Types of Signals

Hand, voice, and audible signals are all acceptable.

Hand Signals

Hand signals must use the Standard Method, which is detailed in Appendix A of 29 CFR §1926. You can see these hand signals in the diagram. If a situation arises in which these cannot be used, the crew may use non-standard hand signals. In these cases, the signal person, operator, and lift director (if there is one) must communicate prior to the operation and agree on the non-standard hand signals.

Please note that hand signal charts must be either posted on the equipment or conspicuously posted in the vicinity of hoisting operations.

Voice and Audible Signals

Signal transmission through radios, telephones, and other electronic devices must be tested before beginning operations. Signal transmission must always be effective, clear, and reliable.

Before operations begin, the operator and signal person (and lift director, if there is one) must coordinate and agree on voice signals. They must meet again if another employee joins the operation. Every individual must be able to communicate in the chosen language.

Each voice signal must contain the following three elements, given in the following order:

• Function (such as a hoist or boom) direction
• Distance and/or speed
• Function, stop command

Signal transmission must also be through a dedicated channel, except in these scenarios:

• When multiple cranes or derricks and one or more signal persons share a dedicated channel for the purpose of coordinating operations
• When a crane is being operated on (or next to) railroad tracks, therefore requiring the crane operator to coordinate operations with other equipment or with trains on the same track or adjacent tracks
• When the operator must use a hands-free system

New Signals

New signals may be used if the employer can demonstrate that the signals are at least as effective as the others mentioned in this slide.

To learn more about Crane, Derrick & Hoist visit our Crane, Derrick & Hoist Safety Online Training web page.