Signals and Communication Standards Flashcards

During a two-crane tandem lift, the signal person for Crane A gives an emergency stop signal. Which of the following correctly describes the required response per OSHA 1926 Subpart CC?

Answer: Both cranes must immediately cease all motion, regardless of which crane's signal person initiated the signal

In a tandem (multi-crane) lift, an emergency stop signal given by any signal person applies to the entire operation — all cranes must stop immediately. Because the loads are mechanically linked, independent continuation by one crane could cause catastrophic load imbalance or structural failure. OSHA 1926.1419 and crane manufacturer requirements treat the tandem lift as a single coordinated operation.

Under OSHA 1926.1428, a worker has just completed a signal-recognition training course but has not yet been formally evaluated and documented as qualified. Which of the following is permitted?

Answer: The worker may not act as signal person under any circumstance until formal qualification is documented

OSHA 1926.1428 requires that before acting as a signal person, the individual must be qualified — meaning they have been evaluated by a qualified evaluator and that qualification is documented. There is no provisional, supervised, or capacity-limited exception in the standard. Completing a course alone does not confer qualification; the formal evaluation and documentation step is mandatory.

When using voice radio communication during crane operations, ASME B30.5 specifies that a command is not considered authorized until the signal person includes which specific element?

Answer: The word 'go' stated after the function and direction to authorize crane motion

ASME B30.5 radio communication protocol requires the signal person to state the function, direction, and then the word 'go' to authorize movement (e.g., 'hoist up — go'). This two-part structure prevents the operator from initiating motion on an incomplete or misheard command. Without 'go,' the operator must not move the crane, even if the function and direction were clearly communicated.

A signal person is guiding a crane operator via radio when the radio loses communication mid-lift with the load suspended 30 feet in the air. Per OSHA requirements, what must occur?

Answer: The operator must stop all crane functions immediately and must not resume movement until communication is fully restored

OSHA 1926.1419(a) requires that a signal person's signals be received and understood by the operator before crane movement occurs. If the established communication method (radio) fails, there is no longer a valid signal — the operator must stop all crane functions immediately. Switching to an alternative method mid-lift without pre-establishing that protocol is not permitted. The operator must not resume until the original or an alternative pre-established communication method is confirmed operational.

The 'dog everything' hand signal (hands clasped together in front of the body) is given to a crane operator. Which response most precisely fulfills the signal's meaning, distinguishing it from a standard 'stop' signal?

Answer: Cease all crane motion and also engage all brakes, dogs, and mechanical locks to secure the crane in place

The 'dog everything' signal goes beyond a simple stop — it instructs the operator to cease all crane functions AND engage all mechanical securing devices (brakes, dogs, and locks). This is used when the crane must be fully immobilized, such as when crew members will be working near the boom or hook, or when the crane must be secured against inadvertent movement. A standard 'stop' holds position; 'dog everything' mechanically locks the crane.

A crane operator is performing a pick in a congested area. The designated signal person steps temporarily behind a structural column and is no longer visible to the operator, but the load and its path remain fully in the operator's view. Under OSHA 1926.1419, the operator must:

Answer: Stop all crane motion immediately; the operator must not move the crane until the signal person is again visible or communication is re-established

OSHA 1926.1419(a) states the operator must not move the crane unless they can clearly see the signal person OR the signal person is communicating by radio and the operator can hear them. The visibility of the load path is not a substitute for a valid, observable signal. Once the signal person moves out of sight and radio is not in use, the operator must immediately stop all motion — even if the load itself remains visible to the operator.