i
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
SIGNALPERSON
REFERENCE MANUAL
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE
CERTIFICATION OF CRANE OPERATORS (NCCCO)
SGP RM 05/14
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
ii
e reading and/or using person or entities using this
publication for and in consideration of the assistance,
cooperation, and information given by the National Com-
mission for the Certication of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
in this publication, Signalperson Reference Manual, the
receipt of which is acknowledged, does hereby and for all
future time have released, hold harmless from any liability,
and forever discharged for itself, its administrators and
assigns the said NCCCO from all and any manner of
action or demands whatsoever in law, in admiralty, or in
equity, which against the said NCCCO anyone ever had,
now have, or which shall be later claimed. is agree-
ment relates specically to any cause of action arising
out of the publication, information provided, subsequent
conduct, and any use of the information provided in this
publication and related uses or demonstrations of skills,
methods, and techniques cited in the publication. is
mutually benecial release and hold harmless agree-
ment may not be changed orally and exists in perpetuity.
NCCCO generally and specically disclaims any warranty,
merchantability of intended or unintended use, or liability
for use of the in the information. is publication is issued
solely as a public service to improve the lifting industry
and promote public safety.
Copyright 2010–2014 by the National Commission for the
Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. No
part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information storage
and retrieval system, without prior written permission
from the publisher. For information, contact the publisher,
the National Commission for the Certication of Crane
Operators.
HOLD HARMLESS/RELEASE/DISCLAIMER AGREEMENT
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
iii
is manual has been provided as a reference source for
candidates preparing to take the National Commission for
the Certication of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Signalper-
son Certication Exam. e information contained herein
has been compiled from a number of dierent sources.
ese sources and the relevant material selected for inclu-
sion in this reference manual are as follows:
ASME B30.5–2011—Mobile and Locomotive Cranes,
Section 5-3.3: Signals
ASME B30.3–2012—Tower Cranes, Section 3-3.3:
Signals
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926—Subpart CC: Cranes and
Derricks Used in Construction (Sections 1419–1422,
and 1428: Signalperson Requirements and
Qualications)
Voice Signal Communication
Please note that candidates should be familiar with all
sections of ASME B30.5–2011 and OSHA 29 CFR Part
1926 relevant to crane operations and signaling.
e material contained herein is not intended to be used
for any other purpose than reference material in associa-
tion with preparing for the NCCCO examinations. No part
of this manual is to be copied or used in any manner other
than by individual candidates preparing for the NCCCO
Signalperson examination.
Portions reprinted from ASME B30.5–2011 and ASME
B30.3–2012 by permission of the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers. All rights reserved.
Preface
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Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
v
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: ASME B30.52011—Mobile and Locomotive Cranes ................................ 1
Section 5-3.3: Signals .......................................................................................................................3
Standard Hand Signals for Controlling Mobile Crane Operations ....................................................4
Chapter 2: ASME B30.3–2012—Tower Cranes ............................................................. 7
Section 3-3.3: Signals .......................................................................................................................9
Standard Hand Signals for Controlling Tower Crane Operations ....................................................11
Chapter 3: OSHA 29 CFR 1926—Signal Person Requirements and Qualications .... 13
Sec. 1926.1419 Signals—general requirements ...........................................................................15
Sec. 1926.1420 Signals—radio, telephone or other electronic transmission of signals .................15
Sec. 1926.1421 Signals—voice signals—additional requirements ...............................................16
Sec. 1926.1422 Signals—hand signal chart ..................................................................................16
Sec. 1926.1428 Signal person qualications .................................................................................16
Chapter 4: Voice Signal Communication .................................................................... 17
Prior to Lifting Operations ..............................................................................................................19
Voice Command Basics ..................................................................................................................19
Elements of Voice Signals ...............................................................................................................19
Acceptable Voice Signal Terminology .............................................................................................20
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Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
CHAPTER 1:
ASME B30.52011—Mobile and
Locomotive Cranes
Section 5-3.3: Signals
Reprinted from ASME B30.5–2011, by permission
of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
All rights reserved.
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Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
5-3.3.1 General
a. Communication between the crane operator and the
signalperson shall be maintained continuously during
all crane movements. If at any time communication
is disrupted, the operator shall stop all crane
movements until communication is restored and a
proper signal is given and understood.
b. If the operator has any concerns regarding the
requested movement of the crane or needs to
communicate with the signalperson, the operator
shall stop all crane movement. Crane movement shall
not resume until the operator and the signalperson
agree the issue at hand has been resolved.
c. If it is desired to give instructions to the operator,
other than those provided by the established signal
system, the crane movements shall be stopped.
5-3.3.2 Standard Signals
Standard signals to the operator shall be in accordance
with the standards prescribed in para. 5-3.3.4 or 5-3.3.5.
Signals shall be discernible or audible at all times.
No response shall be made unless signals are clearly
understood.
5-3.3.3 Signalperson Qualications
Prior to signaling crane operations, all signalpersons shall
be tested by a designated person and demonstrate their
qualications in the following areas:
a. basic understanding of crane operation and
limitations
b. standard hand signals described in para. 5-3.3.4
whenever hand signals are used
c. standard voice signals described in para. 5-3.3.5
whenever voice signals are used
5-3.3.4 Standard Hand Signals
Hand signals shall be as shown in Fig. 5-3.3.4-1 and shall
be posted conspicuously at the job site.
5-3.3.5 Standard Voice Signals
Prior to beginning lifting operations using voice signals,
the signals shall be discussed and agreed upon by the
person directing lifting operations, the crane operator, and
the appointed signalperson.
a. Telephones, radios, or equivalent, if used, shall be
tested before lifting operations begin. If the system is
battery powered, extra batteries should be available at
the job site.
b. Prior to commencing a lift, the operator and
signalperson shall contact and identify each other.
c. All directions given to the crane operator by the
signalperson shall be given from the operator’s
direction perspective (e.g., swing right).
d. Each series of voice signals shall contain three
elements stated in the following order:
1. function and direction
2. distance and/or speed
3. function stop
e. For lifting operations using voice signals, the person
directing lifting operations shall consider the
complexity of the lift, the capabilities of the particular
crane, the experience and skill of the operator
and signalperson, and the ability to communicate
the necessary signals before permitting multiple
simultaneous crane function signals.
5-3.3.6 Special Signals
For operations or crane attachments not covered by para.
5-3.3.4, 5-3.3.5, or 5-3.3.7, additions to or modications of
the standard signal procedures may be required.
In all such cases, the required special signals shall be
agreed upon in advance by the person directing lifting
operations, the crane operator, and the signalperson.
ese special signals should not be in conict with the
standard signals.
5-3.3.7 Audible Travel Signals
When moving the vehicle, the following signals shall be
used:
a. STOP: one short audible signal
b. GO AHEAD: two short audible signals
c. BACK UP: three short audible signals
5-3.3.8 Audible Emergency Signal
Emergency signals can be given by anyone. e signal
used shall be agreed upon for each job site location and it
shall meet the requirements of para. 5-3.3.6 (e.g., multiple
short audible signals or a continuous audible signal).
Section 5-3.3: Signals
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
4
Standard Hand Signals
FOR CONTROLLING MOBILE CRANE OPERATIONS
HOIST
With upper arm extended
to the side, forearm and
index nger pointing
straight up, hand and
nger make small circles.
LOWER
With arm and index nger
pointing down, hand and
nger make small circles.
USE MAIN HOIST
A hand taps on top of the
head. Then regular signal
is given to indicate desired
action.
USE WHIPLINE
(Auxiliary Hoist)
With arm bent at elbow
and forearm vertical, elbow
is tapped with other hand.
Then regular signal is used
to indicate desired action.
BOOM UP
With arm extended
horizontally to the side,
thumb points up with
other ngers closed.
BOOM DOWN
With arm extended
horizontally to the side,
thumb points down with
other ngers closed.
MOVE SLOWLY
A hand is placed in front
of the hand that is giving
the action signal. (Hoist
slowly shown in example.)
SWING
With arm extended
horizontally, index nger
points in direction that
boom is to swing.
BOOM DOWN AND
RAISE THE LOAD
With arm extended
horizontally to the side
and thumb pointing down,
ngers open and close while
load movement is desired.
BOOM UP AND
LOWER THE LOAD
With arm extended
horizontally to the side and
thumb pointing up, ngers
open and close while load
movement is desired.
STOP
With arm extended
horizontally to the side,
palm down, arm is
swung back and forth.
EMERGENCY STOP
With both arms extended
horizontally to the side,
palms down, arms are
swung back and forth.
5
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
TRAVEL
With all ngers pointing
up, arm is extended
horizontally out and
back to make a pushing
motion in the direction
of travel.
DOG EVERYTHING
Hands held together at
waist level.
TRAVEL (BOTH TRACKS)
Rotate sts around each
other in front of body;
direction of rotation
towards body indicates
travel forward; rotation
away from body indicates
travel backward.
(For crawler cranes only)
TRAVEL (ONE TRACK)
Indicate track to be
locked by raising st on
that side. Rotate other
st in front of body in
direction that other track
is to travel.
(For crawler cranes only)
TELESCOPE OUT
(TELESCOPING BOOMS)
With hands to the front
at waist level, thumbs
point outward with other
ngers closed.
TELESCOPE IN
(TELESCOPING BOOMS)
With hands to the front
at waist level, thumbs
point at each other with
other ngers closed.
TELESCOPE OUT
(TELESCOPING BOOMS)
One hand signal. One
st in front of chest with
thumb tapping chest.
TELESCOPE IN
(TELESCOPING BOOMS)
One hand signal. One st
in front of chest, thumb
pointing outward and
heel of st tapping chest.
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Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
CHAPTER 2:
ASME B30.3–2012—Tower Cranes
Section 3-3.3: Signals
Reprinted from ASME B30.3–2012, by permission
of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
All rights reserved.
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Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
3-3.3.1 General
a. Continuous communication between the crane
operator and the signal person shall be maintained
during all crane operations. If at any time
communication is disrupted, the operator shall stop
all crane operations until communication is restored
and a proper signal is given and understood.
b. If the operator has any concerns regarding the
signaled movement of the crane or needs to
communicate with the signal person, the operator
shall stop all crane operations. Crane operations shall
not resume until the operator and the signal person
agree that the issue at hand has been resolved.
c. If it is desired to give instructions to the operator other
than those provided by the established signal system,
the crane operation shall be stopped.
3-3.3.2 Standard Signals
Standard signals to the operator shall be in accordance
with the standards prescribed in paras. 3-3.3.4 and 3-3.3.5,
unless voice communication equipment (telephone,
radio, or equivalent) is utilized. No crane motion or
speed change shall be made unless signals are clearly
understood.
3-3.3.3 Signal Person Qualications
Prior to signaling crane operations, all signal persons shall
be tested by a qualied person and have demonstrated
their qualications in the following areas:
a. basic understanding of crane operation and
limitations
b. standard hand signals described in para. 3-3.3.4
whenever hand signals are used
c. standard voice signals described in para. 3-3.3.5
whenever voice signals are used
3-3.3.4 Standard Hand Signals
Hand signals shall be in accordance with Fig. 3-3.3.4-1 and
shall be posted at the work site.
3-3.3.5 Standard Voice Signals
Prior to beginning lifting operations using voice signals,
the signals shall be discussed and agreed upon by the
person directing lifting operations, the crane operator, and
the designated signal person.
a. Telephones, radios, or equivalent, if used, shall be
tested before lifting operations begin.
b. Prior to commencing a lift, the operator and signal
person shall contact and identify each other.
c. All directions given to the crane operator by the signal
person shall be given from the operators direction
perspective (e.g., swing right).
d. Each series of voice signals shall contain three
elements stated in the following order:
1. function and direction
2. distance and/ or speed
3. function stop
e. For lifting operations using voice signals, the lift
director shall consider the complexity of the lift,
the capabilities of the crane, and the ability to
communicate the necessary signals before permitting
multiple simultaneous crane functions.
3-3.3.6 Special Signals
For operations not covered by paras. 3-3.3.4 and 3-3.3.5,
or for special conditions that could aect operations,
additions to or modications of the standard signals may
be required. In these cases, special signals shall be agreed
upon in advance by the operator and the signal person,
and should not be in conict with standard signals.
3-3.3.7 Audible Emergency Signal
Emergency signals can be given by anyone. e signal
used shall be agreed upon for each job site and meet the
requirements of para. 3-3.3.6 (e.g., multiple short audible
or a continuous audible signal).
Section 3-3.3: Signals
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Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
Standard Hand Signals
FOR CONTROLLING TOWER CRANE OPERATIONS
HOIST
With upper arm extended
to the side, forearm and
index nger pointing
straight up, hand and
nger make small circles.
LOWER
With arm and index nger
pointing down, hand and
nger make small circles.
TOWER TRAVEL
With all ngers pointing
up, arm is extended
horizontally out and
back to make a pushing
motion in the direction
of travel.
TROLLEY TRAVEL
With palm up, ngers
closed, and thumb
pointing in direction of
motion, hand is jerked
in direction trolley is to
travel.
STOP
With arm extended
horizontally to the side,
palm down, arm is
swung back and forth.
DOG EVERYTHING
Hands held together at
waist level.
MOVE SLOWLY
A hand is placed in front
of the hand that is giving
the action signal. (Hoist
slowly shown in example.)
SWING
With arm extended
horizontally, index nger
points in direction that
boom is to swing.
EMERGENCY STOP
With both arms extended horizontally to the side, palms
down, arms are swung back and forth.
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
12
BOOM UP
With arm extended
horizontally to the side,
thumb points up with
other ngers closed.
BOOM DOWN
With arm extended
horizontally to the side,
thumb points down with
other ngers closed.
BOOM DOWN &
RAISE THE LOAD
With arm extended
horizontally to the side
and thumb pointing down,
ngers open and close
while load movement is
desired.
BOOM UP &
LOWER THE LOAD
With arm extended
horizontally to the side
and thumb pointing up,
ngers open and close
while load movement is
desired.
13
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
CHAPTER 3:
OSHA 29 CFR 1926—Signal Person
Requirements and Qualications
OSHA 29 CFR 1926—
Signal Person Requirements
and Qualications
Section 1926.1419: Signals—General Requirements
Section 1926.1420: Signals—Radio, Telephone or
other Electronic Transmission of Signals
Section 1926.1421: Signals—Voice Signals—
Additional Requirements
Section 1926.1422: Signals—Hand Signal Chart
Section 1926.1428: Signal Person Qualications
Reprinted from U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). All rights reserved.
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Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
Sec. 1926.1419 Signals—general requirements
(a) A signal person must be provided in each of the
following situations:
(1) e point of operation, meaning the load travel or
the area near or at load placement, is not in full view of the
operator.
(2) When the equipment is traveling, the view in the
direction of travel is obstructed.
(3) Due to site specic safety concerns, either the opera-
tor or the person handling the load determines that it is
necessary.
(b) Types of signals. Signals to operators must be by
hand, voice, audible, or new signals.
(c) Hand signals.
(1) When using hand signals, the Standard Method
must be used (see Appendix A of this subpart). Exception:
Where use of the Standard Method for hand signals is
infeasible, or where an operation or use of an attachment
is not covered in the Standard Method, non-standard hand
signals may be used in accordance with paragraph (c)(2)
of this section.
(2) Non-standard hand signals. When using non-
standard hand signals, the signal person, operator, and
lift director (where there is one) must contact each other
prior to the operation and agree on the non-standard hand
signals that will be used.
(d) New signals. Signals other than hand, voice, or
audible signals may be used where the employer demon-
strates that:
(1) e new signals provide at least equally eective
communication as voice, audible, or Standard Method
hand signals, or
(2) e new signals comply with a national consensus
standard that provides at least equally eective communi-
cation as voice, audible, or Standard Method hand signals.
(e) Suitability. e signals used (hand, voice, audible, or
new), and means of transmitting the signals to the opera-
tor (such as direct line of sight, video, radio, etc.), must be
appropriate for the site conditions.
(f) During operations requiring signals, the ability to
transmit signals between the operator and signal person
must be maintained. If that ability is interrupted at any
time, the operator must safely stop operations requiring
signals until it is reestablished and a proper signal is given
and understood.
(g) If the operator becomes aware of a safety problem
and needs to communicate with the signal person, the
operator must safely stop operations. Operations must not
resume until the operator and signal person agree that the
problem has been resolved.
(h) Only one person may give signals to a crane/derrick
at a time, except in circumstances covered by paragraph (j)
of this section.
(i) [Reserved.]
(j) Anyone who becomes aware of a safety problem must
alert the operator or signal person by giving the stop or
emergency stop signal. (Note: Sec. 1926.1417(y) requires
the operator to obey a stop or emergency stop signal).
(k) All directions given to the operator by the signal
person must be given from the operators direction
perspective.
(l) [Reserved.]
(m) Communication with multiple cranes/derricks.
Where a signal person(s) is in communication with more
than one crane/derrick, a system must be used for identi-
fying the crane/derrick each signal is for, as follows:
(1) for each signal, prior to giving the function/direc-
tion, the signal person must identify the crane/derrick the
signal is for, or
(2) must use an equally eective method of identifying
which crane/derrick the signal is for.
Sec. 1926.1420 Signals—radio, telephone or
other electronic transmission of signals
(a) e device(s) used to transmit signals must be tested
on site before beginning operations to ensure that the
signal transmission is eective, clear, and reliable.
(b) Signal transmission must be through a dedicated
channel, except:
(1) Multiple cranes/derricks and one or more signal
persons may share a dedicated channel for the purpose of
coordinating operations.
(2) Where a crane is being operated on or adjacent to
railroad tracks, and the actions of the crane operator need
to be coordinated with the movement of other equipment
or trains on the same or adjacent tracks.
(c) e operator’s reception of signals must be by a
hands-free system.
CHAPTER 3:
OSHA 29 CFR 1926—Signal Person
Requirements and Qualications
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
16
Sec. 1926.1421 Signals—voice signals—
additional requirements
(a) Prior to beginning operations, the operator, signal
person and lift director (if there is one), must contact each
other and agree on the voice signals that will be used.
Once the voice signals are agreed upon, these work-
ers need not meet again to discuss voice signals unless
another worker is added or substituted, there is confusion
about the voice signals, or a voice signal is to be changed.
(b) Each voice signal must contain the following three
elements, given in the following order: function (such as
hoist, boom, etc.), direction; distance and/or speed; func-
tion, stop command.
(c) e operator, signal person and lift director (if there
is one), must be able to eectively communicate in the
language used.
Sec. 1926.1422 Signals—hand signal chart
Hand signal charts must be either posted on the
equipment or conspicuously posted in the vicinity of the
hoisting operations.
Sec. 1926.1428 Signal person qualications
(a) e employer of the signal person must ensure that
each signal person meets the Qualication Requirements
(paragraph (c) of this section) prior to giving any signals.
is requirement must be met by using either Option (1)
or Option (2) of this section.
(1) Option (1) —ird party qualied evaluator. e
signal person has documentation from a third party quali-
ed evaluator (see Qualied Evaluator (third party), Sec.
1926.1401 for denition) showing that the signal person
meets the Qualication Requirements (see paragraph (c)
of this section).
(2) Option (2)—Employer’s qualied evaluator. e
employer’s qualied (see Qualied Evaluator (not a third
party), Sec. 1926.1401 for denition) evaluator assesses
the individual and determines that the individual meets
the Qualication Requirements (see paragraph (c) of this
section) and provides documentation of that determina-
tion. An assessment by an employers qualied evaluator
under this option is not portable—other employers are
not permitted to use it to meet the requirements of this
section.
(3) e employer must make the documentation for
whichever option is used available at the site while the
signal person is employed by the employer. e docu-
mentation must specify each type of signaling (e.g. hand
signals, radio signals, etc.) for which the signal person
meets the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) If subsequent actions by the signal person indicate
that the individual does not meet the Qualication
Requirements (see paragraph (c) of this section), the
employer must not allow the individual to continue work-
ing as a signal person until re-training is provided and a
re-assessment is made in accordance with paragraph (a)
of this section that conrms that the individual meets the
Qualication Requirements.
(c) Qualication Requirements. Each signal person
must:
(1) Know and understand the type of signals used. If
hand signals are used, the signal person must know and
understand the Standard Method for hand signals.
(2) Be competent in the application of the type of signals
used.
(3) Have a basic understanding of equipment operation
and limitations, including the crane dynamics involved in
swinging and stopping loads and boom deection from
hoisting loads.
(4) Know and understand the relevant requirements
of Sec. 1926.1419 through Sec. 1926.1422 and Sec.
1926.1428.
(5) Demonstrate that he/she meets the requirements in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this section through an
oral or written test, and through a practical test.
17
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
CHAPTER 4:
Voice Signal Communication
Voice Signal Communication
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Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
Prior to Lifting Operations
Prior to beginning lifting operations using voice signals,
the signals shall be discussed and agreed upon by the
person directing lifting operations, the crane operator, and
the appointed signalperson.
Telephones, radios, or equivalent, if used, shall be tested
before lifting operations begin. If the system is battery
powered, extra batteries should be available at the job site.
Prior to commencing a lift, the operator and signalperson
shall contact and identify each other.
Begin by calling for the operator by name
Operator will acknowledge with the signalperson’s
name
Voice Command Basics
e devices used to transmit signals shall be tested on
site before beginning operations to ensure that the signal
transmission is clear and reliable.
Signal transmission must be through a dedicated channel.
Exception: Multiple cranes/derricks and one or more sig-
nalpersons may share a dedicated channel for the purpose
of coordinating operations.
e operator’s reception of signals must be by a hands-free
system.
Cautions regarding radio use may include the following:
Awareness of any explosive devices in general area
(radio transmissions have been known to cause
premature detonation of explosives that use electric
detonators)
Other electronics (potential for interference)
Other radios nearby operating on the same
frequency
Elements of Voice Signals
Each series of voice signals shall contain three elements
stated in the following order:
1. Function and direction
2. Distance and/or speed
3. Function stop
Function names should be the same as the ASME B30
standard hand signal names.
Here are some examples of correct voice signals:
Swing right 50 feet, 25 feet, 15 feet, 10 feet, 5 feet,
2 feet, swing stop
Lower load 100 feet, 50 feet, 40 feet, 30 feet, 2 feet,
lower stop
Hoist load slow, slow, keep hoisting, slow, hoist stop
When giving swing command, the signalperson will give
directions from the operator’s perspective.
When describing distance, give the distance remaining,
not the distance traveled.
Lower 50 feet, 40 feet, keep lowering 30 feet, 20 feet, 10
feet 5 feet, 3, 2, 1, lower stop
Let the operator know when he/she is close to the spot that
he/she is to stop.
… about three feet, two feet, one foot, swing stop
Once the task has begun the signalperson should never
break communication with the operator – this is referred
to as maintaining “constant communication.
All voice commands must be clear, clean, and constant.
Never unkey the microphone while the load is moving. e
signalperson should maintain constant communication to
let operator know everything is all right.
slowly down, slow, slow, slow
If signalperson breaks communications, the operator
should stop immediately. e operator will then acknowl-
edge the signalperson by name and will continue only
when signalperson regains constant communication.
If the operator sees something and needs to communicate
with the signalperson, the operator will stop and give one
blast of the horn to alert the signalperson. e signalper-
son will break constant communication and the operator
will notify the signalperson of the problem.
It is helpful for the signalperson to give a detailed ongoing
description of the parts of the lift that the operator cannot
see (i.e., operating “in the blind”). e goal is to “paint a
picture” for the operator in these situations.
CHAPTER 4:
Voice Signal Communication
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
20
Acceptable Voice Signal Terminology
e following table illustrates all of the acceptable Voice
Signals that will be considered correct during the NCCCO
Signalperson Practical Examination. e words and word
order must be followed exactly when giving signals in an
eort to remain consistent. Transposing the function and
direction (e.g., “Up hoist”) or function and stop (e.g., “Stop
Hoist”) will be considered incorrect.
When initiating a function, articles such as “the” or “a
may be used as well as a combination of the acceptable
terms (e.g., “Hoist the load” or “Hoist up the load hook
are both considered correct).
When terminating a function, the signalperson must
communicate to the operator using only “[Function] stop
to ensure the operator ends the operation. Any additional
words are considered incorrect signals. See the following
table for the correct terminology to stop each function.
Some voice signal functions inherently give a direction as
well (e.g., “Hoist” or “Lower”). For those that are simply a
function, be sure to include a direction when initiating the
function (e.g., “Swing RIGHT” or “Trolley OUT”).
NOTE: “SLOWLY” can be used at any time with any signal.
“SLOWLY” is always at the end of the command (e.g., “Hoist
load SLOWLY).
Corresponding Hand Signal Function Initiate Function Terminate Function
HOIST “Hoist”
“Hoist up”
“Hoist load”
“Hoist hook”
“Raise load”
“Raise hook”
“Hoist stop”
LOWER “Lower”
“Lower down”
“Lower load”
“Lower hook”
“Lower stop”
BOOM UP “Boom up”
“Raise boom”
“Boom stop”
BOOM DOWN “Boom down”
“Lower boom”
“Boom stop”
21
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
Corresponding Hand Signal Function Initiate Function Terminate Function
SWING “Swing right”
“Swing left”
“Swing stop”
TRAVEL “Travel forward”
“Travel reverse”
“Travel stop”
DOG EVERYTHING “Dog everything” N/A
USE MAIN HOIST
(Mobile Crane ONLY)
“Use main hoist”
“Use main drum”
N/A
USE WHIPLINE
(AUXILIARY HOIST)
(Mobile Crane ONLY)
“Use whipline”
“Use auxiliary hoist”
“Use auxiliary drum”
N/A
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
22
Corresponding Hand Signal Function Initiate Function Terminate Function
TRAVEL
(BOTH TRACKS)
(Mobile Crawler
Cranes ONLY)
“Travel both tracks forward”
“Travel both tracks reverse”
“Travel stop”
TRAVEL
(ONE TRACK)
(Mobile Crawler
Cranes ONLY)
“Travel left track forward”
“Travel left track reverse”
“Travel right track forward”
“Travel right track reverse”
“Travel stop”
TELESCOPE OUT
(Mobile Telescopic
Boom Cranes ONLY)
“Telescope out”
“Extend boom”
“Telescope stop”
“Extend stop”
TELESCOPE IN
(Mobile Telescopic
Boom Cranes ONLY)
“Telescope in”
“Retract boom”
“Telescope stop”
“Retract stop”
TROLLEY TRAVEL
(Tower Cranes ONLY)
“Trolley in”
“Trolley out”
“Trolley stop”
23
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE
CERTIFICATION OF CRANE OPERATORS
2750 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 505
Fairfax, VA 22031-4312
Phone: 703-560-2391
Fax: 703-560-2392
Email: info@nccco.org
INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT INSTITUTE
Attention: NCCCO Testing
1960 Bayshore Blvd.
Dunedin, Florida 34698
Phone: 727-449-8525
Fax: 727-461-2746
Copyright 2010–2014 National Commission for the Certication of Crane Operators. All rights reserved. SGP RM REV 05/14
24
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE
CERTIFICATION OF CRANE OPERATORS
2750 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 505
Fairfax, VA 22031-4312
Phone: 703-560-2391
Fax: 703-560-2392
info@nccco.org
www.nccco.org