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ConstructionAgreeing on the signals before the lift
Before the beam leaves the ground, the operator, the signal person and the lift director settle how they will talk: which signals, by what means, in what language. You set it up with them, test what needs testing, and know when the agreement has to be made again.
Free to startScenarios
- Non-standard hand signals for an attachment.
- Voice signals by radio.
- One signal person works with more than one crane.
The steps
- Choose signals (hand, voice, audible or new) and a way of passing them to the operator (direct line of sight, video, radio) that suit the site conditions.
- For non-standard hand signals: signal person, operator and lift director contact each other before the operation and agree on them.
- For voice signals: the same three agree on them before operations begin, and make sure they can all communicate effectively in the language used.
- Test the radio or other device on site before operations begin, so the transmission is effective, clear and reliable.
- Use a dedicated channel, and the operator receives the signals through a hands-free system.
- With more than one crane, identify the crane before giving the function and direction of each signal, or use an equally effective way to show which crane it is for.
- Agree on the voice signals again whenever a worker is added or substituted, there is confusion about them, or a signal is to be changed.
- Use new signals, other than hand, voice or audible, only where the employer shows they communicate at least as well, or they follow a national consensus standard that does.
Safety rules that stop the station
- The ability to pass signals between operator and signal person is kept during the whole operation; if it is lost, the operator safely stops.
- Several cranes and signal persons may share a dedicated channel only to coordinate their operations.
To pass
- Signals and means agreed before the lift and suited to the site.
- Radio tested on site, dedicated channel, operator hands-free.
- A common language between operator, signal person and lift director.
Official source
Federal · OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.1419 to 1926.1421
29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, Cranes and derricks in construction
GovInfo publishes 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC free: 1926.1419 to 1926.1421 set how hand, radio and voice signals are agreed and passed before and during the lift.
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