NCCCO Signalperson flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Stop signal

Arm extended horizontally with the palm down, then moved back and forth horizontally. The operator must stop crane motion immediately when this signal is given.

Emergency stop signal

Both arms extended horizontally with palms down and moved back and forth horizontally. It signals an immediate stop of all crane motion regardless of the operation in progress.

Hoist signal

Forearm held vertical with the forefinger pointing up, and the hand moved in a small horizontal circle. It directs the operator to raise the load.

Lower signal

Arm extended downward with the forefinger pointing down, and the hand moved in a small horizontal circle. It directs the operator to lower the load.

Raise boom signal

Arm extended outward from the body with fingers closed and the thumb pointing up. It directs the operator to raise the boom.

Lower boom signal

Arm extended outward from the body with fingers closed and the thumb pointing down. It directs the operator to lower the boom.

Extend boom signal

Both fists held in front of the body with the thumbs pointing outward. It directs the operator to telescope the boom outward.

Retract boom signal

Both fists held in front of the body with the thumbs pointing toward each other. It directs the operator to telescope the boom inward.

Dog everything signal

Hands clasped together in front of the body. It directs the operator to engage the crane's dog or locking device.

Swing signal

Point with the arm and finger in the direction the boom should swing. It directs the operator to swing the boom left or right.

Radio communication test

Before any lift, the signalperson and operator test the radio on an agreed channel and confirm clear two-way communication plus a backup signal method.

Standard voice signal terms

Use hoist, lower, stop, boom up, boom down, swing left, swing right, travel forward, travel backward. Slang such as "take it up" is avoided because it can be misunderstood.

Lost communication response

If radio contact fails or a signal is not understood, the operator stops all crane motion until communication is restored by radio or a prearranged backup method.

One signalperson rule

Only one signalperson at a time gives signals to the operator. Any person may give a stop signal, and the operator must obey it.

Radio speaking technique

Key the microphone, pause briefly before speaking, talk slowly and distinctly, and keep messages short so transmissions are not clipped or garbled.

Voice emergency stop

The word "stop" shouted or transmitted means stop immediately. Voice signals must be clearly distinguishable from other sounds and site noise.

Relayed signals

When a signal must be relayed, the relaying signalperson repeats it exactly to the operator without adding, omitting, or interpreting any portion of the message.

Load moment

Load moment equals the load weight multiplied by the horizontal radius from the crane's rotation center. Capacity decreases as radius or boom length increases.

Boom deflection

Hoisting a load bends the boom downward, increasing radius and load moment so the load drifts outward. The load swings back in when it is lowered.

Load lag on swing

On swing start the load lags behind the boom, and on swing stop it overshoots. The signalperson must anticipate the pendulum path of the load.

Centrifugal force on load

Higher swing speed and larger radius increase outward centrifugal force on the load, causing it to swing wide and raising the risk of tipping.

Shock loading

Sudden stops or rapid hoist starts apply peak dynamic forces to wire rope, boom, and rigging that are far greater than the static load weight.

Power line approach distance

For lines rated up to 50 kV the minimum approach distance is 10 ft; from 50 to 200 kV it is 15 ft, with larger distances for higher voltages.

Level ground setup

Cranes must be set up on firm, level ground per manufacturer specifications with outriggers fully extended. Soft or sloping ground reduces capacity and can cause tipping.

Tag line use

A tag line controls load rotation. Personnel handling it stay clear of the load, swing radius, and pinch points, and never wrap it around the body.

Signalperson qualification source

29 CFR 1926.1428 requires each signalperson to be qualified by a third-party qualified evaluator or the employer's qualified evaluator, with documentation of that qualification.

Signal competence requirement

1926.1428(c)(1) and (2) require the signalperson to know and understand the type of signals used and to be competent in applying them.

Crane dynamics requirement

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

Testing requirement

1926.1428(c)(5) requires the signalperson to demonstrate qualification through both an oral or written test and a practical test.

Subpart CC knowledge

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

Stop signal authority

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

Signalperson positioning

The signalperson must be positioned so the operator can clearly see the signals and the signalperson can see the load and its intended path.