WEEKLY TOOL BOX SAFETY MEETINGS
HAND SIGNALS FOR CRANE OPERATIONS
Cranes are used to move materials and equipment around construction sites every day. Many times the operator cannot see the lift because of the location of the crane. If the operator does not have a clear, unobstructed view of the entire lift, from beginning to end, a signal person must be assigned.
The signal person acts as the operator’s eyes when the operator cannot see the load. He or she is responsible for communicating with the crane operator, and giving the operator instructions about how to move the load. The operator and signal person communicate either by radio or by hand signals. It is imperative that the signals be clear, and understood by both the signal person and the operator; someone could be killed if there is a misunderstanding! OSHA requires the use of the hand signals that are specified in ANSI/ASME standard B30.5-1 994 .
Following are descriptions of several common hand signals for crane operations:
Hoist: With the forearm vertical and the forefinger pointing up, move the hand in a small horizontal circle.
Lower: With the arm extended downward and the forefinger pointing down, move the hand in a small horizontal circle.
Use Main Hoist: Tap fist on head, then use regular signals.
Use Whipline (Auxiliary Hoist): Tap elbow with one hand, then use regular signals.
Raise Boom: Extend the arm with the fist closed and the thumb pointing upward.
Lower Boom: Extend the arm with the fist closed and the thumb pointing downward.
Move Slowly: Use one hand for the regular signal and place the other hand motionless in front of the first.
Swing: Extend the arm and point finger in the direction to swing the boom.
Stop: Extend the arm with the palm facing down, and move the arm back and forth horizontally.
Emergency Stop: Extend both arms with the palms facing down, and move the arms back and forth horizontally.
Cranes are convenient and often necessary but they are also very dangerous. Work around them safely. More information about crane safety and operations can be found in OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.550.
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Employee Safety Recommendations ___________________________________________________________
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These instructions do not supersede local, state, or federal regulations.
Supervisor’s Signature ______________________________________________________________________
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