NCCER Signal Person flashcards

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

Stop hand signal

Extend arm horizontally, palm down, and move arm back and forth. This signal must be obeyed immediately, regardless of the source or other signals being given.

Emergency stop signal

Extend both arms horizontally, palms down, and move them rapidly back and forth. Use only when there is immediate danger to personnel or property.

Hoist hand signal

With forearm vertical and forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circles. This signals the operator to raise the load.

Lower hand signal

With arm extended downward and forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circles. This signals the operator to lower the load.

Dog everything signal

Clasp hands in front of the body. This signal suspends the operation and holds the load until a new signal is given.

Bridge travel signal

Point with arm in the direction of travel. Used to signal the crane bridge to move left or right along the runway.

Trolley travel signal

Point with arm in the direction of trolley movement. Used to signal the trolley to move forward or backward along the bridge.

Hand signal visibility

The signal person must be in direct line of sight of the operator. If the operator loses sight of the signal person, the operator must stop until communication is restored.

Voice signal clarity

Voice signals must be distinct and clearly understood. Use standard terms like hoist, lower, stop, and emergency stop; avoid slang or ambiguous words.

Radio check

Before operations, all parties must confirm the radio channel and conduct a radio check to ensure clear communication. Test equipment at the start of each shift.

Radio communication loss

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

Designated signal person

Only one designated signal person should give signals at a time. The operator must know who is in charge; multiple signal persons can cause confusion.

Emergency stop via radio

Emergency stop must be communicated immediately by any means available, including radio. The operator must obey without question.

Radio equipment testing

Radio equipment must be tested at the start of each shift. Batteries must be charged, and spare batteries should be available. Malfunctioning equipment must be replaced.

Voice signal position

The signal person must be positioned where they can see the load, rigging, and operator, and be within hearing distance for voice signals.

Load chart capacity

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

Sling tension formula

For a symmetric two-leg lift, tension per leg = load / (2 × sin(angle from horizontal)). Tension increases as the angle decreases.

Rigging inspection

Before signaling a lift, verify the load is properly rigged and balanced. Check for loose or unsecured items and inspect slings and hardware for damage.

Swing radius hazard

Keep personnel clear of the crane's swing radius. The signal person must ensure no one is under the load or in the swing path during operation.

Two-blocking prevention

Two-blocking occurs when the load block contacts the boom tip. The anti-two-block device must be functional; stop hoisting when the load approaches the boom tip.

Power line minimum approach

Never signal a lift that brings any part of the crane or load within the minimum approach distance to power lines. Know the required distance for the voltage.

Wind speed limits

Stop operations when wind speed exceeds the manufacturer's limits or when the load cannot be controlled. The signal person must monitor wind conditions.

Load landing procedure

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

Signal person qualification

The signal person must be qualified by the employer, demonstrating knowledge of signals, crane operations, rigging, and safety rules.

PPE for signal person

Wear required personal protective equipment: hard hat, high-visibility clothing, and safety glasses. The signal person must be easily visible to the operator.

Sole responsibility

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

Authority to stop

The signal person has the authority to stop the operation if conditions become unsafe. The stop signal must be obeyed immediately by the operator.

Emergency procedures knowledge

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

Safe positioning

The signal person must not stand under a suspended load or where they could be struck. Maintain a safe distance and a clear view of the load and operator.

Signal person changeover

If a change of signal person is necessary, the operator must be informed before the new signal person takes over to avoid confusion.

Standard hand signals

Hand signals are standardized by ASME B30.5. Signal persons must use these standard signals for crane operations unless voice or radio communication is used.

Clear communication

All commands must be acknowledged by the operator before movement. If a command is not acknowledged, repeat it or stop the operation.