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Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
This recertification exam validates operators of digger derricks, used in utility and telecommunications industries for setting poles and handling loads. Exam topics include auger use, load chart interpretation, stability, rigging, signaling, and OSHA/ANSI compliance. Passing maintains operator credentials.
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Question 1. Which OSHA regulation specifically governs crane and derrick safety in construction? A) 1910. B) 1926. C) 1910. D) 1926. Answer: B Explanation: OSHA 1926.1400 outlines the scope of crane and derrick standards for construction activities. Question 2. ANSI A10.31 primarily addresses which of the following? A) Electrical wiring standards B) Digger derrick safety requirements and maintenance C) Personal protective equipment for fall protection D) Hazard communication labeling Answer: B Explanation: ANSI A10.31 specifies safety requirements, definitions, and maintenance procedures for digger derricks. Question 3. Under OSHA 1910.269, a qualified electrician must verify clearance before working near which type of equipment? A) Hydraulic hoses B) Energized power lines C) Diesel generators D) Pressurized gas cylinders
Answer: B Explanation: OSHA 1910.269 deals with safety in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, requiring clearance from energized conductors. Question 4. The employer’s “competent person” is responsible for which of the following? A) Performing all digging operations B) Documenting training and ensuring equipment is safe for use C) Operating the winch during lifts D) Managing payroll for the crew Answer: B Explanation: A competent person must certify that training, medical fitness, and equipment inspections meet regulatory standards. Question 5. Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) is determined based on what factor? A) Weather conditions B) Voltage of the nearby power line C) Operator’s certification level D) Length of the auger Answer: B Explanation: MAD varies with the voltage of energized conductors to protect workers from electrical hazards.
D) Storing the winch rope Answer: B Explanation: The lower boom forms the base structure that supports the intermediate and upper boom extensions. Question 9. Which component houses the rotation bearing on a digger derrick? A) Pedestal B) Turret C) Auger drive D) Outrigger Answer: B Explanation: The turret contains the rotation bearing allowing the boom to swivel. Question 10. The insulated upper boom extension is used primarily for what purpose? A) Reducing hydraulic pressure loss B) Preventing electrical contact with live lines C) Increasing the length of the winch cable D) Storing spare parts Answer: B Explanation: The insulated upper boom protects the operator from accidental contact with energized conductors. Question 11. In the auger system, the “sheave” is part of which component?
A) Auger flighting B) Storage bracket C) Hydraulic valve D) Winch drum Answer: B Explanation: The sheave is mounted on the storage bracket to guide and tension the auger when stowed. Question 12. Which hydraulic component controls the direction of fluid flow to the boom cylinders? A) Holding valve B) Control valve C) Relief valve D) Check valve Answer: B Explanation: The control valve directs hydraulic fluid to extend or retract the boom cylinders. Question 13. A “load check” valve is used to: A) Increase winch speed B) Prevent accidental cylinder movement when the operator releases the controls C) Release hydraulic pressure in the pump D) Adjust the boom angle automatically Answer: B
B) Stop work and repair before proceeding C) Add more hydraulic fluid to compensate D) Ignore it if the machine is under warranty Answer: B Explanation: Any hydraulic leak can lead to loss of control; the equipment must be repaired before use. Question 17. The anti-two-block (ATB) system prevents which hazardous condition? A) Over-speed of the winch drum B) The boom from striking the ground while the winch continues to pull C) Hydraulic over-pressure D) Electrical arcing to the boom Answer: B Explanation: ATB prevents the boom from “two-blocking,” where it contacts the ground while the winch continues to pull, causing damage. Question 18. Dielectric integrity of the fiberglass boom can be compromised by: A) Minor dents B) Heavy rain and standing water on the surface C) Normal wear from use D) Paint applied for identification Answer: B
Explanation: Moisture or conductive contaminants on the insulated boom can reduce its dielectric properties, increasing shock risk. Question 19. Auger teeth that are worn beyond the manufacturer’s limit will: A) Increase digging speed B) Reduce torque required to rotate the auger C) Cause rapid wear of the auger flighting and inefficient digging D) Have no effect on performance Answer: C Explanation: Worn teeth reduce bite efficiency, leading to higher torque demands and faster flighting wear. Question 20. A Kelly bar is inspected for: A) Hydraulic leaks B) Bends, cracks, or corrosion that could affect extension strength C) Electrical insulation rating D) Correct length of the winch cable attached Answer: B Explanation: The Kelly bar must be free of damage to safely extend the auger. Question 21. When stowing the auger for road travel, the boom should be: A) Fully extended for balance B) Locked in the vertical position with all pins secured C) Tilted backward to reduce height and secured with the stow pins
Question 24. The “Call Before You Dig” (811) program is intended to: A) Register the digger derrick for tax purposes B) Locate underground utilities to prevent accidental strikes C) Schedule routine maintenance for the equipment D) Provide weather forecasts for the job site Answer: B Explanation: 811 requires notification before excavation to protect buried utilities. Question 25. When reading a load chart, the capacity is reduced when: A) The boom is at 0° (horizontal) B) The auger is fully retracted and stored C) The boom angle increases toward vertical D) The machine is on level ground Answer: A Explanation: Horizontal boom positions produce the greatest moment arm, reducing lifting capacity. Question 26. Digger capacity versus hoist capacity differs because: A) The hoist includes the weight of the auger in its rating B) The digger capacity accounts for the additional load of the auger and its attachments C) The hoist is always rated higher D) There is no difference; they are identical
Answer: B Explanation: Digger capacity is reduced by the weight of the auger, jib, and any attachments, whereas hoist capacity does not consider these. Question 27. When deducting the weight of an attachment from the gross capacity, the correct method is to: A) Subtract the attachment weight regardless of boom angle B) Only subtract when the boom is fully extended C) Add the attachment weight to the gross capacity D) Use the manufacturer’s deduction chart for the specific configuration Answer: D Explanation: Manufacturers provide deduction tables that consider boom angle, extension, and attachment weight. Question 28. The correct technique to start a hole with an auger is to: A) Immediately apply full torque to the auger B) Align the auger vertically, engage low torque, and allow the bit to bite before increasing power C) Push the auger forward while rotating the winch D) Use a hammer to drive the bit into the ground before rotating Answer: B Explanation: Starting with low torque and proper alignment prevents “walking” and ensures a straight hole. Question 29. “Walking” of the auger bit refers to:
Explanation: The balance point is generally about one-third up from the base, where the pole can be pivoted safely. Question 32. Pole guides (claws) are used to: A) Attach the pole to the winch cable B) Stabilize the pole during lifting and prevent lateral swing C) Measure the depth of the hole D) Store spare auger teeth Answer: B Explanation: Guides grip the pole to keep it aligned and reduce side-loading during lift. Question 33. “Plumbing the pole” refers to: A) Installing electrical conduits inside the pole B) Communicating with ground crews to verify vertical alignment before tamping C) Filling the pole with concrete for reinforcement D) Adding water to the auger to reduce friction Answer: B Explanation: Plumbing is the process of confirming pole verticality with the crew before final placement. Question 34. For a safe vertical lift, the load line must be positioned: A) Directly beneath the boom tip with no lateral offset B) At a 30° angle from the boom tip
C) Parallel to the ground D) Attached to the outriggers Answer: A Explanation: Aligning the load directly under the boom tip prevents side-loading and instability. Question 35. Which of the following statements about personnel lifting with a digger derrick is correct? A) It is permissible if the load is less than 200 lb B) Only trained rescue personnel may be lifted in emergencies C) Personnel lifting is strictly prohibited under OSHA regulations D) The winch line can be used for short-duration personnel lifts with a safety harness Answer: C Explanation: OSHA prohibits using the winch line for lifting people; dedicated personnel lifts must use approved equipment. Question 36. If the derrick contacts an energized line, the first action for the operator is to: A) Continue the lift to avoid dropping the load B) Shut down the engine and stay inside the cab, then call emergency services C) Jump out of the cab and run away D) Use a metal rod to pull the line away Answer: B
B) Closed fist raised C) Open hand rotating clockwise D) Both arms extended upward Answer: C Explanation: An open hand rotating clockwise signals the operator to start digging with the auger. Question 40. In radio communication, “closed-loop” means: A) Using a single frequency for all crews B) Confirming each message with a read-back to ensure understanding C) Speaking in code words only D) Communicating only through hand signals Answer: B Explanation: Closed-loop communication requires the receiver to repeat the message, confirming accurate receipt. Question 41. Which of the following is a sign that the outriggers are not properly leveled? A) The boom tip is perfectly vertical B) The hydraulic pressure gauge reads zero C) The level indicator shows a deviation greater than 2 mm from level D) The winch drum rotates smoothly Answer: C Explanation: A level deviation beyond manufacturer limits indicates inadequate outrigger leveling.
Question 42. The purpose of a “load moment indicator” on a digger derrick is to: A) Measure the electrical resistance of the boom B) Display the combined effect of weight and boom distance to prevent overload C) Indicate fuel level in the engine D) Show the speed of the auger rotation Answer: B Explanation: Load moment indicators help operators avoid exceeding the machine’s rated moment capacity. Question 43. When using a synthetic rope instead of steel wire, one must verify: A) The rope’s color matches the machine’s livery B) The rope’s rated breaking strength for the intended load C) That the rope is stored outdoors D) The rope’s length is exactly 100 ft Answer: B Explanation: Synthetic ropes have different strength characteristics; the rated breaking strength must meet or exceed the load. Question 44. The “holding valve” on a digger derrick’s hydraulic system is also known as: A) Check valve B) Load-hold valve C) Relief valve
A) A pressure switch in the hydraulic circuit B) A mechanical latch on the winch drum C) A proximity sensor detecting the boom tip near the ground D) The operator’s foot pedal Answer: C Explanation: ATB systems often use a sensor to detect when the boom is close to the ground and automatically stop the winch. Question 48. When performing a “spinning off” operation, the operator should: A) Increase winch speed to maximum B) Reduce torque, keep the auger rotating, and allow spoil to fall out of the flights C) Stop the auger and manually pull the spoil out D) Reverse the winch direction while the auger is stationary Answer: B Explanation: Spinning off uses rotation to discharge spoil; reducing torque prevents overload. Question 49. The recommended procedure for “bleeding down” cylinders after a total power loss is: A) Open the hydraulic reservoir valve fully B) Use the manual pump lever to slowly release pressure while monitoring cylinder movement C) Pull the hydraulic hoses off the machine D) Apply the emergency brake on the winch Answer: B
Explanation: Controlled bleeding using the manual pump prevents sudden drops and maintains safety. Question 50. If a digger derrick’s winch alarm sounds during a lift, the operator should: A) Ignore it if the load seems stable B) Immediately stop the winch and assess the cause (e.g., overload, rope slip) C) Increase winch speed to finish the lift quickly D) Switch to manual winching without investigation Answer: B Explanation: Alarms indicate a fault; stopping the winch prevents possible equipment damage or accidents. Question 51. The purpose of “cradle pads” placed under outriggers on soft ground is to: A) Increase the machine’s height for better visibility B) Distribute the load over a larger area to reduce ground pressure C) Provide a surface for the operator to stand on D) Attach additional hydraulic hoses Answer: B Explanation: Cradle pads spread the load, improving stability on soft or uneven terrain. Question 52. Which of the following is a correct method to verify the integrity of the boom’s dielectric coating?