What form of communication requires the operator and signal person to contact and identify each other before commencing lifting operations?

The correct answer emphasizes the necessity for the operator and signal person to establish contact and identity prior to starting any lifting operations. This requirement fosters safety and clarity in communication, ensuring that both parties are on the same page regarding the specific tasks to be undertaken.

Using special signals often involves unique commands that are tailored for particular scenarios, which necessitates that the operator and signal person clearly understand and acknowledge each other's roles and responsibilities. By identifying each other beforehand, they can ensure that both are prepared to engage in the lifting operations safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of errors or miscommunication during the process.

Standardized signals, voice signals, and emergency signals, while important in their own contexts, do not specifically call for prior identification, making them less suitable for this scenario. Standardized signals provide predefined hand signals for communicating movements, while voice signals allow for verbal communication during operations, and emergency signals are used to indicate urgent situations. However, none of these emphasize the mandatory interaction and identification that special signals do, which is critical for enhancing safety in lifting operations.