What should a signal person verify before giving any direction to the operator?

• A. The operator can see the signal, understands the signal, and both parties follow site-approved signaling standards
• B. The operator's lunch
• C. The machine is on a flat surface
• D. The operator agrees verbally after signal

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that clear, mutual understanding of the signal before moving anything is essential for safe operation. The signal person must verify that the operator can actually see the signal, understands what it means, and that both parties are using the site-approved signaling standards. This alignment prevents misinterpretation that could cause the equipment to move in unintended ways and create hazards. If the operator can’t see the signal, or can’t understand it, or if the signaling method isn’t agreed upon per site standards, you should stop and sort those issues first. Details like the operator’s lunch or the machine being on a flat surface aren’t part of the signaling verification, and simply having a verbal agreement after the signal does not guarantee safe, understood communication.