Cranes and derricks installed on floating surfaces must have a placed where it can be easily seen by the operators.
Personnel platform
Guardrail
Boom angle indicator
Hoist drum
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
Boom angle indicator
Explanation:
Cranes and derricks installed on floating surfaces, such as barges or vessels, require a boom angle indicator to be placed where it can be easily seen by the operator. The boom angle indicator is a crucial safety device that helps the operator determine the angle of the boom relative to the horizontal plane.
Why is a Boom Angle Indicator Necessary?
- Load Management: The angle of the boom directly affects the crane’s load capacity. A lower boom angle increases the load radius, reducing the crane’s lifting capacity and increasing the risk of tipping or structural failure.
- Preventing Overloading: Operators rely on the boom angle indicator to ensure that they do not exceed the safe working load limits specified in the crane’s load chart.
- Stability on Floating Surfaces: Floating platforms introduce additional instability due to water movement, making it even more critical for operators to maintain proper boom angles.
- Regulatory Compliance: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other safety organizations require cranes on floating surfaces to be equipped with a visible boom angle indicator for safe operations.
Why Not the Other Options?
- Personnel Platform: A personnel platform is used for lifting workers, but it is not related to monitoring boom angle.
- Guardrail: Guardrails provide fall protection but do not assist crane operators in determining boom angles.
- Hoist Drum: The hoist drum controls cable movement but does not give information about the boom’s position.
Thus, the boom angle indicator is the correct answer as it ensures safe and efficient crane operation on floating surfaces.