NCCER Crane Signal Person & Communication 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1419, which qualification must a signal person demonstrate?
- A valid crane operator's license from an accredited body
- The ability to properly communicate with the operator using the established signaling method (Correct answer)
- At least five years of construction field experience
- A rigging certification from NCCCO
Correct answer: The ability to properly communicate with the operator using the established signaling method
OSHA 1926.1419 requires the signal person to know and properly use the signaling method in use and to have clear view of the load and operator.
Question 2: Under OSHA regulations, a signal person is required when:
- The load exceeds 5,000 pounds
- The operator does not have a clear and direct view of the load or the load's path of travel (Correct answer)
- The crane is operating at more than 75% of its rated capacity
- The lift is performed during nighttime hours
Correct answer: The operator does not have a clear and direct view of the load or the load's path of travel
OSHA 1926.1419(a) mandates a signal person when the operator cannot clearly see the load or its travel path.
Question 3: The hand signal for an emergency stop in crane operations is:
- One arm raised with fist closed, held stationary
- Both arms extended horizontally, palms down, waving rapidly side to side (Correct answer)
- Both hands crossed over the head
- A single sharp blast on a whistle
Correct answer: Both arms extended horizontally, palms down, waving rapidly side to side
Emergency stop is signaled with both arms extended, palms down, waving rapidly laterally to convey immediate danger.
Question 4: What does clasping both hands together in front of the body signal to the crane operator?
- Raise the load slowly
- Travel in the direction the hands point
- Dog everything — cease all crane operations (Correct answer)
- Lower the boom to the resting position
Correct answer: Dog everything — cease all crane operations
Clasping hands together ('dog everything') tells the operator to stop all movement and hold position until further signals are given.
Question 5: During a lift, who is the ONLY person authorized to give movement signals to the crane operator?
- The lift supervisor standing on the ground
- The designated signal person (Correct answer)
- Any trained worker in the immediate lift zone
- The crane company's on-site foreman
Correct answer: The designated signal person
Only the designated signal person may give motion signals to the operator; however, any worker may give an emergency stop signal.
Question 6: The standard hand signal to hoist (raise) a load is:
- Arm extended upward with open palm facing up
- Forefinger pointing up with forearm vertical, moving hand in small horizontal circles (Correct answer)
- Thumb pointing up with fist closed
- Both arms raised overhead simultaneously
Correct answer: Forefinger pointing up with forearm vertical, moving hand in small horizontal circles
The hoist signal is a forefinger pointing upward with the forearm vertical, moving the hand in small horizontal circles.
Question 7: If a signal person loses sight of the load during an active lift, they should:
- Signal the operator to continue at a reduced speed
- Have a nearby worker verbally guide the operator
- Signal an immediate stop until visibility of the load is regained (Correct answer)
- Switch to radio communication to describe the load's estimated position
Correct answer: Signal an immediate stop until visibility of the load is regained
Loss of visual contact with the load requires an immediate stop signal because the signal person cannot safely direct crane movement.
NCCER Crane Signal Person & Communication 1
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1419, which qualification must a signal person demonstrate?