NCCCO Signals and Communication Standards 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When radio communication is used for crane operations, who is responsible for ensuring the communication system is functioning before lifts begin?
- The rigger only
- Both the operator and signal person (Correct answer)
- The site safety officer
- The crane manufacturer representative
Correct answer: Both the operator and signal person
Both the operator and signal person share responsibility for verifying radio communication is working before operations begin.
Question 2: If a signal person gives a 'STOP' signal and the operator does not respond, what should the signal person do next?
- Wait 30 seconds and try again
- Contact the site supervisor
- Give the emergency stop signal and take all necessary actions to halt the lift (Correct answer)
- Step into the load's path to force a stop
Correct answer: Give the emergency stop signal and take all necessary actions to halt the lift
If a STOP signal is ignored, the signal person must escalate to the emergency stop signal and take all available actions to halt crane movement.
Question 3: What does a signal person do when they raise a fist with the thumb pointing upward?
- Lower the load
- Hoist (raise the load) (Correct answer)
- Extend the boom
- Travel toward the signal person
Correct answer: Hoist (raise the load)
Thumb up with a raised fist is the standard hand signal meaning Hoist — raise the load.
Question 4: During a blind lift where the operator cannot see the load, which of the following is the MOST critical requirement?
- A second crane must be on standby
- One signal person with an unobstructed view must direct the entire operation (Correct answer)
- The lift must be cancelled until visibility is restored
- Movements must be limited to 1 foot at a time
Correct answer: One signal person with an unobstructed view must direct the entire operation
A single qualified signal person with an unobstructed view of both the load and the crane must direct all movements during a blind lift.
Question 5: Which signal directs the crane operator to travel toward the signal person?
- Both fists rotating in front of the body
- Arm extended pointing in the direction of travel, then beckoning motion (Correct answer)
- Index finger pointing up, arm raised
- Palm facing out, arm extended
Correct answer: Arm extended pointing in the direction of travel, then beckoning motion
The travel-toward signal is given by extending the arm pointing in the direction of travel followed by a beckoning motion.
Question 6: Under ASME B30.5, when must a signal person be used?
- Only during lifts over 10 tons
- Whenever the operator's vision of the load path or landing zone is obstructed (Correct answer)
- On every lift regardless of visibility
- Only when working near power lines
Correct answer: Whenever the operator's vision of the load path or landing zone is obstructed
ASME B30.5 requires a signal person whenever the operator cannot see the load, load path, or landing zone clearly.
Question 7: A signal person uses a closed fist with arm extended horizontally, moving the fist in small horizontal circles. What does this signal mean?
- Emergency stop
- Slew (swing) the crane (Correct answer)
- Retract the boom
- Lower the load slowly
Correct answer: Slew (swing) the crane
A closed fist moving in small horizontal circles with arm extended signals the operator to swing (slew) the crane.
NCCCO Signals and Communication Standards 4
When radio communication is used for crane operations, who is responsible for ensuring the communication system is functioning before lifts begin?