NCCCO Signals and Communication Standards 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two signal persons are needed on a job site, how should crane operator instructions be managed?
- Either signal person may give signals at any time
- A lead signal person must be designated, and only that person gives signals to the operator (Correct answer)
- Both signal persons must give identical signals simultaneously
- The operator decides whose signals to follow based on proximity
Correct answer: A lead signal person must be designated, and only that person gives signals to the operator
Only one designated lead signal person may give signals to the crane operator at any given time to prevent conflicting instructions.
Question 2: What is the correct hand signal for 'Retract Telescoping Boom'?
- Both thumbs pointing outward, hands moving apart
- Both fists together, thumbs pointing toward each other, moving hands inward (Correct answer)
- One hand with palm down, moving downward
- Index finger pointing up, rotating in a circle
Correct answer: Both fists together, thumbs pointing toward each other, moving hands inward
Retract telescoping boom is signaled by both fists with thumbs pointing inward, moving the hands toward each other.
Question 3: If a crane operator loses radio contact with the signal person mid-lift, what is the correct immediate action?
- Continue the lift using predetermined route
- Stop all crane movement immediately and re-establish communication before continuing (Correct answer)
- Switch to hand signals only if within visual range
- Slowly complete the current movement then stop
Correct answer: Stop all crane movement immediately and re-establish communication before continuing
Loss of radio communication mid-lift requires an immediate stop of all crane movement until communication is re-established.
Question 4: What does a signal person indicate when they hold one hand up with all fingers extended and then drop the hand quickly?
- 'I'm ready to proceed'
- 'Slow down'
- 'Emergency stop — stop all movement immediately' (Correct answer)
- 'Raise the load five feet'
Correct answer: 'Emergency stop — stop all movement immediately'
A hand raised with all fingers extended and then rapidly dropped signals Emergency Stop, requiring all crane movement to halt immediately.
Question 5: Which statement about voice communication via radio for crane operations is correct according to OSHA 1926.1419?
- Radio communication fully replaces the need for a qualified signal person
- Voice commands must use the same terminology as standard hand signals (Correct answer)
- Any worker on site may use the radio to direct the crane operator
- The operator may interpret vague voice commands based on experience
Correct answer: Voice commands must use the same terminology as standard hand signals
OSHA requires that voice commands over radio use the same standard terminology as hand signals to ensure clarity and consistency.
Question 6: What does the hand signal of pointing index finger held up with a circular wrist rotation indicate?
- Lower the load
- Hoist slowly
- Engage the whip line (auxiliary hoist) (Correct answer)
- Slew right
Correct answer: Engage the whip line (auxiliary hoist)
An index finger pointing up with a circular wrist rotation signals the operator to use the whip line (auxiliary/secondary hoist).
Question 7: Which condition would legally disqualify a person from acting as a signal person under OSHA 1926.1428?
- Being under 25 years of age
- Not having crane operator certification
- Lacking demonstrated understanding of the signals to be used (Correct answer)
- Not being employed directly by the crane company
Correct answer: Lacking demonstrated understanding of the signals to be used
OSHA 1926.1428 requires that a signal person demonstrate understanding of the signals used; failure to demonstrate this disqualifies them.
NCCCO Signals and Communication Standards 5
When two signal persons are needed on a job site, how should crane operator instructions be managed?