NCCCO Signalperson

What is the standard hand signal for HOIST on a mobile crane?

• AWith the forearm vertical and index finger pointing up, make small circles with the hand
• BWith the arm extended to the side, thumb pointing down
• CWith both arms extended to the sides, swing the arms back and forth
• DWith both thumbs pointing outward at waist level

If the signalperson extends an arm horizontally and points the index finger in the direction of movement, what is being signaled?

• ATravel or tower travel
• BSwing
• CTrolley travel
• DLower

Which signal means EMERGENCY STOP rather than a normal stop?

• AOne arm extended to the side, palm down, moving back and forth
• BHands held together at waist level
• CBoth arms extended to the sides, palms down, moving back and forth
• DOne hand placed in front of the motion signal hand

Which description matches the standard tower crane signal for TROLLEY TRAVEL?

• AWith palm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing in the direction of motion, jerk the hand ho…
• BWith all fingers pointing up, use a pushing motion in the direction of crane travel
• CWith arm extended horizontally, point the index finger in the direction of boom swing
• DWith the forearm vertical, raise the index finger and make small circles

The signalperson wants the boom raised while the load is lowered. Which standard hand signal is correct?

• AArm extended to the side, thumb down, fingers opening and closing
• BArm extended to the side, thumb up, other fingers closed
• CForearm vertical, index finger up, hand making small circles
• DArm extended to the side, thumb up, fingers opening and closing

At waist level, both hands with thumbs pointed toward each other and fingers closed means:

• AExtend telescoping boom
• BRetract telescoping boom
• CDog everything
• DUse main hoist

Tapping the elbow with the other hand before a regular motion signal tells the operator to:

• AUse the main hoist
• BMove slowly
• CUse the auxiliary hoist or whipline
• DTravel one crawler track

What does the standard 'dog everything' signal instruct the operator to do?

• AStop all crane functions and hold the controls
• BLower the load to the ground immediately
• CEngage only the boom hoist brake
• DSwitch from the main hoist to the auxiliary hoist

With all fingers pointing up and the arm pushing in the direction of movement, the standard signal means:

• ATrolley travel
• BSwing
• CMove slowly
• DTravel or tower travel

How is the standard 'move slowly' instruction added to a hand signal?

• ARepeat the motion signal twice
• BPlace one hand in front of the hand giving the motion signal
• CPoint both thumbs down
• DHold both hands together at waist level

For crawler crane travel with one track locked, the signalperson should:

• ARotate both fists to show both tracks travel together
• BPoint both thumbs outward at waist level
• CRaise a fist to indicate the track to be locked and signal the other track's travel
• DTap the elbow and then point the travel direction

A hand tapping the top of the head before the regular motion signal means:

• AUse auxiliary hoist
• BUse main hoist
• CDog everything
• DRaise boom slowly

Which description is the standard signal for RAISE BOOM?

• AForearm vertical, index finger making small circles
• BArm extended to the side, thumb pointing down
• CArm extended horizontally, index finger pointing in swing direction
• DArm extended to the side, thumb pointing up, other fingers closed

While giving hand signals during a blind placement, where should the signalperson stand?

• AWhere the operator can clearly see the signalperson and the signalperson can monitor the…
• BDirectly under the boom tip so signals are centered
• CBehind the landing obstruction so only the load is visible
• DAs close to the suspended load as possible even without an escape route

A tower crane needs the whole crane to travel on its rails, not the trolley to move along the jib. Which hand signal should the signalperson give?

• AArm extended horizontally, index finger pointing in the direction of swing
• BPalm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing in the direction of motion, hand jerked horizonta…
• CWith all fingers pointing up, use a pushing motion in the direction of travel
• DArm extended to the side, thumb up, fingers opening and closing

At waist level, both hands with thumbs pointed outward and fingers closed means:

• ARetract telescoping boom
• BCrawler travel, both tracks
• CDog everything
• DExtend telescoping boom

During a long hand-signaled movement, the operator briefly loses sight of the signalperson behind steel. What should happen next?

• AContinue slowly because the last signal is still valid
• BStop operations requiring signals until visibility or communication is reestablished and…
• CSwitch immediately to non-standard signals without discussion
• DKeep moving if the load path is familiar

Under OSHA's voice-signal requirements, what is the correct order of elements in each signal?

• AFunction, direction; distance and/or speed; function stop command
• BDirection; function; distance; emergency stop
• CCrane name; speed; direction only
• DFunction; distance only

Before voice-signal operations begin, who must agree on the voice signals that will be used?

• AThe operator and site superintendent only
• BThe signalperson and riggers only
• CThe operator, signal person, and lift director if there is one
• DAny two crew members on the radio channel

During a radio-guided lift, static makes the last instruction unclear to the operator. What is required?

• AContinue using the last understood signal
• BSafely stop operations requiring signals until communication is reestablished and a prope…
• CAsk a nearby worker to wave improvised signals
• DSpeed up to clear the area faster

Which practice best addresses common voice-communication barriers such as wind, interference, and mixed language ability?

• AUse longer sentences so more detail gets through
• BLet each crew member use their preferred terms
• CRely on speakerphone so everyone can talk at once
• DUse short agreed phrases in a language everyone understands and stop if the message is no…

What should be done with radios or other electronic signaling devices before lifting starts?

• ATest them on site and confirm they are clear, reliable, and adequately powered
• BAssume they work if they worked yesterday
• CUse them only after hand signals fail
• DKeep spare batteries offsite to avoid clutter

When signals are transmitted by radio, telephone, or similar electronic means, the operator's reception must be by:

• AAny speaker loud enough for nearby workers to hear
• BA handheld device used in one hand while operating
• CA hands-free system
• DA system shared with unrelated site traffic whenever convenient

One signalperson is coordinating two cranes on a shared dedicated channel. What must happen before each function or direction command?

• AThe signalperson gives the stop command first
• BThe signalperson identifies which crane the signal is for or uses an equally effective id…
• CThe operator repeats the entire lift plan
• DThe lift director leaves the radio channel so only two people remain

In crane terminology, the load line is:

• AThe painted centerline used for crane travel
• BThe horizontal distance from center of rotation to the load
• CThe path the load will follow through the site
• DThe wire rope or line running from the hoist drum to the hook or block

Why does a signalperson care where a load's center of gravity is located?

• AIt affects how the load will hang, tilt, and rotate when lifted
• BIt only matters after the load is already landed
• CIt tells you how fast the operator should swing
• DIt is used instead of knowing the load weight

Before taking the weight of a load, the hoist line should be:

• AAngled slightly toward the landing area
• BAs short as possible even if off-center
• CVertical over the load's center of gravity or pick point
• DPulled sideways to remove slack faster

What does boom deflection mean to a signalperson?

• AThe boom rotates because the swing brake slips
• BThe boom bends under load, changing where the hook settles compared with the unloaded pos…
• CThe load line twists because of poor reeving
• DThe crane tracks sink into soft ground

After a swing stops, the load keeps moving a little past the intended landing point. What is the most likely cause?

• ADrift from inertia and pendulum effect in the suspended load
• BImmediate two-blocking of the hook block
• CA hand signal chart posted too far away
• DAutomatic boom retraction by the operator

What is two-blocking?

• AThe boom contacting the counterweight during swing
• BThe crane traveling with both outriggers extended
• CThe load touching the ground before the line is slack
• DThe hook block or overhaul ball contacting the boom tip or upper sheaves

Why should a signalperson avoid allowing side loading during pickup or placement?

• ASide loading improves stability only on crawler cranes
• BCranes are designed for vertical loading, and side loading can damage equipment or destab…
• CSide loading helps center the load under the boom tip
• DSide loading is only a concern when using tag lines

Why are smooth starts and stops important when moving a suspended load?

• AThey help the hand signal chart remain visible
• BThey reduce radio battery use
• CThey limit dynamic loading and reduce load swing
• DThey make boom deflection disappear completely

When first applying load to the crane, why is it important that the load's center of gravity remain below the boom tip?

• ASo the load can hang beneath the hook instead of trying to overturn or shift unpredictably
• BSo the operator can use shorter voice commands
• CSo the crane can ignore load swing
• DSo the hook block can rest against the boom tip

Which planned load path is safest?

• AThe shortest route, even if it passes over workers
• BA route that keeps personnel clear of the suspended load and its fall zone
• CA route that passes close to stored materials to save time
• DAny route as long as the load is below the boom tip

When a load must pass near a structure and stored materials, the signalperson should:

• ALet the operator decide the route after the load is airborne
• BFocus only on the pick point because landing hazards matter later
• CPlan to swing quickly so the load spends less time near obstacles
• DPreplan a clear load path that avoids obstructions and minimizes unnecessary travel

What is load radius?

• AThe vertical distance from boom tip to hook block
• BThe distance from the signalperson to the load
• CThe horizontal distance from the crane's center of rotation to the center of the suspende…
• DThe total length of boom plus jib

A hook line angles sharply away from the load as tension comes on. What is the best signalperson response?

• AStop and have the operator reposition so the line is vertical before the lift continues
• BSignal hoist faster to pull the load under the boom tip
• CDirect a worker to push the load sideways by hand
• DSignal a longer boom to overcome side loading

Before a routine lift begins, the signalperson's best first step is to:

• AWait until the load is just off the ground to discuss the route
• BReview the lift requirements with site supervision, the operator, and the crew
• CAssume the operator already knows the landing area hazards
• DPick a signaling method without talking to the operator

Under OSHA, a signal person must be provided when:

• AThe operator has more than five years of experience
• BThe load weighs more than the rated capacity of the hook block
• CThe point of operation or load placement area is not in full view of the operator
• DA tag line is attached to the load

A load must pass between a scaffold, an excavation edge, and moving site traffic. What should the signalperson do before giving the lift signal?

• AVerify clearances, define a safe path, and account for all nearby hazards and obstacles
• BFocus only on the final landing spot because the rest of the path can be adjusted later
• CRely on the rigger to watch obstacles while the signalperson watches only the operator
• DStand where the operator can see the signalperson even if the load path cannot be seen

Gusty wind starts pushing a large sheeted load sideways during the move. What is the best response?

• AContinue because wind affects only tower cranes
• BSwing faster so the load clears the area sooner
• CIgnore the movement if the rigging looks tight
• DSlow or stop the operation and reassess whether conditions remain safe

A worker suddenly steps into the load path. What should happen?

• AOnly the designated signalperson may react
• BGive a stop or emergency stop signal immediately and halt the operation
• CContinue the lift because the worker should know better
• DWait for the lift director to arrive before signaling

The operator cannot see the landing area, but the radio test is clear and reliable. Which signaling method is most appropriate?

• ARely on partial hand signals whenever the operator catches a glimpse
• BUse no signals and let the operator judge by boom response
• CUse the agreed voice or electronic signals because they suit the site conditions
• DSwitch to non-standard signals without discussing them first

Which signalperson position is best during a blind placement into a congested area?

• AA location outside the fall zone with an escape path, where the signalperson can monitor…
• BDirectly beside the suspended load so small adjustments can be made by hand
• COn the far side of the landing zone where the operator cannot hear or see the signalperson
• DAnywhere under the boom as long as the signalperson wears a hard hat

Which statement about OSHA signal person qualification is correct?

• AAn employer-qualified evaluator's documentation is automatically portable to any employer
• BA signal person needs only a practical test, not an oral or written test
• CQualification documentation does not need to specify the type of signaling used
• DAn employer-qualified evaluator may qualify a signal person, but that documentation is no…

If hand signals are used, where must the hand signal chart be located?

• AOnly in the site office trailer
• BPosted on the equipment or conspicuously posted in the vicinity of hoisting operations
• COnly inside the operator's manual
• DOnly with the lift director

What is the basic OSHA and ASME rule about people and suspended loads?

• AWorkers may pass under a load if they move quickly
• BWorkers may stand under a load during final positioning only
• CPersonnel should be kept clear of the suspended load and its load path
• DStanding under a load is allowed when a tag line is used