Before crane setup, how should ground conditions be assessed?

• A. Check firmness and levelness only by eye.
• B. Only inspect the visible top surface.
• C. Check firmness, levelness, and stability; avoid soft or uneven surfaces; use mats or cribbing; ensure a level base and proper soil bearing.
• D. Ground conditions are irrelevant if the crane is small.

Answer: (C)

Ground conditions must be evaluated for firmness, levelness, and stability before crane setup to ensure a safe, stable foundation. A crane relies on a solid base; if the ground is soft, uneven, or unstable, the crane can settle, tilt, or tip during lifting, creating a serious hazard. Visually inspecting the surface alone isn’t enough because soft pockets, voids, moisture, or shallow subsurface issues can undermine bearing capacity even when the surface looks fine. Using mats or cribbing helps spread the load and level minor irregularities, while confirming a level base and proper soil bearing ensures the ground can support the crane under load. Avoiding soft or uneven surfaces and addressing ground conditions before setup is essential, and this applies even for smaller cranes since their loads and leverage can still cause dangerous movement if the foundation isn’t solid.