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These 10 free TCI questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Tower Crane Inspector blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A tower crane is tied to a building at three elevations. Its general monthly inspection is complete, and the inspector is checking the additional tower-specific requirements. Which entry matches OSHA's monthly structural checks, rather than its annual bolt-torque requirement?
Correct answer: D - Check bolts above the highest brace and the uppermost tie-in, braces, floor supports, and wedges for looseness or dislodgment.
An annual inspection identifies wear in a trolley-drive component. After evaluating it against the manufacturer's service limits, the qualified person determines that it is not presently a safety hazard but needs monitoring. No manufacturer instruction requires immediate replacement. The required follow-up for this finding is to:
Correct answer: C - Document the determination and ensure that the component is checked in each monthly inspection.
A hammerhead tower crane's trolley-travel limiting device fails during a material lift, and the operator stops. The physical trolley end stops and all other required devices work. Repair is scheduled within seven calendar days, and no stricter manufacturer or site requirements apply. Which temporary arrangement permits material handling to resume under OSHA's tower-crane provisions?
Correct answer: B - Use a directly communicating spotter whenever the trolley operates within 10 ft of either end stop.
One lay of a conventional, non-rotation-resistant running hoist rope contains five visible broken wires: four in one strand and one in another. A foreman says the rope has not reached OSHA's broken-wire criteria because the total is below six. Which assessment correctly applies the rule?
Correct answer: B - Category II: four breaks in one strand exceed the applicable same-strand criterion.
Fine fatigue cracks are suspected at a weld toe on a ferromagnetic steel tower section. The examination must detect both surface-breaking cracks and cracks lying just beneath the surface. Only one face is accessible, and the area cannot be cleared for radiography. Which method best fits this examination?
Correct answer: B - Magnetic particle testing.
The manufacturer's post-erection load-test procedure is available for a tower crane. The contractor proposes using concrete blocks whose weights were estimated from their dimensions and an assumed concrete density. None has a certified weight. What must be done to establish an acceptable test load under OSHA's tower-crane rule?
Correct answer: C - Weigh the blocks on a certified scale with a current calibration certificate.
For a newly erected tower crane, the manufacturer specifies a mast plumb tolerance of 1:750. A qualified surveyor measures a 50 mm horizontal offset over a 30 m mast height. The erection supervisor argues that OSHA's 1:500 provision permits this offset. How should the inspector judge the measurement?
Correct answer: C - Reject it; the specified manufacturer tolerance permits only 40 mm over this height.
A 6,500 lb precast panel will travel from a 50 ft pickup radius to a 100 ft placement radius. For the installed crane configuration, the chart lists 12,000 lb at 50 ft, 9,000 lb at 80 ft, and 7,000 lb at 100 ft. The chart notes require inclusion of the 400 lb hook block, 600 lb lifting beam, and 200 lb slings and shackles. No greater radius is used. What does the capacity check show?
Correct answer: A - 7,700 lb governs; the lift exceeds capacity at the placement radius.
The designated signal person radios, "Hoist slowly." At the same moment, a rigger in the operator's clear view gives an unmistakable emergency-stop signal. The rigger is not the designated signal person, and the reason for the stop is not yet visible from the cab. The operator should:
Correct answer: D - Safely stop the movement immediately, then establish why the emergency signal was given.
A symmetric two-leg bridle supports a centered static load of 6,000 lb, with each leg at 30 degrees above horizontal. The manufacturer permits this arrangement and allows 7,500 lb of tension in each leg; the lifting points and remaining hardware are adequately rated. Which evaluation of sling-leg loading is correct?
Correct answer: A - 6,000 lb per leg; the specified leg ratings are adequate.
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