Question 1

When the signal person extends their arm with the thumb pointing up, the signal means:

Accepted Answer

Arm extended horizontally with the thumb pointing up indicates 'Raise Boom'. (Note: Hoist up is forearm vertical, finger rotating).

Question 2

Tapping the elbow with one hand while the other hand is raised indicates:

Accepted Answer

Tapping the elbow signals the operator to use the auxiliary hoist (whip line). Tapping the head signals the main hoist.

Question 3

With arm extended horizontally, palm down, swinging the arm back and forth means:

Accepted Answer

This is the standard signal for 'Stop'.

Question 4

Both arms extended horizontally, palms down, swinging arms back and forth indicates:

Accepted Answer

The 'Emergency Stop' signal uses both arms swinging horizontally, whereas a normal stop uses only one arm.

Question 5

To signal 'Hoist' (Raise Load), the signal person should:

Accepted Answer

Forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, rotating in a circle is the standard signal for 'Hoist'.

Question 6

Clasping hands in front of the body means:

Accepted Answer

Clasping hands indicates 'Dog Everything', meaning to secure the crane, set brakes, and hold position.

Question 7

Who can give the 'Emergency Stop' signal?

Accepted Answer

Any person on the job site can give the Emergency Stop signal if they perceive danger. The operator must obey it immediately.

Question 8

With arm extended horizontally and thumb pointing down, the signal is:

Accepted Answer

Thumb down signifies 'Lower Boom'. (Finger down rotating means Lower Load).

Question 9

Fists in front of body with thumbs pointing outward indicates:

Accepted Answer

Thumbs pointing outward (away from each other) means Extend Boom. Thumbs pointing inward means Retract Boom.

Question 10

Arm extended horizontally, pointing with finger in direction of swing:

Accepted Answer

Pointing the finger in a direction indicates 'Swing' (rotate the superstructure) in that direction.

Question 11

Arm extended with thumb up, fingers opening and closing, means:

Accepted Answer

This combination signal (Thumb Up = Raise Boom, Fingers flexed = Lower Load) tells the operator to raise the boom while paying out line to keep the load at a constant height.

Question 12

Arm extended forward, hand open and slightly raised, making a pushing motion indicates:

Accepted Answer

This is the signal for 'Travel'. (For crawler cranes, use fists to indicate track direction).

Question 13

Placing one hand on top of the head signals:

Accepted Answer

Tapping/holding head indicates 'Use Main Hoist'.

Question 14

If the operator cannot see the signal person, communication must be maintained by:

Accepted Answer

Voice communication (radio) is the standard method when line-of-sight is blocked. A relay signal person is also acceptable, but radio is preferred for clarity.

Question 15

Using one hand to give a signal and the other hand to hold a load tag line is:

Accepted Answer

Signal persons must focus solely on signaling and not perform other duties (like holding a tagline) that could interfere with clear communication.

Question 16

Arm extended, thumb down, fingers opening and closing means:

Accepted Answer

Thumb Down (Lower Boom) + Fingers flexed (Hoist) = Lower Boom and Raise Load (maintain load height).

Question 17

With forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, moving hand in small horizontal circle represents:

Accepted Answer

This is the standard 'Hoist' signal.

Question 18

Arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, moving hand in small horizontal circle represents:

Accepted Answer

This is the standard 'Lower' (load) signal.

Question 19

If a signal is not understood, the operator must:

Accepted Answer

Safety rule #1: If a signal is unclear, do not move. Stop and clarify.

Question 20

For 'Retract Boom' (Telescoping), the signal is:

Accepted Answer

Thumbs pointing inward (toward body/each other) signals Retract Boom.

Question 21

To signal 'Move Slowly', the signal person should:

Accepted Answer

Placing a hand motionless above the active signaling hand indicates 'move slowly' (e.g., inching the load).

Question 22

For a crawler crane, locking the track on one side and driving the other is signaled by:

Accepted Answer

Raising a fist indicates 'lock this track'. Rotating the other fist indicates 'travel this track'. This turns the crane.

Question 23

When using voice signals, the signal person must begin by:

Accepted Answer

Voice signals must start with function and direction, then distance/speed, and finally 'Stop'.

Question 24

If communication is lost during a lift (radio failure), the operator must:

Accepted Answer

Loss of communication is an emergency. All movement must stop until communication is re-established.

Question 25

New signals (non-standard) can be used if:

Accepted Answer

Non-standard signals are permitted only if agreed upon in advance by the operator, signal person, and lift director.

Question 26

One arm extended, palm down, held rigid (not swinging) means:

Accepted Answer

A rigid horizontal arm usually means stop/hold, though swinging it is the active 'stop' signal. The key is the palm down posture.

Question 27

Tapping the head then extending the arm with thumb up means:

Accepted Answer

Tap Head = Main Hoist. Thumb Up = Raise Boom.

Question 28

Who is responsible for ensuring the signal person is qualified?

Accepted Answer

The employer must ensure signal persons are qualified (tested and trained).

Question 29

During travel, hand signals for steering are typically given by:

Accepted Answer

A spotter is required when traveling if the operator's view is obstructed or in tight quarters.

Question 30

Thumb pointing up with fingers closed, hand jerking up and down means:

Accepted Answer

ASME B30.5 does not define 'jerking' motions. Standard signals are smooth. This would be non-standard.

Question 31

Both fists rotating around each other in front of the body means:

Accepted Answer

For crawler cranes, rotating both fists indicates traveling with both tracks (forward or reverse depending on rotation direction).

Question 32

Hand open, palm out, pushing motion means:

Accepted Answer

Pushing motion indicates travel direction for a wheel-mounted crane.

Question 33

Ideally, the signal person should stand:

Accepted Answer

They must be visible to the operator and ideally able to see the load (or relay signals from someone who can).

Question 34

Arm extended, fingers and thumb touching (like a beak), opening and closing means:

Accepted Answer

This is typically a signal for a bucket/grapple, but strictly speaking for basic crane signals, it's non-standard unless specified for attachments.

Question 35

If the operator is concerned about the safety of a directed lift, they must:

Accepted Answer

The operator has the final authority and responsibility to refuse any lift they deem unsafe.

Hand Signals Practice Questions

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