Assessment Guide

on Lifting Operations

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Year of issue: 2025
A
Contents

1. Legislative Requirements 2
1.1 Legislative Requirements - Advanced Questions 3

2. Ground Bearing Capacity 4

2.1 Ground Bearing Capacity - Advanced Questions 5

3. Pre-lift Check 6

4. Lifting Plan 7
4.1 Lifting Plan - Advanced Questions 9

5. Roles and Responsibilities 10

6. Rigging 12
6.1 Rigging - Advanced Questions 15

7. Lifting Gear 16
7.1 Lifting Gear - Advanced Questions 17

8. Load Chart - Advanced Questions 19

9. Lifting Machine Certificate 22

10. Acknowledgments 24
Purpose

This Assessment Guide provides questions relating to lifting operations. It aims to aid employers and
responsible persons in assessing a person’s competency on safe lifting operations. These include lifting
engineers, lifting supervisors, WSH professionals or any other person who wishes to increase their knowledge
on lifting operations.

How to use this Guide

Employers may select questions in this Guide to create or include into their assessment in determining the
competency level of their workers. Workers do not need to answer all the questions in the Guide.

Questions requiring a higher level of knowledge and competency in lifting operations are indicated at the
end of each section. Employers may select these questions to assess workers who have existing knowledge.

This Assessment Guide does not replace any existing Workplace Safety and Health courses required
by law.

If you require the answers to the questions, please make a request at:
[Link]

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Questions

1. Legislative Requirements
1) If a mobile crane collapses during a lifting operation, there is no need to report to the Ministry of
Manpower if no one is injured.
(a) True
(b) False

2) All lifting gears and platforms, including personnel work platforms, must be inspected by an
authorised examiner every 12 months.
(a) True
(b) False

3) If the lifting equipment is used for carrying persons, it must be inspected by an authorised
examiner once every ___.
(a) 3 months
(b) 6 months
(c) 1 year
(d) 2 years

4)Which of the following is NOT a duty of the lifting supervisor under the WSH (Operations of
Cranes) Regulations?
(a) Execute the lifting operation according to the lifting plan
(b) Deploy and brief certified crane operators, riggers and signalmen on the lifting plan
(c) Send mobile cranes for inspection at the Land Transport Authority’s Approved Vehicle
Inspection Centre regularly
(d) Check that ground conditions are safe for lifting operations

5) There is no need for riggers to know the weight of the load and lifting plan details as the lifting
supervisor will take care of it.
(a) True
(b) False

6) The signalman takes instructions from the lifting supervisor only. There is no need for the
signalman to verify with the rigger if the load is rigged properly.
(a) True
(b) False

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7) How often should lifting gears be inspected?
(a) Every 6 months
(b) Every 12 months
(c) Every 14 months
(d) Every 4 years

8) Who is authorised to conduct regular inspections of lifting machines, such as tower cranes and
overhead cranes?
(a) Professional engineer
(b) Authorised examiner
(c) Crane erector
(d) Lifting supervisor

9) How many years of relevant experience in lifting operations are required before a person can be
appointed as a lifting supervisor?
(a) 1 year
(b) 2 years
(c) 3 years
(d) 5 years

10) Can you perform the lifting supervisor’s duties without being appointed in writing?
(a) Yes
(b) No

11) Under the WSH (Operation of Cranes) Regulations, who is authorised to install, repair, alter or
dismantle the mobile or tower crane?
(a) Lifting supervisor
(b) Approved crane contractor
(c) Project manager
(d) Company mechanic

1.1 Legislative Requirements – Advanced Questions

This section requires a higher level of knowledge and competency.

12) Which of the following situations will require a re-examination of lifting machine by an
authorised examiner?
(a) After modification or repairs of any load bearing components
(b) After alteration of the boom length
(c) After an incident or accident involving the lifting machine
(d) All of the above

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2. Ground Bearing Capacity
1) Who in the lifting team is responsible to check ground conditions before a lifting operation?
(a) Professional engineer
(b) Workplace safety and health officer
(c) Lifting supervisor
(d) Authorised examiner

2) There is no need to check for ground bearing capacity if lifting operations are performed on
concrete ground.
(a) True
(b) False

3) A 10-ton rectangular load has a surface area of 2 metres (width) by 5 metres (length). The concrete
storage area has a ground bearing capacity of 8 kilonewton (0.8 ton) per square metre.

3.1) Will the concrete floor give way and collapse if the 10-ton load is placed in the storage
area?
(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Depends on the brand and model of crane
(d) Depends on the skills of the crane operator

3.2) If a steel plate with a surface area of 3 metres (width) by 6 metres (length) is placed
between the 10- ton load and the concrete floor, will the floor give way and collapse?
(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Depends on the quality of the steel plate
(d) Depends on your luck

3.3) Will the floor collapse if a steel plate with a surface area of 2 metres (width) by 4 metres
(length) is used instead?
(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Depends on the weather
(d) Depends on the weight of the steel plate

4) Which of the following placement of outrigger on a steel plate is correct?

(a)

(b)

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2.1 Ground Bearing Capacity – Advanced Questions
This section requires a higher level of knowledge and competency.

5) The stability of lifting equipment depends highly on the ground condition. What precautions
should be taken?
(a) Check that the ground is level using spirit level gauges
(b) Check that the ground has sufficient ground bearing capacity
(c) Check that the steel plates are sized adequately to distribute weights evenly
(d) All of the above

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3. Pre-lift Check
1) Which conditions must be fulfilled before starting a lifting operation?
(a) Preparing detailed method statements and risk assessments
(b) Having an approved lifting plan
(c) Having an approved permit-to-work
(d) All of the above

2) How often should pre-operational checks be carried out on the crane?

(a) Daily
(b) Weekly
(c) Monthly
(d) Yearly

3) Which systems and/or devices should be checked daily by the crane operator?
(a) Safety devices
(b) Warning devices, lights, guards
(c) Brakes, control mechanism, hoist rope
(d) All of the above

4) It is the duty of the lifting supervisor to check and ensure only registered and appointed lifting
team members are allowed to participate in lifting operation. This includes crane operators,
riggers and signalmen.
(a) True
(b) False

5) It is NOT necessary for the crane operator to perform daily checks on cranes.
(a) True
(b) False

6) When should in-running wire ropes be replaced?

(a) When it is worn or have corroded away
(b) When it has stretched or lengthened
(c) When it has been crushed, flattened or have jammed strands
(d) All of the above

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4. Lifting Plan
1) Refer to the following lifting setup:

L
H
Lift
A
Point
D
LOAD

1.1) Without any calculations, what are the parameters that are always known?
(a) Included angle of rigging setup
(b) Length (L) of sling
(c) Height (H) of rigging setup
(d) Angle (A) of sling

1.2) What is the preferred sling angle (A) for lifting operations?
(a) 15 degrees
(b) 30 degrees
(c) 45 degrees
(d) 60 degrees

2) What is sling angle factor used for?

(a) Calculate the tension on the sling
(b) Calculate the effective safe working load of slings that are used at an angle
(c) Determine the weight distribution of the load
(d) Determine the safety factor of the sling

3) What is the load angle factor used for?

(a) Calculate the tension on the sling
(b) Check the safety factor for mobile cranes
(c) Determine the centre of gravity of the load
(d) Identify ground bearing pressure of the crane

4) Which of the following does NOT need to be considered in a lifting plan?

(a) Weight of load and all lifting accessories
(b) Overall dimensions of load, slings and lifting points
(c) Centre of gravity of load and height of lift
(d) Age of crane

5) What are the next steps after the permit-to-work for lifting operation is approved?
(a) Check the lifting machines and gears
(b) Conduct a toolbox meeting to all lifting crews
(c) Cordon off lifting zone and display warning signs and barriers
(d) All of the above

6) Which of the following is part of the physical and environmental considerations in a lifting plan?
(a) Check ground conditions are suitable and that outriggers are fully extended
(b) Check for overhead obstacles, have adequate lighting and demarcate the lifting zone
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above 7
7)Excavators should NOT be used as a lifting machine unless:
(a) They are of sound material and good construction
(b) They are examined and registered by an authorised examiner as lifting machines
(c) They have adequate strength
(d) A risk assessment has been conducted for the use of the machine and its attachment/
hook(s) for lifting

8) What information should be in a lifting plan?

(a) Details of the load and lifting equipment/gears
(b) Physical and environmental factors at the worksite
(c) Personnel involved in the lifting operation
(d) All of the above

9) When setting up a mobile crane on outriggers, what should be the position of the wheels?
(a) Just touching the ground
(b) As high as a man’s height
(c) High enough to be off the ground
(d) Stay firmly on the ground to support the crane

10) A crane will be more unstable when the boom is up because the centre of gravity is higher.
(a) True
(b) False

11) Which of the following should not be in a lifting plan?

(a) Load details
(b) Rigging methods and lifting gears to be used
(c) Display of operator photo and details
(d) Expiry date of lifting machine to be used

12) What does this hand signal mean?

(a) Emergency stop

(b) Stop
(c) Operation start
(d) Start

13) What does this hand signal mean?

(a) Emergency stop

(b) Stop
(c) Operation start
(d) Start
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4.1 Lifting Plan – Advanced Questions
This section requires a higher level of knowledge and competency.

14) If the length (L) of the sling is 12 metres and length of a cylindrical load is 8 metres, what is the
height (H) of the lifting setup?

L = 12m
H

CYLINDRICAL
LOAD
8m
(a) 12.6 metres
(b) 11.3 metres
(c) 10 metres
(d) 8.9 metres

15) What is the safety factor when more than one crane is used in a lifting operation? Assume the
cranes are of similar characteristics in respect of hoisting, derricking, slewing and travel speeds.
(a) 1.05
(b) 1.10
(c) 1.20
(d) 1.25

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5. Roles and Responsibilities
1) Blind lifts may require more than one signalman.
(a) True
(b) False

2) Who should the crane operator take signals from?

(a) Appointed signalman
(b) Project manager
(c) Superintendent
(d) Registered workplace safety and health officer

3) Who are the members of a lifting team?

(a) Site supervisor, lifting supervisor, rigger and signalman
(b) Safety supervisor, crane operator, rigger and signalman
(c) Safety supervisor, lifting supervisor, crane operator and signalman
(d) Site supervisor, lifting supervisor, crane operator, rigger and signalman

4) Which training course must an appointed lifting supervisor for mobile crane successfully
complete?
(a) WSQ Supervise Safe Lifting Operations Course
(b) BCSS-Building Construction Safety Supervisor Course
(c) CSOC-Construction Safety Orientation Course
(d) WSQ Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks Course

5) Which of the following is NOT the duty of a lifting supervisor?

(a) Co-ordinate all lifting activities according to the lifting plan
(b) Brief all lifting team members on the safe lifting procedure and risk assessment
(c) Be present during lifting operations
(d) Operate the crane and record any failure or malfunction in the maintenance logbook

6) Which of the following is NOT part of the pre-use check?

(a) Inspect lifting gears to be used for the lifting operation
(b) Test safety systems and operational devices
(c) Test lifting equipment
(d) Paint lifting equipment

7) What is the role of a signalman?

(a) Inform the lifting equipment operator of the weight of the load
(b) Inspect the lifting equipment to check for abnormalities before use
(c) Give correct and clear signals to the lifting equipment operator when moving the load
(d) Check that the load radius indicator and other safety devices are functioning properly

8) What is the duty of a rigger?

(a) Check what is the weight of the load and inform the crane operator
(b) Check that the slings are of suitable material and in good condition
(c) Check that the number of legs of the sling are enough and the slinging angle is correct
(d) All of the above

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9) Where should a signalman be when directing a load?
(a) Under the load
(b) At a safe distance from the load and within sight of the crane operator
(c) Below the crane operator’s cabin
(d) In the middle of the worksite

10) A lifting supervisor can be in charge of two lifting operations if the machines are side by side and/
or within close proximity.
(a) True
(b) False

11) What should a crane operator do if the crane’s load radius indicator malfunctions?
(a) Stop crane operations and report to the supervisor
(b) Bypass the load radius indicator and continue with the lifting operation
(c) Perform mathematical calculations for the lifting operation
(d) Attempt to repair it

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6. Rigging
1) What will happen if the load’s centre of gravity is NOT directly beneath the crane hook?
(a) The load will not swing when lifted within the safe working load limit
(b) The load will swing when lifted and may destabilise the crane
(c) The crane will collapse immediately
(d) The hook will be damaged

2) What is the maximum safe working load for this setup?

Shackle, SWL: 80 tons

2-Legged Sling, Effective SWL: 120 tons

(a) 120 tons

(b) 100 tons
(c) 80 tons
(d) 50 tons

3) The load for this setup must not exceed _______ tons.

2-Legged Sling, Effective SWL: 600 tons

(a) 600
(b) 500
(c) 400
(d) 200

4) What is the maximum safe working load for this setup?

(a) 200 tons

(b) 180 tons
(c) 160 tons
(d) 100 tons

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5) What is the mode factor for the choker hitch using a single-leg webbing sling?

Basic Hitches (Sling Angle 90°)

Direct Choker Basket

90°

(a) 0.5
(b) 0.8
(c) 1.0
(d) 2.0

6) What is the safe working load for the choker hitch if the single-leg webbing sling has a safe
working load of 10 tons?

Basic Hitches (Sling Angle 90°)

Direct Choker Basket

90°

(a) 5 tons
(b) 8 tons
(c) 10 tons
(d) 20 tons

7) What is the mode factor for the basket hitch using a single-leg webbing sling?

Basic Hitches (Sling Angle 90°)

Direct Choker Basket

90°

(a) 0.5
(b) 0.8
(c) 1.0
(d) 2.0

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8) What is the safe working load for the basket hitch if the single-leg webbing sling has a safe
working load of 10 tons?

Basic Hitches (Sling Angle 90°)

Direct Choker Basket

90°

(a) 5 tons
(b) 8 tons
(c) 10 tons
(d) 20 tons

9) What is the mode factor for the basket hitch using the endless webbing sling?

Basic Hitches (Sling Angle 90°)

Direct Choker Basket

90°

(a) 0.5
(b) 0.8
(c) 1.0
(d) 2.0

10) Which of the following rigging setup can carry the heaviest load?
(Assume all slings have the same safe working load)

(a) (b) (c) (d)

11) Why is it important to identify the centre of gravity of a load?

(a) Determine the appropriate rigging method
(b) Calculate tensions on the slings and select appropriate lifting gears
(c) Prevent loads from swinging
(d) All of the above

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12) What precautions should be taken during the rigging of a load for a lifting operation?
(a) Keep all personnel clear of the lifting path
(b) Cordon off the area
(c) Do not work under a load
(d) All of the above

13) What causes a load to be unsecured or to slip?

(a) Defective or damaged lifting gears
(b) Improper rigging of the load
(c) Lifting gears not sufficient for the weight of the load
(d) All of the above

6.1 Rigging – Advanced Questions

This section requires a higher level of knowledge and competency.

14) What is the effective safe working load for this rigging setup? Assume the sling angle factor is 0.85.

SWL 10 tons

(a) 1.06 Choker hitch

(b) 0.943
(c) 0.833
(d) 0.667

15) How is the weight of a load determined?

(a) Its density and type of material
(b) Its size and volume
(c) Location of the centre of gravity
(d) All of the above

16) A set of two-legged chain-sling with a master link has a safe working load of 10 tons. What is the
maximum load that can be lifted?

(a) 20 tons
(b) 18 tons
(c) 11 tons
(d) 10 tons
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7. Lifting Gear
1) Why is it unsafe to interchange the components of a shackle pin?
(a) The shackle may fail
(b) The shackles pin could be of different grades
(c) The components may not fit
(d) All of the above

2) How much weight should be reduced if the shackles are used at a 90° angle (side load from
vertical)?

(a) 50%
(b) 40%
(c) 30%
(d) 20%

3) Lifting supervisors should choose slings that are closest to the calculated tensions (with a suitable
safety factor) instead of selecting slings with the highest safe working load.
(a) True
(b) False

4) Which of the following should be used to control loads during hoisting?

(a) Web slings
(b) Wire ropes
(c) Tag lines
(d) Braking mechanisms

5) Which of the following is the correct rigging method when using a single-leg webbing sling?

(a) (b)

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6) For a multi-legged sling, which sling angle (A) will have the highest tension on the sling legs?

(a) 90 degrees
(b) 60 degrees
(c) 45 degrees
(d) 30 degrees

7) Which of the following information does NOT need to be indicated on sling tags?
(a) Date of manufacture
(b) Identification number
(c) Test date
(d) Cost of the sling

7.1 Lifting Gears – Advanced Questions

This section requires a higher level of knowledge and competency.

8) If the length (L) of the sling is 12 metres and length of a cylindrical load is 8 metres, what is the
sling angle factor?

(a) 1.06
(b) 0.943
(c) 0.833
(d) 0.667

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9) What is the included angle of the slings that must be avoided at all times?

(a) 15 degrees
(b) 30 degrees
(c) 45 degrees
(d) 90 degrees

10) If the length of a sling is 4 metres and length of a cylindrical load (assume the centre of gravity is
centred) is 5.2 metres, what is the load angle factor?

(a) 1.3
(b) 1.2
(c) 1.1
(d) 1.0

11) Assume a load is 5 tons, length of sling is 4 metres (using direct hitch), width of load is 5.2 metres,
and load angle factor is 1.316. What is the sling tension?

4m

5.2m

(a) 3.13
(b) 3.26
(c) 3.33
(d) 3.41

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12) Do not use chains if it has been stretched __________.
(a) 5% or more
(b) 10% or more
(c) 15% or more
(d) 25% or more

13) Replace hooks if the throat opening is ____________.

(a) 5% or more
(b) 10% or more
(c) 15% or more
(d) 25% or more

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8. Load Chart – Advanced Questions
This section requires a higher level of knowledge and competency.

1) Refer to the following load chart:

1.1) What is the gross rated capacity when the crane boom is operating at the length of
35.5 metres and working radius of 20 metres?
(a) 15.5 tons
(b) 14.9 tons
(c) 14.4 tons
(d) 14.3 tons

1.2) A crane’s boom length is 26.5 metres. The hook block weighs 0.5 tons and has a safe
working load of 50 tons. The lifting gears weigh 0.1 tons. The load weighs 12 tons. What is
the maximum working radius?
(a) 24 metres
(b) 22 metres
(c) 20 metres
(d) 19.5 metres

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2) Refer to the following load charts:

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 2.1) A crane has a boom length of 31 metres, a radius of 12 metres, and a counterweight of
21.2 tons. What is the maximum load that can be lifted?
(a) 25,000 kg
(b) 28.2 tons
(c) 30,500 kg
(d) 34.5 tons

2.2) A crane has a boom length of 62 metres and a counterweight of 32 tons. The block weight
is 800 kg and the lifting gears/accessories weigh 100 kg. What is the maximum load that
can be lifted at its maximum radius?
(a) 0.1 tons
(b) 0.7 tons
(c) 0.9 tons
(d) 10.6 tons

2.3) Based on a radius of 11 metres, a load of 28,900 kg and a counterweight of 32 tons, what
boom length should the crane be operating at?
(a) 40 metres
(b) 35.5 metres
(c) 31 metres
(d) 26.5 metres

2.4) A crane has a boom length of 58.1 metres and a counterweight of 21.2 tons. The block
weight is 800 kg and lifting gears/appliance is 100 kg. The load weighs 13.3 tons. What is
the maximum radius that the crane should operate at?
(a) 12 metres
(b) 14 metres
(c) 16 metres
(d) 18 metres

2.5) A crane has a boom length of 13 metres, a counterweight of 32 tons and is lifting a load
weighing 83,000 kg. What is the safe radius?
(a) 3.5 metres
(b) 4 metres
(c) 4.5 metres
(d) 5 metres

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9. Lifting Machine Certificate
Refer to the following lifting machine certificate:

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1) What is the lifting machine’s registration number?
(a) LP998349A
(b) LM989943A
(c) LM998349A
(d) LG998349A

2) When was the tower crane manufactured?

(a) 2024
(b) 2023
(c) 2022
(d) 2021

3) What is the maximum safe working load of the tower crane?

(a) 50,000 tons
(b) 62,500 kg
(c) 50,000 kg
(d) 38,660 kg

4) What is the safe working load at a boom length of 30 metres?

(a) 62,500 kg
(b) 50,000 kg
(c) 38,660 kg
(d) 38,000 kg

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10. Acknowledgments
The WSH Council would like to thank the Workgroup on Lifting Supervisors (Assessment & Review) for
their valuable contribution towards this publication:

S/N Member Organisation

1. Mr Lee Ngee Hock, David (Chairperson) Land Transport Authority

2. Mr Kristopher Lau (Co-chairperson) Jurong Port Pte Ltd

3. Mr Lum Soon Heng, Eric ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

4. Mr Jonathan Tan Aik Leong The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES)

5. Mr Tan Kay Chen The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES)

6. Mr Tan Kay Yeow Jurong Port Pte Ltd

7. Mr Bernard Leonard Joshua Jurong Port Pte Ltd

8. Ms Ang Li Jie Land Transport Authority

9. Mr Yeo Kim Hock* The Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL)

10. Mr Ang Han Koon, Crawford Woh Hup (Private) Limited

The WSH Council would also like to thank the following companies for their valuable contributions:
• 11. Liebherr-Singapore
Mr Heng Chien LungPte Ltd Wong Fong Engineering Works (1988) Pte Ltd
• Teambuild Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd
12. Mr Adrian Koh Jia Rong Wong Fong Engineering Works (1988) Pte Ltd

13. Mr Muhammad Hafiz Bin Jamil Workplace Safety and Health Council

14. Ms Rachel Goh Workplace Safety and Health Council

15. Mr Royston Lim Workplace Safety and Health Council

* Author deceased; his contribution to this publication is published posthumously.

The WSH Council would also like to thank the following companies for their valuable contributions:
• Liebherr-Singapore Pte Ltd
• Teambuild Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd

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Published in June 2025 by the Workplace Safety
and Health Council.

All rights reserved. This publication may not be

reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, in whole or in part, without prior written
permission. The information provided in this
publication is accurate as at time of printing. All
information shared in this publication are meant
for learning purposes only. The information are not
exhaustive and should not be taken to encapsulate
all the responsibilities and obligations of the user
of this publication under the law. The Workplace
Safety and Health Council does not accept any
liability or responsibility to any party for losses or
damage arising from following this publication.

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