier')? - ANSWER To
prevent the hook block contacting the pulley
If the crane has to travel on the public highway, the Road Traffic Act applies. What type of
licence and which classes should the operator hold and what is the minimum age allowed? -
ANSWER A full UK driving license with category C if the crane is over 7.5 tonnes and C 1 if the
AND ANSWERS 2025
In what situation does a hard hat NOT need to be worn when operating a mobile crane? -
ANSWER When the operator is in an enclosed structure that meets the FOPS regulation FALLING
OBJECT STRUCTURE
Wind speeds can be variable throughout the working day. What action must be taken to ensure
safe working conditions are maintained? - ANSWER Wind speeds must be constanly monitored
Name THREE ways in which an operator can minimise their impact upon the environment whilst
using the machine. - ANSWER Efficient use of the crane , Lower engine speed ,Well maintained
machine, Correct disposal waste , planning the work before to maximise efficiency
When working in a confined area or space: what danger can be present with regards to the
counterweight of the machine, when should measures be taken and what measures should be
implemented? - ANSWER The gap between the counterweight and a structure being reduced or
contacted the object structure when slewing . Minimum 600mm . Ensure sufficient clearance or
block the access in the area .
As a lifting machine, the crane must be thoroughly examined. What is the purpose of the
examination and who would carry out the examination? - ANSWER To ensure the crane is free
from structural defects and problems not covered by the daily checks . AN AUTHORISED AND
COMPETENT PERSON
Two cranes are working in the same vicinity that encroach the operating radius of each. What
actions would the lift plan or method statement normally specify? - ANSWER Crane Co-
ordinator , Slew Restrictors , Crash Radio's
Why should a crane be re-fuelled at the end of the day? - ANSWER To prevent condensation
building up in the tank as it's cooling down
Which parts of the crane is the radius (for lifting) measured from? - ANSWER From the centre of
the slew ring to the central point of the hook
, What is the purpose of a roll or ROPS frame? - ANSWER The purpose of the ROPS is to provide
protection in the eventuality of a rollover with the machine ROLL OVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE
What is the purpose of a Method Statement and what is required of the operator? - ANSWER A
method statement describes how the work will be done safely and efficiently . The Operator
must be compliant with the Method Statement .
Apart from the operator, who else may need to use the machine's Operator's Manual? -
ANSWER Maintenance Staff , Supervisors and Transporter Drivers
During the lifting operation, part of the task cannot be carried out as detailed in the lift plan.
What initially must happen to the lifting operation and who authorises any changes? - ANSWER
The Operation must stop until the plan is amended . The appointed Person
What is the main purpose of the Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI)? - ANSWER A device that
automatically provides to the operator warnings that the load is approaching or is Exceeding the
rated capacity of the crane within a specified tolernce
Who only can authorise partial outrigger extensions and what is the effect on lifting capacity by
partially extending the outriggers? - ANSWER The Manufacturer , Lifting Capacity is normally
reduced
Name THREE ways in which wind speed can affect the lifting operation. - ANSWER Can cause
load swing , can Slow or Increase the Slew speed of the crane , can shut down lifting opertions
What is the purpose of the hoisting limit switch (also known as the 'chandelier')? - ANSWER To
prevent the hook block contacting the pulley
If the crane has to travel on the public highway, the Road Traffic Act applies. What type of
licence and which classes should the operator hold and what is the minimum age allowed? -
ANSWER A full UK driving license with category C if the crane is over 7.5 tonnes and C 1 if the
