Standard Signals

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On the job site, it is often difficult to hear the person next to us. You can imagine the difficulty in hearing verbal commands from a Guide Man directing crane operations. The noise, distance away from the crane operator, and visual barriers make verbal communication nearly useless. We may have to use field phones, two-way radios, or hand signals to communicate with the crane operator.

Here are some general safety practices to use with the operations of cranes, hoists, and any other type of material handling devices:

A set of signals should be agreed upon and adopted at each operation where hoisting equipment is used. A legible chart depicting and explaining the signals to be used should be available in the vicinity of the hoisting operation. In some jurisdictions, a chart of symbols is required to be in the cab of the crane.

Only the agreed upon signals should be used by a designated person, except that in an emergency, anyone may give a "STOP" signal.

All persons should be in the clear before a signal is given to move a load or equipment.

Knowing beforehand which signals you will be using, helps avoid confusion!

NOTE: If you do not have an illustrated copy of Common Crane Hand Signals, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, your Loss Control consultant can provide you with one.