Universal hand signals for hoisting and crane operations

Using clear signals helps to ensure safer lifts.

Clear and effective signalling is critical to safe crane operations. When used properly, hand signals help prevent dropped loads, struck-bys, and other incidents that can lead to injuries and property damage. Whenever a crane operator does not have a clear view of the intended path of travel of the crane or its load, a competent worker must be designated as a signaller. Additionally, a signaller is required if the equipment is positioned near powerlines, to warn the operator each time any part of the crane or its load may approach the minimum safe distance from the lines.

During hoisting operations, workers communicate using a standard set of hand signals that are recognized around the world. To be effective, these signals must be used consistently and understood by everyone on the project. Universally understood signals prevent incidents and reduce misunderstandings and miscommunication on the jobsite.

Who is qualified to be a signaller?

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), signallers must be “competent”—that is, qualified to perform the job due to their knowledge, training, and experience.

Signallers should be experienced in hoisting operations and reasonably aware of any possible hazards associated with the work. Employers must further ensure that signallers are adequately trained on their duties and that they receive written or oral instructions specific to the job they will perform.

To avoid confusion, only one person should signal the operator during the lift; however, anyone can give the STOP signal if they see something unsafe.

How do signallers prepare for a safe lift?

The most important task a signaller performs is, of course, signalling the crane operator. But some work must be done before the lift begins—to ensure all signals are communicated clearly.

Establish clear signalling procedures

Section 104(5) of the Regulation for Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91) requires that the crane operator and signaller meet before the lift and agree on what signals will be used. Both parties must clearly communicate their intentions for moving and placing loads.

Know the path of travel

The signaller must be aware of all hazards related to the lifting operation and where the load will be moving. The path of travel must be kept clear of workers, pedestrians, and equipment. If a lift takes place after dark, the jobsite must be well-lit so the operator can see the signaller and their signals clearly.

Be visible at all times

The signaller should stand in full view of the operator and have an unobstructed view of the load and its intended path of travel. Whenever possible, signals should be performed barehanded—though signallers may wear high-visibility gloves to help make their signals easier to see. If the operator cannot see the signaller—or vice versa—at any point during the lift, halt the operation.

Wear personal protective equipment

Signallers and operators must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) for the duration of the lifting operation. Appropriate PPE includes head protection, safety boots, and a high-visibility vest.

Know when hand signals are not enough

When weather, distance, or other factors make visual signals difficult to see, the employer must give the operator and signaller telephones, two-way radios, or similar devices that they can use to communicate.

Whether they’re performed by hand or spoken into a device, signals must be unmistakably clear. Crane operators should never respond to an unclear signal.

International hand signals for hoisting and rigging

In many cases, hand signals are the most efficient way for signallers and crane operators to communicate. Operators and signallers must meet before the work begins to confirm the signals they will use, the lift plan, and any site-specific instructions.

Here are some hand signals that are commonly used in hoisting and rigging operations:

Use main hoist

Signaller: Tap your head with the palm of your hand.

Operator: Use the main line for the rest of the lift. Larger cranes often have two hoist lines. The main line is used for heavy lifts; the auxiliary line is used for light, high-speed lifts. Before hoisting operations begin, the signaller may need to signal to the operator which line they intend to use.

Use auxiliary hoist

Signaller: Tap your elbow with one hand.

Operator: Use the auxiliary line for the rest of the lift.

Hoist up

Signaller: With your arm held vertically and index finger pointing upward, move your hand in a small circle.

Operator: Raise the load.

Hoist down

Signaller: With your arm down and index finger pointing to the ground, move your hand in a small circle.

Operator: Lower the load.

Hoist up slowly

Signaller: Make the “hoist up” signal while holding the palm of your other hand horizontally a few inches above your pointed finger (as if making a T with your hands).

Operator: Raise the load slowly.

Hoist down slowly

Signaller: Hold one arm horizontally in front of your stomach with palm facing up. With your other hand, point your index finger downward while making small circles a few inches above your open palm.

Operator: Lower the load slowly.

Boom up

Signaller: Extend your arm horizontally and point your thumb up.

Operator: Raise the crane’s boom.

Boom down

Signaller: Extend your arm horizontally and point your thumb down.

Operator: Lower the boom.

Boom up slowly

Signaller: Make the “boom up” signal—while holding your other hand palm-down above the hand giving the signal.

Operator: Raise the boom slowly.

Boom down slowly

Signaller: Make the “boom down” signal—while holding your other hand palm-up beneath the hand giving the signal.

Operator: Lower the boom slowly.

Boom up, hoist down

Signaller: Extend your arm horizontally with thumb pointing up, then flex your fingers in and out (as making a fist).

Operator: Move the load toward the crane while keeping the load at the same elevation.

Boom down, hoist up

Signaller: Extend your arm horizontally with thumb pointing down, then flex your fingers in and out.

Operator: Move the load away from the crane while keeping the load at the same elevation.

Everything slowly

Signaller: With the palm of one hand facing the operator, trace small circles with the index finger of your opposite hand.

Operator: Move the load as slowly as possible—typically when proper positioning of the load is critical.

Travel machine toward signaller

Signaller: Rotate your closed fists around each other in a windmill motion in front of your chest.

Operator: Drive the crane toward the signaller.

Travel machine and turn right

Signaller: Raise your right arm, bent 90 degrees at the elbow, while making a fist. Hold your left hand in front of your chest, make a fist, and rotate it.

Operator: Turn the machine in the direction of the signaller’s raised arm.

Travel machine and turn left

Signaller: Raise your left arm, bent 90 degrees at the elbow, while making a fist. Hold your right hand in front of your chest, make a fist, and rotate it.

Operator: Turn the machine in the direction of the signaller’s raised arm.

Shorten hydraulic boom

Signaller: Make two fists and hold them in front of you with thumbs pointing toward each other.

Operator: Retract the boom.

Extend hydraulic boom

Signaller: Make two fists and hold them in front of you with your thumbs pointing away from each other.

Operator: Extend the boom.

Swing load

Signaller: Extend your arm and point in the direction of the swing of the boom.

Operator: Move the load in the direction of the pointed hand.

Open clam

Signaller: Extend your arm and make a fist with your palm facing down. Then open your fingers as if you are dropping an object onto the ground.

Operator: Open the clamshell bucket at the end of the boom, to release the load.

Close clam

Signaller: Hold out one arm with fingers extended and palm facing down. Then close your fingers in a fist.

Operator: Close the clamshell bucket.

Stop

Signaller: Extend your arm, palm down, and move your hand rapidly back and forth by bending at the elbow.

Operator: Halt all crane movement immediately.

Dog everything

Signaller: Clasp your hands together in front of your body.

Operator: Arrest the crane’s movement by placing all control levers in neutral, disconnecting the master clutch, and setting all brakes and locking devices.

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