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ConstructionVoice and Radio Signals

Twenty flashcards on federal rules for radios, voice signals and sound signals between the signal person and the crane operator.

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20 cards
What must be done with radios or other signal devices before work starts?
Test them on site to make sure transmission is effective, clear and reliable.
What kind of channel must carry crane signals?
A dedicated channel.
What is a dedicated channel?
A line of communication the employer assigns to only one signal person and crane, or to one coordinated group of cranes and signal persons.
First exception to the dedicated channel rule?
Several cranes and one or more signal persons may share a dedicated channel to coordinate their work.
Second exception to the dedicated channel rule?
A crane on or next to railroad tracks that must coordinate with other equipment or trains on those tracks.
How must the operator receive signals by radio?
Through a hands-free system.
May the operator use a cell phone while operating the crane?
No, except when it is used for signal communications.
What must the operator, signal person and lift director do before using voice signals?
Contact each other and agree on the voice signals that will be used.
Once voice signals are agreed, when must the team meet again about them?
When a worker is added or replaced, there is confusion, or a voice signal is changed.
A voice signal has three elements: what comes first?
The function, such as hoist or boom.
What is the second element of a voice signal?
The direction, then distance and/or speed.
What is the third element of a voice signal?
The function again, with the stop command.
What language rule applies to voice signals?
The operator, signal person and lift director must all communicate effectively in the language used.
What counts as a voice signal in OSHA's guide?
A signal given by oral communication, with or without amplification or electronic transmission.
How are voice signals usually carried on a jobsite?
In most cases with some type of electronic transmission and reception.
What is an audible signal under the federal crane rule?
A signal made by a distinct sound or series of sounds.
What must be true when audible signals like a bell, horn or whistle are used?
The signal person and operator must both clearly understand what each signal means.
When may new kinds of signals be used?
When the employer shows they work at least as well as voice, audible or Standard Method signals, or meet a consensus standard that does.
One signal person talks to several cranes: what must each signal include?
Which crane it is for, said before the function or direction, unless an equally effective method is used.
Workers are being hoisted in a personnel platform: who must they stay in contact with?
In direct communication with the signal person (where used), or the operator.

Official sources

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), via GovInfo (GPO)

29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC: Cranes and Derricks in Construction (CFR 2025 edition)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA 3433: Small Entity Compliance Guide, Cranes and Derricks in Construction

Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by OSHA, any crane maker or any certification or training provider. Agency and rule names are named only to describe the content.