ConstructionPosting the hand signal chart at the crane
Hand signals only work if the operator and the signal person read them the same way. The federal rule draws them once, in the Standard Method of Appendix A, and requires that chart to be posted where the lift happens. You post it, check it, and know each gesture on it.
Free to startScenarios
- The chart is posted on the crane itself.
- The chart is posted in plain sight near the hoisting operation.
- The lift uses an attachment the Standard Method does not cover.
The steps
- Post the hand signal chart on the equipment, or conspicuously in the vicinity of the hoisting operation.
- Use the Standard Method of Appendix A whenever hand signals are used.
- Stop: arm extended horizontally to the side, palm down, swung back and forth.
- Emergency stop: both arms extended horizontally to the side, palms down, swung back and forth.
- Hoist: upper arm out to the side, forearm and index finger pointing straight up, hand and finger making small circles.
- Lower: arm and index finger pointing down, hand and finger making small circles.
- Swing: arm extended horizontally, index finger pointing in the direction the boom is to swing.
- Dog everything: hands held together at waist level. Move slowly: one hand placed in front of the hand giving the action signal.
- Only where the Standard Method is infeasible, or an operation or attachment is not covered by it, use non-standard hand signals agreed before the operation by the signal person, the operator and the lift director.
Safety rules that stop the station
- Hand signals follow the Standard Method of Appendix A.
- Non-standard hand signals are used only after the signal person, operator and lift director agree on them before the operation.
To pass
- The chart posted on the crane or in plain sight near the lift.
- Every gesture given exactly as the chart draws it.
- The signal person knows and understands the Standard Method, as the qualification requires.
Official source
Appendix A to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, Standard hand signals
GovInfo publishes Appendix A to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC free: the Standard Method chart with each hand signal drawn and described.
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.