NCCCO Signalperson cheat sheet

Stop: arm extended horizontally, palm down, move the arm back and forth horizontally.

Emergency stop: both arms extended horizontally, palms down, moved back and forth horizontally.

Hoist: forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, hand moved in a small horizontal circle. Lower: arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, hand moved in a small horizontal circle.

Raise boom: arm extended outward, fingers closed, thumb up. Lower boom: same arm position with thumb pointing down.

Extend boom (telescope out): both fists in front of the body, thumbs pointing outward. Retract boom: both fists in front of the body, thumbs pointing toward each other.

Dog everything (engage lock/clutch): hands clasped together in front of the body.

Swing: point with the arm and finger in the direction the boom should swing. Travel (crawler): both fists in front of the body making circular motions about each other.

Move slowly: one hand gives the motion signal while the other hand is held motionless in front of it.

Hand signals must be given from a position in clear view of the operator; if visual contact is broken, the operator stops until signals resume.

Voice signals must be distinct and clearly distinguishable from other site sounds; the emergency stop signal must be unmistakable.

Test the radio on an agreed dedicated channel before the lift, and confirm a backup signal method in case of radio failure.

Transmission technique: key the microphone, pause briefly, speak slowly and distinctly, and keep messages short.

Standard voice terms only: hoist, lower, stop, boom up, boom down, swing left, swing right, travel forward, travel backward. Slang such as "take it up" is not used.

The voice emergency signal is the word "stop" shouted or transmitted; anyone on site may give it and the operator must obey.

If radio contact fails or any signal is not understood, the operator stops all crane motion until communication is restored.

Only one signalperson at a time directs the crane; a changeover of signalperson is announced to and confirmed by the operator.

When signals are relayed, the relaying signalperson repeats the instruction exactly to the operator with no additions or interpretation.

On shared channels, open each transmission with the crane identifier so the message reaches the intended operator.

Load moment = load weight x horizontal radius from the rotation center; capacity decreases as radius or boom length increases.

Boom deflection: hoisting bends the boom downward, increasing radius and load moment, so the load drifts outward and swings back in when lowered.

Load lag: the load trails the boom when swing starts and overshoots when swing stops; the signalperson anticipates the pendulum path.

Centrifugal force rises with swing speed and radius, throwing the load outward and increasing tipping risk.

Sudden stops and rapid hoist starts create shock loads on rope, boom, and rigging far above the static weight.

Minimum approach distance to power lines: 10 ft up to 50 kV; 15 ft for 50-200 kV; 20 ft for 200-350 kV; 25 ft for 350-500 kV; 35 ft for 500-750 kV; 45 ft for 750-1000 kV.

The crane must be set up on firm, level ground per manufacturer specifications with outriggers fully extended; soft or sloping ground reduces capacity.

Tag lines control load rotation; personnel handling them stay clear of the load path, swing radius, and pinch points.

Two-blocking (hoist block contacting the boom tip) can part the rope or damage the boom; hoisting stops before contact.

1926.1428(a): the signalperson must be qualified by a third-party qualified evaluator or by the employer's qualified evaluator, with documentation of the qualification.

1926.1428(c)(1)-(2): must know and understand the type of signals used and be competent in applying them.

1926.1428(c)(3): must have a basic understanding of equipment operation and limitations, including crane dynamics in swinging and stopping loads and boom deflection from hoisting.

1926.1428(c)(4): must know and understand the relevant requirements of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, including the signal requirements.

1926.1428(c)(5): qualification is demonstrated through an oral or written test plus a practical test.

The operator receives signals from only one signalperson at a time, but must obey a stop or emergency stop signal from anyone.

The operator must stop when a signal is not understood or when the signalperson cannot be seen.

The signalperson must be positioned to see the load and its path while remaining in clear view of the operator.

1926.1419: signals must be given by hand, voice, audible means, or a combination of these, and must be appropriate for the site conditions.