Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Tower Crane Operator Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a tower crane’s load chart?
• To measure the wind speed
• To determine the crane’s lifting capacity at various radii
• To calculate the crane’s fuel consumption
• To identify crane operators
• To determine the crane’s lifting capacity at various radii

Rationale: The load chart provides the maximum load a crane can

safely lift at different boom lengths and angles, ensuring safe operation.

• Before starting a tower crane, which inspection is mandatory?
• Electrical wiring inspection 1 / 4

• Daily pre-operation inspection
• Concrete foundation strength test
• Painting and rust inspection
• Daily pre-operation inspection

Rationale: OSHA and industry standards require operators to conduct

a daily inspection to ensure the crane is in safe working condition.

• Which signal indicates “stop” in crane hand signaling?
• One hand raised with palm facing the operator
• Waving both hands horizontally
• Moving the hand in a circle
• Pointing downward
• One hand raised with palm facing the operator

Rationale: The standard hand signal for “stop” is a raised hand with

the palm toward the operator.

• What is the minimum distance a tower crane must maintain from

power lines rated at 345 kV?

• 5 feet
• 10 feet
• 20 feet
• 50 feet
• 50 feet

Rationale: OSHA requires a minimum clearance of 50 feet from high-

voltage power lines above 350 kV to prevent electrocution hazards. 2 / 4

• When is it necessary to use a tag line?
• When lifting personnel
• When controlling a load that may spin
• When painting the crane
• When inspecting bolts
• When controlling a load that may spin

Rationale: Tag lines help control loads during lifting and prevent

uncontrolled rotation or swinging.

• What is the correct response if a crane’s hoist brake fails during

lifting?

• Continue lifting slowly
• Lower the load immediately if possible
• Increase engine RPM
• Remove the load from the hook
• Lower the load immediately if possible

Rationale: Safety procedures dictate immediately lowering the load

safely to prevent accidents when the hoist brake fails.

• What is the maximum allowable wind speed for operating most tower

cranes?

• 10 mph
• 20 mph
• 30 mph
• 50 mph 3 / 4

• 30 mph

Rationale: Most manufacturers and OSHA recommend ceasing

operations when sustained wind speeds exceed 30 mph.

• Which of the following is the operator’s responsibility?
• Inspecting the crane prior to operation
• Certifying the crane itself
• Designing the lift plan
• Approving building permits
• Inspecting the crane prior to operation

Rationale: Operators are responsible for pre-operation inspections to

identify mechanical defects or hazards.

• Which device prevents a crane from lifting beyond its rated capacity?
• Load limiter
• Hoist brake
• Anti-sway device
• Boom angle indicator
• Load limiter

Rationale: Load limiters stop the hoist from lifting a load that

exceeds the crane’s rated capacity, preventing structural failure.

• When signaling a crane to raise the load, what is the correct

hand signal?

• Palm forward, move hand up and down
• Fist raised
• / 4