USCG Exam PracticeHydraulics and pneumatics
Under 46 CFR §28.880, a hydraulically operated piece of deck machinery is considered 'fail-safe' when:
- A. It is equipped with a mechanical holding device that locks the load in position on loss of pressure
- ✓ A component failure results in a slow and controlled release of the load so as not to endanger personnelCorrect
- C. The system relief valve is set to relieve at the maximum operating pressure
- D. The controls are arranged so the operator can quickly disengage the equipment in an emergency
Why B is correct
46 CFR §28.880(g) states that hydraulically operated machinery must be fail-safe or equipped with a holding device, and defines fail-safe specifically as a condition where a component failure results in a slow and controlled release of the load so as not to endanger personnel. A mechanical holding device is the alternative, not the definition of fail-safe.
Cited:46 CFR §28.880