Overhead Crane Practice Test

If a floor has a weight limitation of 700 pounds per square foot and the load is calculated at 900 pounds per square foot, what should be done before lowering the load?

1. Remove the load

2. Install cribbing to increase surface bearing area

3. Reduce the weight of the load

4. Shift the load to a stronger area

The correct answer is: Install cribbing to increase surface bearing area

The correct approach in this scenario is to install cribbing to increase the surface bearing area before lowering the load. This action directly addresses the issue of exceeding the floor’s weight limitation. Cribbing involves using blocks or other supportive materials to distribute the weight of the load over a larger area, thereby reducing the pressure exerted on the floor. By increasing the bearing area, the load can be safely accommodated within the structural limits of the floor. Attempting to remove the load could be impractical or unsafe if it involves repositioning or creating additional hazards. Reducing the weight of the load may not be possible if the load is necessary for the operation, while shifting the load to a stronger area could potentially lead to other structural concerns or may not be feasible in every situation. Thus, cribbing provides a straightforward and effective solution to ensure safety without altering the load itself.