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Lifting operations and lifting equipment questions for the CSCS test

7 free questions on Lifting operations and lifting equipment, from section D. High risk activities. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

Your site uses chains, slings and shackles to lift loads with a crane. These are lifting accessories.

How often must they have a thorough examination, unless an examination scheme says otherwise?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only when they look worn
  2. B. At least every 3 years
  3. C. At least every 6 months
  4. D. At least every 12 months
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Faults are not always visible. Thorough examinations must be done at set intervals.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That is far too long. Accessories must be examined at least every 6 months.
  • C. Right: Right. Lifting accessories, and equipment used to lift people, must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months. Other lifting equipment is at least every 12 months.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. 12 months is for other lifting equipment. Accessories such as chains and slings need examining more often.

Explanation

Lifting accessories and equipment for lifting people: thorough examination at least every 6 months. Other lifting equipment: at least every 12 months. Check accessories before each use, too.

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Question 2

Easier ·Link to this question (question 2)

A crane is about to lift a bundle of steel. The trained signaller has been called away, and a labourer who hasn't been trained offers to give the crane driver signals.

What should happen?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Let the labourer do it, as long as they use hand signals
  2. B. Let the crane driver lift without any signals
  3. C. Let the labourer do it while the driver uses the horn to warn people
  4. D. Wait for a trained, competent signaller
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The labourer may not know the standard signals or the dangers of the lift. Only trained people should direct a crane.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. If the lift was planned with a signaller, it must not go ahead without one.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A horn is no substitute for trained signalling. The lift should wait.
  • D. Right: Right. People who sling loads and direct lifts must be trained and competent, and use agreed standard signals.

Explanation

Lifting operations must be planned, and only trained, competent people should sling loads or signal to crane drivers.

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Question 3

Easier ·Link to this question (question 3)

A crane is lifting a load of blocks over the area where you need to walk to get to your work.

What should you do?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Wait, or go another way, so you never walk under the load
  2. B. Walk under it quickly while it is still
  3. C. Walk under it, as long as you are wearing your safety helmet
  4. D. Wave to the crane driver and then walk under it
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. Never walk or stand under a suspended load. If it falls, or something drops from it, you could be killed. Keep out of the lifting area.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. A load can slip or drop at any moment, even when it looks still.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A safety helmet won't protect you from a falling load of blocks.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Waving doesn't make it safe. The driver may not see you, and the load could still fall.

Explanation

Never walk or work under a suspended load. Keep out of lifting areas unless you are part of the lift.

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Question 4

Medium ·Link to this question (question 4)

A goods hoist has just been put together on site and is about to be used for the first time.

What must happen before it is used?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It just needs a test run with a person in it
  2. B. It can be used, and examined within the first year
  3. C. A competent person must thoroughly examine it
  4. D. Nothing, as it is new
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. A goods hoist must not carry people, and a test run is not a thorough examination.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Equipment assembled on site must be examined before it is first used.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says if lifting equipment is assembled on site, a competent person must examine it to confirm it was put together correctly and safely before first use.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Even new equipment assembled on site must be examined, as mistakes can happen during assembly.

Explanation

Lifting equipment assembled on site must be thoroughly examined by a competent person before first use, then at regular intervals.

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Question 5

Easier ·Link to this question (question 5)

You are using a gin wheel to lift buckets of mortar up a scaffold.

What should be marked on the gin wheel?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. The date it was bought
  2. B. The name of the person using it
  3. C. Nothing, as gin wheels are simple to use
  4. D. Its safe working load
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The important marking is the safe working load.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Users don't need to be marked on it. The safe working load does.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. All lifting equipment needs a clear safe working load.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says gin wheels should be clearly marked with their safe working load. Never lift more than that.

Explanation

Lifting equipment must be marked with its safe working load. Never overload it.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

A heavy steel beam needs to be lifted into place with a mobile crane.

Who should plan the lift?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. A competent person with the right knowledge and experience
  2. B. The crane driver, on the day, as they go along
  3. C. Whoever is nearest when the crane arrives
  4. D. Nobody, as long as the crane is big enough
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says lifting operations must be properly planned by a competent person with adequate practical and theoretical knowledge.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The lift must be planned before it starts, not made up as it goes.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Planning a lift needs knowledge and experience.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Every lift needs planning, however big the crane.

Explanation

Every lifting operation must be planned by a competent person, supervised, and done by trained people.

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Question 7

Medium ·Link to this question (question 7)

A mobile crane overturns while lifting a load. Luckily, nobody is hurt.

Does it need reporting under RIDDOR?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Only if it happened on a public road
  2. B. Yes, it is a dangerous occurrence
  3. C. No, as nobody was hurt
  4. D. Only if the crane is damaged
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Crane incidents are reportable wherever they happen at work.
  • B. Right: Right. The collapse or overturning of lifting equipment, or failure of a load-bearing part, is a reportable dangerous occurrence.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Dangerous occurrences are reportable even when no one is hurt.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The overturning itself makes it reportable.

Explanation

If lifting equipment collapses, overturns or a load-bearing part fails, it must be reported as a dangerous occurrence.

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