Crane lifting interview question
What is crane
A crane is a type of heavy machinery used for lifting, moving, and
placing heavy objects, materials, or equipment.
Types of Cranes
Mobile Cranes
Mounted on trucks, trailers, or crawlers
Can be easily transported to different sites
Used for construction, infrastructure projects, and industrial applications
Tower Cranes
Fixed to the ground
Used for high-rise construction, such as building skyscrapers
Can lift heavy loads to great heights
Overhead Cranes
Suspended from ceilings or beams
Used in factories, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities
Can lift and move heavy loads along a fixed path
Crawler Cranes
Mounted on crawlers (tracks)
Used for heavy lifting and construction projects
Can lift heavy loads and move them around the site
Parts of crane
Lifting and rigging
Lifting
Lifting refers to the act of raising a load or object from one location to another using
mechanical advantage.
Rigging
Rigging refers to the equipment and techniques used to secure, lift, and move loads
safely and efficiently.
Types of crane lifting
Here are some common types of crane lifting:
# 1. Vertical Lifting-
Lifting loads straight up and down- Used for construction, maintenance, and repair work
# 2. Horizontal Lifting-
Lifting loads horizontally, often over obstacles- Used for construction, bridge building, and heavy industry
# 3. Inclined Lifting-
Lifting loads at an angle, often on sloping or uneven terrain- Used for construction, mining, and heavy industry
# 4. Swing Lifting-
Lifting and swinging loads around obstacles- Used for construction, bridge building, and heavy industry
# 5. Load Turning-
Rotating loads to change their orientation- Used for construction, manufacturing, and heavy industry
# 6. Load Positioning-
Precise placement of loads in tight spaces- Used for construction, manufacturing, and heavy industry
# 7. Heavy Lifting-
Lifting extremely heavy loads, often requiring specialized equipment- Used for construction, bridge building, and
heavy industry
# 8. Precise Lifting-
Lifting loads with high precision, often in confined spaces- Used for construction, manufacturing, and heavy industry
Hazard in crane lifting
Here are some common hazards associated with crane lifting:
# Environmental Hazards
1. Weather conditions: High winds, thunderstorms, icing, or extreme
temperatures.
2. Poor visibility: Fog, mist, or darkness that impairs operator visibility.
3. Uneven terrain: Sloping, uneven, or unstable ground that can affect crane
stability.
# Equipment Hazards
1. Crane malfunction: Mechanical failure, electrical issues, or hydraulic problems.
2. Rigging failure: Failure of ropes, chains, slings, or shackles.
.
3. Load shift or swing: Uncontrolled movement of the load during lifting.
# Human Hazards
1. Operator error: Inadequate training, fatigue, or distraction.
2. Poor communication: Inadequate communication between operators, spotters,
and other personnel.
3. Inadequate training: Insufficient training for operators, riggers, or other personnel.
# Load Hazards
1. Overloading: Exceeding the crane's capacity or load chart.
2. Unstable loads: Loads that are not properly secured or balanced.
3. Hazardous materials: Loads containing hazardous materials, such as chemicals or
explosives.
# Other Hazards
1. Power line contact: Contact with overhead power lines or electrical hazards.
2. Collision with structures: Collision with buildings, bridges, or other structures.
3. Dropped loads: Loads dropped from the crane, potentially causing injury or
damage
Critical lifting
Critical lifting refers to a lifting operation that is
complex, high-risk, or requires precise placement,
often involving heavy or oversized loads.
Control measure for crane lifting
Here are some common control measures for lifting:
# Pre-Lift Control Measures
1. Risk assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards.
2. Lift planning: Develop a lift plan that outlines the lift procedure, equipment, and personnel
required.
3. Equipment inspection: Inspect lifting equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.4.
Operator training: Ensure operators are trained and competent to perform the lift.
# During Lift Control Measures
1. Load calculation: Calculate the weight and center of gravity of the load.
2. Rigging inspection: Inspect rigging equipment to ensure it is properly attached and secured.
3. Load control: Use load control measures such as tag lines or load stabilizers to prevent load
swing.
4. Communication: Establish clear communication between operators, spotters, and other
personnel.
# Post-Lift Control Measures
1. Debriefing: Conduct a debriefing session to review the lift and identify areas for
improvement.
2. Equipment maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on lifting equipment.
3. Incident reporting: Report any incidents or near-misses during the lift.
4. Review and revision: Review and revise the lift plan as necessary.
# General Control Measures
1. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Ensure personnel wear required PPE such
as hard hats and safety glasses.
2. Barriers and signage: Use barriers and signage to restrict access to the lift area.
3. Weather monitoring: Monitor weather conditions to ensure safe lifting
operations.
4. Emergency preparedness: Develop an emergency response plan in case of
accidents or incidents during the lift.
Types of slings
Safe work load and working radius
Safe work load
Safe Work Load (SWL) is the maximum weight a lifting device
can handle safely, considering equipment capacity, load
characteristics, and environmental conditions
working radius
Working Radius is the horizontal distance from the center of
the crane or lifting device to the center of the load.
Causes of crane accidents
Here are the top 3 most important causes of crane accidents:
1. Human Error:
Operator mistake, inadequate training, or failure to follow procedures.
2. Equipment Failure:
Mechanical failure, worn or damaged components, or inadequate
maintenance.
3. Improper Rigging:
Incorrect sling angles, inadequate load securing, or use of damaged or
worn-out rigging equipment.
