Operator Responsibilities, Hand Signals, and Site Communication
Operator Responsibilities, Hand Signals, and Site Communication
This domain tests who may direct the machine and how signals are given, acknowledged, and stopped. The exam focuses on authority, clarity, and the operator’s duty to stop when communication is uncertain.
Core rules
- Only a trained, authorized operator runs the machine; know the manual, load chart, and site rules.
- Use one designated signal person. The operator follows that person; anyone may give an emergency stop.
- Agree on signals before work. Use radio as backup, maintain eye contact, and acknowledge with the horn.
- Common signals: stop-raised open palm; emergency stop-both hands raised and waved; boom up/down-flat hand moved up/down; swing-point in the direction of swing; come to me-beckon; move away-palm sweep away. Confirm the site’s code.
- If a signal is unclear, stop and clarify. Never guess or follow a bystander.
- Keep pedestrians out of the swing radius; never swing a load over people.
- Stop work for unsafe conditions and report incidents.
Worked example
A laborer waves you to swing left while the designated signal person is looking away. Reasoning: the laborer is not the designated signal person, and the wave is ambiguous with no eye contact. Lower the bucket, stop, and wait for the designated signal. The exception is an emergency stop from anyone, which you must obey.
Traps
- Accepting signals from any worker.
- Moving after a stop without confirmation.
- Assuming the radio works without a test.
- Using hand signals that were not agreed on site.