NCCER Signal Person cheat sheet

Hand signals must be clearly visible to the operator and performed with the whole hand and arm, not just fingers; the signal person must be in direct line of sight of the operator.

Standard hand signals are standardized by ASME B30.5; signal persons must use the standard signals for crane operations unless voice or radio communication is used.

Stop signal: extend arm horizontally, palm down, and move arm back and forth; this signal must be obeyed immediately regardless of other signals.

Emergency stop: extend both arms horizontally, palms down, and move them rapidly back and forth; use only for immediate danger.

Hoist (raise) signal: with forearm vertical and forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circles; lower (bridge) signal: arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circles.

Bridge travel: point with arm in direction of travel; trolley travel: point with arm in direction of trolley movement; both use a closed fist for stopping.

Dog everything (hold): clasp hands in front of body; this suspends the operation until a new signal is given.

Use of hand signals is required when the distance between operator and signal person is short and visibility is clear; when hand signals are not possible, voice or radio communication must be used.

The signal person must give signals only from a position where they can see the load and the operator; if the operator loses sight of the signal person, the operator must stop until communication is restored.

Voice signals must be distinct and clearly understood; use standard terms such as hoist, lower, stop, and emergency stop, and avoid slang.

Radio communication must use a dedicated frequency or channel; all parties must confirm the channel and conduct a radio check before beginning operations.

The signal person must identify themselves and the crane/operator at the start of each transmission; use clear, concise language and repeat critical commands.

If radio communication is lost or unclear, the operator must stop operations until communication is restored; do not guess or assume commands.

When using voice signals, the signal person must be within hearing distance and must ensure the operator acknowledges each command before the move is made.

Emergency stop must be communicated immediately by any means available (voice, radio, hand signal) and must be obeyed without question.

Radio equipment must be tested at the start of each shift; batteries must be charged and spare batteries available; malfunctioning equipment must be replaced.

Only the designated signal person should give signals; if multiple signal persons are used, only one should give signals at a time, and the operator must know who is in charge.

Voice signals must be given from a position where the signal person has a clear view of the load, the rigging, and the operator, and can be heard clearly.

The signal person must know the crane's load chart and understand that capacity decreases as radius increases; never signal a lift that exceeds the chart capacity.

Know the rigging: sling angles affect tension; tension increases as the angle from horizontal decreases; use the formula tension = load / (number of legs × sin(angle)) for symmetric lifts.

The signal person must verify that the load is properly rigged and balanced before signaling a lift; check for loose or unsecured items.

Be aware of the crane's swing radius and keep personnel clear; the signal person must ensure no one is under the load or in the swing path.

Understand the effect of wind on loads and crane operations; stop operations when wind speed exceeds the manufacturer's limits or when the load cannot be controlled.

Know the meaning of two-blocking and avoid it; the anti-two-block device must be functional, and the signal person must stop hoisting when the load approaches the boom tip.

The signal person must be aware of power line hazards and minimum approach distances; never signal a lift that would bring any part of the crane or load within the prohibited distance.

During a lift, the signal person must watch the load, the rigging, and the operator; if the load becomes unstable or the rigging fails, give the emergency stop signal immediately.

After the lift, the signal person must ensure the load is landed and secured before releasing the rigging; never signal to lower a load onto personnel or unstable surfaces.

The signal person must be qualified by the employer and must have demonstrated the ability to give correct signals and understand crane operations.

Qualification requires knowledge of hand signals, voice and radio communication, crane dynamics, rigging, and safety rules; the employer must verify competence.

The signal person must be trained in emergency procedures, including emergency stop signals and shutdown procedures.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hat, high-visibility clothing, and safety glasses is required; the signal person must be visible to the operator.

The signal person must not perform other tasks that distract from signaling; their sole responsibility is to communicate with the operator.

Only one signal person should give signals at a time; if a change is necessary, the operator must be informed before the new signal person takes over.

The signal person must have the authority to stop the operation if conditions become unsafe; the stop signal must be obeyed immediately.

The signal person must be familiar with the crane's emergency controls and shutdown procedures, and know how to alert emergency services.

The signal person must not stand under a suspended load or in a position where they could be struck by the load or crane; they must maintain a safe distance and clear view.