ConstructionSignaling a crane lift: The load's path or landing spot is not in full view of the operator (night)
The load's path or landing spot is not in full view of the operator. It happens at night. A crane has to lift a steel beam to a spot the operator cannot fully see. You are the signal person: you agree the signals before the lift, clear the fall zone, guide the hoist, swing and lowering from the operator's point of view and stop the crane the moment something is wrong. It follows the federal rules for cranes and derricks in construction.
Free to startThis scenario
- The load's path or landing spot is not in full view of the operator.
- It happens at night.
The steps
- Check the standard hand signal chart is posted on the crane or near the lift.
- Before the lift, agree with the operator and the lift director on any non-standard hand signals and on the voice signals, in a language all of you share.
- If you use a radio, test it on site before the lift, on a dedicated channel, with the operator hands-free.
- Make sure the load is rigged by a qualified rigger and the hook latches are closed.
- Use hoisting routes that keep people away from the load, and keep the fall zone clear.
- Be the only person signaling the crane.
- Give every direction from the operator's point of view.
- Use the Standard Method hand signals to hoist, swing and lower the load.
- By voice, give each signal in order: function, direction, distance or speed, function, stop.
- The moment anyone sees a safety problem, give the stop or emergency stop signal.
Safety rules that stop the station
- The operator obeys a stop or emergency stop signal, no matter who gives it.
- No load line free fall while anyone is directly under the load.
To pass
- Signals clear, one person at a time and always from the operator's perspective.
- The signal person is qualified by a third-party qualified evaluator or the employer's own, with an oral or written test and a practical test.
- Voice signals are agreed again whenever a worker is added or replaced, there is confusion, or a signal changes.
Official source
29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, Cranes and derricks in construction
GovInfo publishes 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC free: when a signal person is required, the hand, radio and voice signals, and keeping clear of the load.
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