Operating Procedures, Signals, and Communication
Operating procedure questions test discipline and communication. Candidates must know standard hand signals for hoist, lower, boom up, boom down, swing, stop, emergency stop, and dog everything. The signalperson must be qualified and visible to the operator; if the operator loses sight of the signalperson, the operator stops. Only one signalperson should direct the lift at a time, and the operator must obey a stop signal from anyone.
Before the lift, conduct a lift plan and pre-lift meeting: confirm load weight, rigging, radius, chart capacity, ground conditions, swing path, power line clearance, and communication method (hand signals, radio, or both). Radio communication requires a dedicated channel and clear protocol. Tag lines control rotation; personnel must never stand under the load or between the load and a fixed object.
Operational traps include swinging too fast (load swings out, increasing radius), hoisting before the load is fully rigged, traveling with a suspended load when the chart forbids it, and using the boom hoist to control swing. Smooth starts and stops reduce dynamic loading. Avoid sudden braking, which increases load and can cause tipping. Know the meaning of anti-two-block alarms and load moment warnings: stop and correct, do not override.
Worked rule of thumb: when the operator cannot see the load or the signalperson, stop. When in doubt, dog everything and reassess.