8-hour  refresher  training  course  on  crane  operator safety. The   testing   of   crane   operators   is   the   direct responsibility of the crane certifying officer. The crane certifying officer may be assisted in administering a performance  test  by  the  crane  test  director.  The equipment  officer  is  normally  responsible  for  the  duties of  the  crane  certifying  officer  and  is  designated  in writing   by   the   commanding   officer.   The   crane certifying officer designates in writing the crane test director  and  all  crane  test  personnel.  Crane  license  is issued   on   the   Construction   Equipment   Operator License, NAVFAC 11260/2, and will indicate the make, model, capacity, and the attachments the operator is qualified  to  operate. Signalman The signalman is part of the crane crew and is responsible to the operator to give signals for lifting, swinging, and lowering loads. A signalman should be a qualified seasoned crane operator. Not only does the signalman  give  signals  for  handling  loads  but  the signalman  can  visually  observe  what  the  operator cannot see from the operator’s cab. For example, during a lift the signalman should make a visual check of the following: 1. The load hook is centered over the center of balance of the load, as the weight is being lifted by the crane. 2. The boom deflection does not exceed the safe load radius. 3. All the rigging gear is straight and not causing damage to itself or the load. 4. During a lift with a lattice boom crane, check the boom suspension system and boom hoist reeving to ensure  proper  operation. 5.  Check  the  hook  block  and  boom  tip  sheaves reeving  to  ensure  proper  operation. 6.  Check  the  stability  of  the  outriggers  especially when  swinging  from  one  quadrant  of  operation  to another. NOTE: On some cranes, the capacity of the crane changes  when  swinging  from  the  rear  quadrant  to over-the-side  quadrant. 7. Use tag lines and tag line handlers to prevent the load from swinging or twisting. 12-21 WARNING Allowing personnel to control a load by the use of hands puts them in great danger should the load fall or some unexpted mishap occurs. 8. Signal only to lift the load high enough to clear any  obstacles. 9.  ALWAYS  have  eye-to-eye  contact  with  the crane  operator. The crane operator depends on the signalman to lift, swing, and lower a load safely. The signalman must also know the load weight being lifted and the radius and capacity of the crane. The basic hand signals used throughout the NCF are in appendix  IV  of  this  TRAMAN.  Only  one  person  gives signals  to  the  operator. The only time anyone else should give a signal is for an EMERGENCY STOP. Rigger The rigger or riggers are responsible to the operator for properly attaching the rigging gear to the load. Rigging  can  be  an  extremely  dangerous  job  if  not properly   performed. Safety gear, such as hard hats, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and any other personal safety clothing needed, must be worn. Riggers and signalman must work closely together after the load is rigged. The signalman visually checks for  proper  rigging  that  the  operator  cannot  visually  see from the operator’s cab. Once the rigging is approved, then the load can be signaled to be lifted. NOTE: The operator has the final approval on any lift and has the ultimate responsibility for the crane lift and safety. Operator The operator pulls the levers on the crane and is directly responsible for the crane, the load rigging, and the lifts performed. You must know the crane, how to operate it, how it responds under loaded and unloaded conditions,  proper  rigging  procedures,  and  signaling. You must be able to set the crane up properly for lifts, always keeping in mind that safety comes first and production  second. CRANE  OPERATOR’S  DAILY INSPECTION Before  a  crane  is  operated  or  transported,  it must be thoroughly inspected by the operator. The