Massachusetts Hoisting License Practice Test

Under what circumstances is it acceptable to carry a load over people?

1. When working underground

2. When the area is cleared

3. Never

4. Only in emergencies

The correct answer is: Never

The principle of never carrying a load over people is rooted in safety regulations and best practices in the field of hoisting operations. Loads carried overhead pose a significant risk to individuals beneath them. If a load were to fall, it could cause severe injury or even death. Safety protocols emphasize that personnel must always be kept out of the area underneath where lifting operations are taking place. This is integral to maintaining a safe work environment. Regulations typically dictate that if there is a need to move a load, it should be done in such a way that no one is at risk of being underneath it at any time. While there may be specific scenarios, such as emergency situations or special circumstances where the conditions might seem to allow it, established safety standards advocate for complete avoidance of such practices as a primary rule. This ensures that workers' safety remains the foremost priority on job sites. Thus, the accepted practice is to never carry loads over individuals to prevent potentially deadly accidents.