Free WSQ Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks — Written Assessment Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the WSQ Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks — Written Assessment practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1At a lift briefing, a rigger is asked how the risk level of a possible falling-load injury is evaluated. Which pair of factors defines that evaluation?

   1. A.Injury severity and event likelihoodCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Crane capacity and operating radius
   3. C.Lift duration and crew experience
   4. D.Load dimensions and rigging weight

   Explanation: The code defines risk evaluation as "estimating the severity of an injury or damage and the likelihood of the occurrence." The other pairs describe lift characteristics, rather than the two risk-evaluation factors.

   Reference: Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplaces — §3.2.1.3, p.9

2. 2A rigger is unsure how to secure an odd-shaped load with the available lifting gear. What should the rigger do at this point?

   1. A.Select a basket hitch and start a trial lift
   2. B.Select a choker hitch and start a trial lift
   3. C.Add a second sling and start a trial lift
   4. D.Stop the operation and request assistanceCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The source states: "he must stop the operation and request for assistance." The code directly addresses uncertainty about rigging an odd-shaped item. Choosing another real hitch or adding gear does not resolve an unverified rigging arrangement.

   Reference: Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplaces — §5.3.1.1, p.14

3. 3A crane passed its periodic maintenance check last month. When must the lifting crew still perform the code’s daily pre-use check?

   1. A.At the next quarterly service
   2. B.At the next annual examination
   3. C.At the start of each shiftCorrect answer: C
   4. D.At the start of each calendar month

   Explanation: The code requires "a daily check at the start of each shift." Periodic maintenance does not replace this pre-use inspection.

   Reference: Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplaces — §4.6.1, p.13

4. 4While sorting a rigging store, a worker finds a serviceable tool that has not been used for months. Its future need is uncertain. What is the purpose of placing a housekeeping red tag on it?

   1. A.Confirm that the item’s working load was reduced
   2. B.Evaluate whether the item is still neededCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Confirm that the item has passed a load test
   4. D.Identify that the item is awaiting mechanical repair

   Explanation: The guidelines say: "Red tagging refers to the placement of red-coloured tags on workplace items to be evaluated." Here the issue is continued usefulness. This housekeeping tag does not certify testing, diagnose a defect or change a rating.

   Reference: WSH Guidelines on Workplace Housekeeping — Printed p.13, Red Tag Strategy

5. 5Two equal sling legs support the same load symmetrically. If their included angle is increased, which combination correctly describes the effect?

   1. A.Higher leg loading and reduced safe load capacityCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Higher leg loading and increased safe load capacity
   3. C.Lower leg loading and reduced safe load capacity
   4. D.Lower leg loading and increased safe load capacity

   Explanation: The WSH guide warns of "increased loadings on the slings when lifting at larger included angles" and says this "will reduce the SWL of the slings". Both parts of the relationship matter: widening the angle increases tension and reduces safe capacity.

   Reference: Guidebook for Lifting Supervisors — §12, The Included Angle of Slings, p.15

6. 6At the lift site, the rigger finds that the actual unloading position differs from the approved lifting plan. What should happen before the changed lift proceeds?

   1. A.Record the change and retain the existing approval
   2. B.Confirm the load weight and retain the existing approval
   3. C.Repeat the radio test and retain the existing approval
   4. D.Review the plan and obtain approval for the changeCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The code says: "Never vary from the approved Lifting Plan without another full review and final approval". Recording a change or repeating individual checks does not authorise departure from the approved plan.

   Reference: Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplaces — §7.7, Changes to Lifting Plan, p.19

7. 7A cylindrical load is to be lowered onto a prepared receiving area. What is the principal purpose of preparing suitable timber wedges beside it?

   1. A.Distribute vertical pressure onto the floor
   2. B.Provide clearance for sling removal
   3. C.Cushion vertical impact during landing
   4. D.Prevent rolling of the landed loadCorrect answer: D

   Explanation: The course guide instructs: "Prepare the timber wedges or sleepers to prevent load from rolling over". The wedges restrain the landed load; they do not change crane radius, sling rating or load weight.

   Reference: August International: Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks Learner’s Guide — §6, Correct Unloading, p.96

8. 8A crane remains upright on stable supports, but its boom is stressed beyond its load capacity. Which accident mechanism does the WSH guide associate with this overload?

   1. A.Structural failure of a load-bearing crane componentCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Overturning of the crane about its support boundary
   3. C.Collision between the crane boom and a nearby structure
   4. D.Dislodgement of unsecured pieces from the suspended load

   Explanation: The guide identifies "Structural failure of crane component" due to "the crane being loaded beyond its loading capacity". The scenario isolates structural overload while the supports remain stable; the other options are different recognised crane-accident mechanisms.

   Reference: Guidebook for Lifting Supervisors — §5(a), Common Hazards, p.6

9. 9A signalman prepares a complete series of voice signals to direct a lift. Which order follows the course guide?

   1. A.Function stop; function and direction; distance or speed
   2. B.Function and direction; function stop; distance or speed
   3. C.Function and direction; distance or speed; function stopCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Distance or speed; function stop; function and direction

   Explanation: The guide states the order as "Function and direction", "Distance and / or speed", then "Function stop". The alternatives contain the same elements but place them in the wrong sequence.

   Reference: August International: Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks Learner’s Guide — §8, Follow Voice Procedures, p.105

10. 10A rigger discovers defective lifting gear while working on a mobile-crane lift. To whom must the defect be reported under regulation 18(4)(h)?

    1. A.The crane operator
    2. B.The signalman
    3. C.The Authorised Examiner
    4. D.The lifting supervisorCorrect answer: D

    Explanation: The regulation requires the rigger to "report any defect in the lifting gear to the lifting supervisor." The other people have real equipment-related roles, but they are not the specified recipient of this statutory report.

    Reference: Workplace Safety and Health (Operation of Cranes) Regulations 2011 — Regulation 18(4)(h)