Practice Test GeeksNCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) Practice Test
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Hand Signals & Communication Protocols Flashcards

6 cards from real NCCCO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Hand Signals & Communication Protocols flashcards as text

  1. Who is qualified to give hand signals to a crane operator?

    Answer: Only a designated, qualified signal person known to the operator

    Only a designated, qualified signal person should give signals. The operator must know who their designated signal person is before operations begin. OSHA requires signal persons to be qualified.

  2. What is the standard hand signal for 'stop'?

    Answer: Arm extended, palm down, held rigid — moved horizontally back and forth

    The stop signal is one arm extended horizontally with palm down, moved rigidly back and forth. It's one of the most critical signals every crane worker must recognize.

  3. What is the standard hand signal for 'hoist' (raise the load)?

    Answer: Arm extended pointing up, index finger pointing up, moving in small circles

    The hoist signal is made with the arm extended upward, index finger pointing up, and the hand making small horizontal circles. The movement indicates the direction and pace of the hoist.

  4. What should happen if the operator receives signals from two different people simultaneously?

    Answer: Stop all operations and clarify who is the designated signal person

    Only one designated signal person should communicate with the operator at a time. If conflicting signals are received, stop immediately and resolve the communication issue before proceeding.

  5. What is the 'emergency stop' signal?

    Answer: Arm extended, palm down, moved rapidly back and forth — same as stop but more urgently

    The emergency stop is the same arm motion as the regular stop signal but executed with greater urgency. Importantly, ANYONE on site can give the emergency stop signal.

  6. When voice communication (radio) is used instead of hand signals, what protocol must be followed?

    Answer: Use standard crane operation terminology, confirm each command, and maintain continuous communication

    Radio communication must use standardized terminology, include confirmation (read-back) of commands, maintain an open channel during operations, and follow the same command structure as hand signals.