What is the minimum distance, in feet, that must be maintained between the rotating counterweight and obstacles around the crane?

• A. 1
• B. 3
• C. 2
• D. 4

Answer: (C)

The safety rule is about keeping a buffer around the rotating counterweight so it can’t reach nearby obstacles. The counterweight sweeps a circular arc as the crane turns, and during lifting, moving, or in windy conditions, it can swing unexpectedly. Having at least two feet of clearance provides enough space for that arc and for small errors in positioning or wind to prevent contact with anything nearby. A smaller gap like one foot isn’t enough to absorb those variations, while larger gaps (three or four feet) would be more protective but aren’t typically required in standard practice and would reduce usable work area. So, keeping two feet of clearance is the practical, safety-focused minimum.