Where is the area that must be barricaded around a crane during operation?

• A. Swing radius of the outermost body
• B. Operator cabin
• C. Boom tip
• D. Counterweight area

Answer: (A)

The most important area to barricade is the space swept by the crane’s moving parts—the swing radius of the outermost portion of the crane. This danger zone expands as the crane rotates and the load or boom tip could move into it from any direction. Barricading this area prevents workers from entering the path where a swing or load could strike them, which is the primary safety concern during operation.

The operator cabin is where the crane is controlled, not the general danger zone to be barricaded for bystanders. The boom tip is part of the moving envelope, but the hazard isn’t limited to a single point; it’s the entire arc the crane can reach. The counterweight area is also important, but the crucial precaution is blocking off the complete swing radius to protect anyone who might otherwise be in or near the crane’s reach.