Massachusetts Hoisting License Practice Test

What must be done before persons are permitted to work underneath or between suspended construction equipment?

1. The equipment must be removed from the site

2. The equipment must be cleaned

3. The equipment must be blocked or cribbed in place

4. The equipment must be inspected by a third party

The correct answer is: The equipment must be blocked or cribbed in place

Before allowing individuals to work underneath or between suspended construction equipment, it is essential that the equipment is blocked or cribbed in place. This procedure is critical for ensuring safety, as it prevents the equipment from accidentally moving or falling. Blocking or cribbing stabilizes the equipment and provides a reliable support system, significantly reducing the risk of injury to workers who are in proximity. In construction environments, equipment can be heavy and dangerous if not properly secured. Blocking or cribbing acts as a protective measure to ensure that even if there is a failure in the equipment's regular stabilization methods, such as hydraulic lifts or brakes, the equipment will not collapse onto workers below. This practice aligns with safety regulations and standards that prioritize worker safety and accident prevention in construction settings. Other options like removing the equipment from the site or cleaning it do not address the immediate safety concerns associated with working under suspended loads. Similarly, a third-party inspection, while important for overall safety compliance, does not provide the direct, immediate protection that blocking or cribbing does when people are working beneath suspended equipment.