What piece of literature must always be in the cab of mobile cranes?

• A. The crane operators manual
• B. The maintenance log
• C. The load chart
• D. The emergency contact list

Answer: (A)

Having the crane operator's manual in the cab gives the operator immediate access to the official instructions for safe operation. It contains how to set up the crane, rigging guidelines, pre-lift inspection steps, and the rated load capacities with configuration-specific restrictions. It also explains how to interpret the load chart and outlines emergency procedures. This quick reference helps the operator verify that every lift stays within the crane’s limits and follows the manufacturer’s guidance, reducing the risk of overloading or improper rigging and ensuring current instructions are being used.

Maintenance logs are important for tracking service history but aren’t used during the lift, and an emergency contact list is helpful for outside issues but doesn’t guide operation. The load chart is critical, but the manual is the authoritative source that explains how to apply it for the crane’s exact configuration.