NCCCO Hand Signals & Communication Protocols 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a signalperson loses sight of the crane operator during a lift, what is the correct action?
- Continue the lift using radio communication only
- Signal STOP immediately and establish a relay signalperson (Correct answer)
- Signal EMERGENCY STOP and halt all operations
- Have a coworker take over visual contact without stopping
Correct answer: Signal STOP immediately and establish a relay signalperson
When direct visual contact is lost, the signalperson must signal STOP and arrange a relay system before the lift continues.
Question 2: What does a signalperson do with their fist to signal 'Dog Everything'?
- Extend fist upward and pump twice
- Place fist on top of head (Correct answer)
- Hold fist stationary at chest height
- Rapidly open and close the fist
Correct answer: Place fist on top of head
The 'Dog Everything' (stop all motion) hand signal is made by placing the fist on top of the head.
Question 3: During a tandem lift, how should communication be coordinated between two crane operators?
- Each operator responds independently to their own signalperson
- One designated signalperson directs both cranes using a pre-agreed channel (Correct answer)
- Both operators share a single radio channel monitored by the rigger
- A foreman directs each crane via separate channels simultaneously
Correct answer: One designated signalperson directs both cranes using a pre-agreed channel
Tandem lifts require a single designated signalperson who directs both cranes to ensure coordinated, safe movement.
Question 4: What hand signal instructs the operator to move the load horizontally toward the signalperson?
- Arm extended, palm down, sweeping inward
- Arm extended, palm facing body, beckoning motion (Correct answer)
- Both arms raised, palms facing inward
- Point index finger toward body and rotate wrist
Correct answer: Arm extended, palm facing body, beckoning motion
A beckoning motion with the palm facing the body signals the operator to travel or swing the load toward the signalperson.
Question 5: Which signal immediately supersedes all other signals given during a crane operation?
- Hoist signal from the rigger
- STOP signal from any person on site (Correct answer)
- LOWER signal from the appointed signalperson
- EMERGENCY STOP signal from the crane operator only
Correct answer: STOP signal from any person on site
ANSI/ASME standards state that a STOP signal must be obeyed immediately regardless of who gives it.
Question 6: When using radio communication, what phrase must a signalperson say before giving a movement command?
- 'Ready, set, go'
- 'Crane operator, stand by'
- The operator's name or crane designation first (Correct answer)
- 'All clear, proceed'
Correct answer: The operator's name or crane designation first
Best practice and NCCCO protocols require the signalperson to identify the specific crane or operator before issuing any movement command over radio.
Question 7: A load is swinging and the operator needs to be told to hold the load in place without setting it down. Which signal applies?
- Emergency Stop
- Dog Everything (Correct answer)
- Lower Slowly
- Hold Load
Correct answer: Dog Everything
'Dog Everything' tells the operator to stop all motion and hold the current position without lowering or raising.
NCCCO Hand Signals & Communication Protocols 4
When a signalperson loses sight of the crane operator during a lift, what is the correct action?