Red Seal Tower Crane Operator Practice Exam

What factors can affect a tower crane's lifting capacity?

1. Weight of the operator

2. Wind speed and load distribution

3. Height of the crane

4. Size of the site's layout

The correct answer is: Wind speed and load distribution

The lifting capacity of a tower crane is significantly influenced by environmental conditions and how the load is distributed. Wind speed is a critical factor because strong winds can create instability and increase the risk of tipping or swaying, which can limit the crane's ability to lift loads safely. If the wind speed exceeds certain operational limits, the crane may not be able to lift any loads at all to prevent accidents. Load distribution also plays a vital role. If the load is not evenly distributed or is too heavy for the designated lifting radius, it can strain the crane’s structure and compromise its stability. Tower cranes are designed to lift specific weights at various radii, and exceeding these specifications can lead to failure or accidents. In contrast, while the weight of the operator, the height of the crane, and the size of the site layout can have operational implications, they do not directly influence the crane's inherent lifting capacity in the same way wind and load distribution do. The operator's weight is negligible compared to the crane's designed capabilities, and the height of the crane does not affect its maximum lifting capacity per se. The size of the site can affect operational efficiency but does not alter the mechanical limits of lifting.