Materials Handling - Crane and Hoist Hand Signals
When should the crane operator follow hand signals?
A crane operator should always move loads according to the established code of signals, and use a signaler. Hand signals are preferred and commonly used. A signaler may be required by law if the operator's view of the intended path of travel is obstructed.
Who can give the hand signals? or Who can be a signaler?
- A person qualified to give crane signals to the operator.
- There should be only one designated signaler at a time.
- If signalers are changing between each other, the one in charge should wear a clearly visible badge of authority.
- A crane operator should move loads only on signals from one signaler.
- A crane operator must obey STOP signals no matter who gives it.
What should you do when in charge of signaling?
The signaler must:
- Be in clear view of the crane operator.
- Have a clear view of the load and the equipment.
- Keep persons outside the crane's operating area.
- Never direct a load over a person.
What are examples of some common hand signals?
Hoist: With forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, move the hand in a small horizontal circle.
Hoist
Lower: With an arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move the hand in small horizontal circles.
Lower
Multiple Trolleys: Hold up one finger for block marked "1" and two fingers for a block marked "2." Regular signals follow.
Multiple Trolleys
Bridge Travel: Arm extended forward, hand open and slightly raised, make a pushing motion in direction of travel.
Bridge Travel
Trolley Travel: Palm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing in direction of motion, jerk the hand horizontally.
Trolley Travel
Stop: Arm extended, palm down, hold the position rigidly.
Stop
Emergency Stop: Arm extended, palm down, move the hand rapidly right and left.
Emergency Stop
Magnet Is Disconnected! : Crane operator spreads both hands apart, palms up.
Magnet is Disconnected!
Dog Everything: Clasp hands in front of the body. Means PAUSE. This signal can be used on potentially risky occasions such as when it has started raining, when the load doesn't fit the space for which it was planned, or when a bystander gets too close to the action.
Dog Everything
What are some common hand signals for crawler, truck and locomotive cranes?
Use Main Hoist: Tap fists on head; then use regular signals.
Use Main Hoist
Use Whip Line (Auxiliary Hoist): Tap elbows with one hand; then use regular signals.
Use Whip Line
Raise Boom: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward.
Lower Boom: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward.
Swing: Point with a finger in direction of swing of a boom.
Raise Boom; Lower Boom; Swing
Raise the Boom and Lower the Load: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward, other arm bent slightly with forefinger pointing down and rotate hand in horizontal circles.
Raise the Boom and Lower the Load
Lower the Boom and Raise the Load: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward, other arm with forearm vertical, forefinger pointing upward and rotate the hand in horizontal circles.
Lower the Boom and Raise the Load
Move Slowly: Use one hand to give any motion signal and place the other hand motionless in front of the hand giving the motion signal. (Hoist Slowly shown as example.)
Move Slowly
Retract Boom (Telescoping Booms): Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing toward each other.
Retract Boom
Extend Boom (Telescoping Booms): Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing outward.
Extend Boom
What are some signals for crawler cranes only?
Turn Travel Track: this side in direction shown by revolving fist.
Lock Track
Turn Travel Track
Travel Both Tracks: forward or backward by revolving fists.
Travel Both Tracks
Disclaimer
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.