semplr.

Exams · Certifications · Licensing

Mobile Crane Operator — Core Knowledge

Power lines: practice questions

Our Crane Operator bank has 13 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

Start the free mock exam

Question 1

What is an 'insulating link' used for near power lines?

  1. To increase capacity
  2. To lift people
  3. To measure voltage
  4. To insulate the load from the crane hook, as one of the protective measures
Show the answer

D. To insulate the load from the crane hook, as one of the protective measures — It must be rated for the voltage.

Question 2

What should an operator do if the crane contacts an energized power line?

  1. Have someone push the load away
  2. Jump out immediately and run
  3. Touch the crane to check
  4. Stay in the cab if safe, warn others to keep away, and try to move the crane away from the line
Show the answer

D. Stay in the cab if safe, warn others to keep away, and try to move the crane away from the line — If you must leave (e.g. fire), jump clear with feet together and shuffle away.

Question 3

What must be done before beginning work where equipment could come within 20 feet of a power line (≤350 kV)?

  1. Nothing
  2. Raise the boom to full height
  3. Identify the work zone and determine whether any part of the equipment could come closer than the minimum approach distance
  4. Call the fire department
Show the answer

C. Identify the work zone and determine whether any part of the equipment could come closer than the minimum approach distance — OSHA 1926.1408(a).

Question 4

What must be done if equipment could get closer than the minimum approach distance to a power line?

  1. Proceed if the operator is careful
  2. Work faster
  3. Use a metal tag line
  4. Have the line de-energized and grounded, or use the encroachment prevention measures required by OSHA (dedicated spotter, warning lines, etc.)
Show the answer

D. Have the line de-energized and grounded, or use the encroachment prevention measures required by OSHA (dedicated spotter, warning lines, etc.) — De-energizing and grounding is the safest option.

Question 5

What is a dedicated spotter's role near power lines?

  1. To operate the crane
  2. To watch the distance between equipment and the line and warn the operator
  3. To rig the load
  4. To direct traffic only
Show the answer

B. To watch the distance between equipment and the line and warn the operator — The spotter must have no other duties while spotting.

More Crane Operator topics