NCCER Crane Signal Person & Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: To signal 'lower the load,' the signal person should:
- Arm extended upward, palm facing down, pressing downward
- Arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, moving hand in small circles (Correct answer)
- Both arms pointing straight downward at sides
- Wave both hands in a sweeping downward arc
Correct answer: Arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, moving hand in small circles
The lower signal mirrors the hoist signal but points downward — forefinger circling while pointing down indicates continuous downward motion.
Question 2: How does the signal person indicate 'swing' to the crane operator?
- Both arms swept in a wide arc overhead
- One arm extended, forefinger pointing in the desired direction of swing (Correct answer)
- Both hands waving horizontally from side to side
- A circular motion with one finger at chest level
Correct answer: One arm extended, forefinger pointing in the desired direction of swing
The swing signal uses one arm extended with the forefinger pointing directly in the direction the load should travel.
Question 3: The hand signal for 'raise the boom' is:
- Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward (Correct answer)
- Arm raised overhead with open palm facing up
- Forefinger pointed upward moving in a circular pattern
- Both thumbs pointed upward simultaneously
Correct answer: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward
Raising the boom is signaled with arm extended, fingers closed, and thumb pointing upward — the thumb distinguishes it from the hoist signal.
Question 4: What does the signal for 'extend boom' (telescoping) look like?
- One fist raised, thumb pointing up
- Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing outward (Correct answer)
- Arms spread wide to each side at shoulder height
- One arm extended horizontally with wrist rotating
Correct answer: Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing outward
Extending the boom is signaled with both fists in front of the body with thumbs pointing outward, indicating outward extension.
Question 5: How is the 'move slowly' signal given in crane operations?
- Perform the desired motion signal in slow motion only
- Hold one hand stationary below the other hand that is giving the motion signal (Correct answer)
- Wave a flag slowly from side to side before signaling
- Tap the helmet twice before giving any motion command
Correct answer: Hold one hand stationary below the other hand that is giving the motion signal
'Move slowly' is indicated by placing one hand below the other hand giving the motion signal, telling the operator to execute at reduced speed.
Question 6: Before giving movement commands, the signal person taps a fist on top of their head. This indicates:
- Emergency stop — all movement must cease immediately
- Use the main hoist for the following movement (Correct answer)
- The load is secured and ready to travel
- Switch to radio communication mode
Correct answer: Use the main hoist for the following movement
Tapping the fist on top of the head designates that the main hoist line should be used for the upcoming movement command.
Question 7: Where should the signal person be positioned during a crane lift?
- Behind the load to get the best overall view of the swing area
- Where they have clear line of sight to both the load and the crane operator (Correct answer)
- At the designated landing zone to guide the final placement
- At least 100 feet away from the crane for safety
Correct answer: Where they have clear line of sight to both the load and the crane operator
The signal person must maintain clear view of both the load and the operator at all times to communicate safely.
NCCER Crane Signal Person & Communication 2
To signal 'lower the load,' the signal person should: