EICA Mobile Crane & Digger Derrick Certification Exam Questions
Course
Eica Crain certification
1. What is the primary purpose of load charts on a mobile crane or digger derrick?
Answer:
To indicate the maximum allowable load for specific boom lengths, angles, and radii.
Rationale:
Load charts are engineered safety limits, not suggestions. Exceeding them risks structural failure
or overturning. Operators are legally and professionally required to follow the chart for every lift.
2. Before setting up a mobile crane on a slope, what must be done first?
Answer:
Level the crane within the manufacturer’s specified tolerance.
Rationale:
Cranes are designed to operate on level surfaces. Even slight out-of-level conditions significantly
reduce rated capacity and increase tipping risk.
3. What is the minimum clearance required when operating near energized power lines up
to 50 kV?
Answer:
10 feet (3 meters).
Rationale:
This is an OSHA and EICA-aligned standard. Electricity can arc without contact, so clearance
prevents electrocution and equipment damage.
4. When must outriggers be fully extended on a mobile crane?
Answer:
Whenever the load chart specifies capacities based on fully extended outriggers.
Rationale:
Load charts are configuration-specific. Using partial outrigger extension while relying on full-
extension ratings is unsafe and invalid.
,5. What is the function of a digger derrick’s auger torque limiter?
Answer:
To prevent excessive torque that could damage the auger or boom.
Rationale:
Soil resistance varies. The torque limiter protects structural components and prevents sudden
equipment failure during drilling.
6. Who is responsible for determining if ground conditions are adequate for crane setup?
Answer:
The crane operator, in coordination with site supervision.
Rationale:
The operator has final authority over safe operation. Poor ground conditions can lead to outrigger
sinking and crane collapse.
7. What should an operator do if a load begins to swing uncontrollably?
Answer:
Stop movement and allow the load to stabilize before continuing.
Rationale:
Sudden corrections amplify swing due to inertia. Controlled pauses reduce dynamic forces and
prevent loss of control.
8. When is a spotter required during crane or digger derrick operation?
Answer:
When visibility is limited or when working near hazards such as power lines or structures.
Rationale:
Operators cannot rely on mirrors alone. A trained spotter reduces blind-spot accidents and
electrical contact risks.
9. What inspection must be performed at the start of every shift?
, Answer:
A documented pre-operational inspection of all critical components.
Rationale:
Daily inspections catch hydraulic leaks, wire rope damage, and control malfunctions before they
cause accidents.
10. What is the correct response if the crane’s rated capacity limiter (RCL) activates during
a lift?
Answer:
Stop the lift immediately and reduce the load or operating radius.
Rationale:
The RCL warns that the crane is at or beyond safe limits. Ignoring it defeats a critical safety
system and violates certification standards.
11. What factor has the greatest effect on a crane’s lifting capacity?
Answer:
The load radius.
Rationale:
As radius increases, capacity drops sharply. Radius affects leverage on the crane more than boom
length or load weight alone.
12. When lifting personnel with a digger derrick, what condition must be met first?
Answer:
The equipment must be specifically designed and approved for personnel lifting.
Rationale:
Not all digger derricks are rated for man baskets. Unauthorized use violates safety standards and
voids certification compliance.
13. What is the purpose of tag lines during lifting operations?
Answer:
To control load rotation and swing.
Rationale:
Tag lines reduce uncontrolled movement without placing workers under suspended loads.
Course
Eica Crain certification
1. What is the primary purpose of load charts on a mobile crane or digger derrick?
Answer:
To indicate the maximum allowable load for specific boom lengths, angles, and radii.
Rationale:
Load charts are engineered safety limits, not suggestions. Exceeding them risks structural failure
or overturning. Operators are legally and professionally required to follow the chart for every lift.
2. Before setting up a mobile crane on a slope, what must be done first?
Answer:
Level the crane within the manufacturer’s specified tolerance.
Rationale:
Cranes are designed to operate on level surfaces. Even slight out-of-level conditions significantly
reduce rated capacity and increase tipping risk.
3. What is the minimum clearance required when operating near energized power lines up
to 50 kV?
Answer:
10 feet (3 meters).
Rationale:
This is an OSHA and EICA-aligned standard. Electricity can arc without contact, so clearance
prevents electrocution and equipment damage.
4. When must outriggers be fully extended on a mobile crane?
Answer:
Whenever the load chart specifies capacities based on fully extended outriggers.
Rationale:
Load charts are configuration-specific. Using partial outrigger extension while relying on full-
extension ratings is unsafe and invalid.
,5. What is the function of a digger derrick’s auger torque limiter?
Answer:
To prevent excessive torque that could damage the auger or boom.
Rationale:
Soil resistance varies. The torque limiter protects structural components and prevents sudden
equipment failure during drilling.
6. Who is responsible for determining if ground conditions are adequate for crane setup?
Answer:
The crane operator, in coordination with site supervision.
Rationale:
The operator has final authority over safe operation. Poor ground conditions can lead to outrigger
sinking and crane collapse.
7. What should an operator do if a load begins to swing uncontrollably?
Answer:
Stop movement and allow the load to stabilize before continuing.
Rationale:
Sudden corrections amplify swing due to inertia. Controlled pauses reduce dynamic forces and
prevent loss of control.
8. When is a spotter required during crane or digger derrick operation?
Answer:
When visibility is limited or when working near hazards such as power lines or structures.
Rationale:
Operators cannot rely on mirrors alone. A trained spotter reduces blind-spot accidents and
electrical contact risks.
9. What inspection must be performed at the start of every shift?
, Answer:
A documented pre-operational inspection of all critical components.
Rationale:
Daily inspections catch hydraulic leaks, wire rope damage, and control malfunctions before they
cause accidents.
10. What is the correct response if the crane’s rated capacity limiter (RCL) activates during
a lift?
Answer:
Stop the lift immediately and reduce the load or operating radius.
Rationale:
The RCL warns that the crane is at or beyond safe limits. Ignoring it defeats a critical safety
system and violates certification standards.
11. What factor has the greatest effect on a crane’s lifting capacity?
Answer:
The load radius.
Rationale:
As radius increases, capacity drops sharply. Radius affects leverage on the crane more than boom
length or load weight alone.
12. When lifting personnel with a digger derrick, what condition must be met first?
Answer:
The equipment must be specifically designed and approved for personnel lifting.
Rationale:
Not all digger derricks are rated for man baskets. Unauthorized use violates safety standards and
voids certification compliance.
13. What is the purpose of tag lines during lifting operations?
Answer:
To control load rotation and swing.
Rationale:
Tag lines reduce uncontrolled movement without placing workers under suspended loads.
