General Crane Safety Practice Test Prep – Study Guide & Practice Exam

When a load swings while being lifted, the safest course of action for a crane operator is to stop all movements. Halting the crane's operation allows the operator to regain control over the load and assess the situation without introducing further momentum that could increase the risk of accidents or damage. Swinging loads can lead to instability, and moving the crane while the load is swinging may exacerbate the hazard, potentially causing the load to swing dangerously or even detach. Stopping all movements allows for a careful reevaluation of the situation and enables the operator to make necessary adjustments, such as stabilizing the load or waiting for it to come to rest before proceeding.