NCCCO Hand Signals & Communication Protocols 3

Question 1

What is the hand signal for 'swing' (rotate the crane)?

Accepted Answer

Arm extended horizontally, index finger extended, pointing in the direction of boom swing

Answer

The swing signal is given with the arm extended horizontally and the index finger pointing in the direction the boom should swing. The signal person positions themselves where the operator can see both them and the swing direction.

Question 2

Before the first lift of the day, the operator and signal person should:

Accepted Answer

Review and confirm the hand signals to be used, establish a communication protocol

Answer

A pre-operation meeting between operator and signal person ensures both understand the signals, communication method, emergency procedures, and specific lift requirements for the day.

Question 3

The hand signal for 'lower the load' is:

Accepted Answer

Arm extended downward, index finger pointing down, moving in small circles

Answer

The lower signal mirrors the hoist signal but in the opposite direction: arm down, finger pointing down, with small circular hand movements indicating the lowering pace.

Question 4

What should a signal person do if they cannot clearly see the load?

Accepted Answer

Stop all operations and reposition to maintain clear sight of the load, rigging, and the operator

Answer

Signal persons must maintain clear visual contact with the load AND the crane operator. If line of sight is lost, operations stop until the signal person repositions or an intermediate signal person is used.

Question 5

What does the 'dog everything' signal mean?

Accepted Answer

Stop all functions — a complete freeze of all crane movements

Answer

'Dog everything' means a complete stop of all crane functions — hoist, swing, boom, and travel. It's given when all operations need to cease immediately.

NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) Practice Test

NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) Practice Test

NCCCO Hand Signals & Communication Protocols 3