standard crane hand signals for crane operation safety

Crane hand signals are used to direct crane operators in the process of crane operation so that the crane can operate safely, they are applicable to gantry crane, bridge crane, tower crane, rail mounted crane, shipbuilding crane, crawler crane, and tyre crane, etc. In order to ensure the safety of crane operation, prevent accidents, and to meet the requirements of scientific management, crane operators must strictly comply with the requirements of crane hand signals. The following article introduces the standard crane hand signals in detailed.

Universal crane hand signals explanation

Use main hoist: a fist taps on top of head, then use other conventional signals.	Use whip line (auxiliary hoist): one hand hold the elbow of the other hand, then use other conventional signals.
Retract boom (one hand): one hang pinch, thumb outward, and the tail of fist points to chest.	Extend boom (one hand): one hand: one hang pinch, one hand put in the front of chest, thumb points to chest.
Hoist: with forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, move hand in a small circle vertically.	Swing: extend arms horizontally, with finger pointing in the direction of the boom.
Lower: with arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move hand in a small circle horizontally.	Raise boom: arm extended, thumb pointing upward, and fingers closed.
Lower boom: arm extended horizontally, thumb pointing downward, and fingers closed.	Extend boom: both fists in the front of body, with thumb pointing outward.
Retract boom: both fists in front of body, with thumb pointing toward each other.	Move slowly: place one hand in front of the body and use the other hand to gave moving signal (like move slowly).
Raise the boom and lower the load: place one hand in front of the body with thumb pointing upward and the other fingers closed, flex fingers in and out as long as movement is desired.	Lower the boom and raise the load: place one hand in front of the body with thumb pointing downward and the other fingers opened, flex fingers in and out as long as movement is desired.
Stop: arm extended, palm down, move arm back and forth horizontally.	Emergency stop: arm extended， palm down, move arms horizontally.

Requirements for signalers and crane operators when use crane hand signals

Responsibilities and requirements of signalers when use crane hand signals

1. Signaler should contact with crane operator according to the crane hand signals.
2. The signals made by signaler should be clear and accurate.
3. Signaler should stand in the position where the crane operator can see the crane hand signals clearly.
4. When the signaler can not see the crane operator and the load at the same time, intermediate signaler must be added so that the signal can be transmitted step by step. When a wrong signal is found, the stop signal should be sent immediately.
5. Before the load lower, signaler must confirm the landing area security, before the lower signal can be issued.
6. When use two cranes to lift the same load, the signaler should direct each crane respectively to ensure synchronous lifting
7. Signaler should wear a distinctive sign, such as the armband marked "command", special color safety helmet, clothes and so on.
8. Palm and back of the signaler’s gloves should be easily identified.

Responsibilities and requirements of crane operators when use crane hand signals

1. The crane operator must only follow the signaler, when signal is unclear, the crane operator should issue a "repeat" signal to ask, then operate the crane continuously only when the signal is clear.
2. The crane operator must be familiar with crane hand signals and cooperate with the signaler closely.
3. When signalers do a wrong crane hand signal, crane operator has the right to refuse to perform.
4. The crane operator must ring before operate the crane, if necessary, the ring is also needed in the process of lifting.
5. In the process of lifting, the crane operator should follow the “emergency stop” signal made by any person.