When you run a worksite, it’s vital to keep it as safe as possible. This matter is especially the case when it comes to operating cranes.
The United States Bureau of Labor (BOL) counted close to 300 crane fatalities in a 6-year duration. When you master hand signals, you’ll be in a great position to communicate in hectic environments.
Here are some of the leading crane hand signals you should get to know.
1. Make Use of the Stop Signal
Your crew is responsible for both overhead crane inspections and managing the signals.
The stop signal is the first and most important one you and your worksite need to master. This signal works when you keep your palm down and extend your arm outward. Move your arm back and forth so that people can see it without question.
When the crew gets the stop signal, they’ll know when to cease operation.
2. The Hoist and Lower Signals
Managing crane and hoist safety is crucial in your workplace. This hoist direction is responsible for knowing when to raise a load toward the ceiling or sky.
This signal involves placing your pointer finger in the air and pantomiming a circle.
3. Use the Boom Signals
Take the time also to get to know the different boom signals. With these signals, you’ll know what to do with the boom, which is one of the most critical parts of the crane.
If you’re going to raise the boom, the person needs to use their arm horizontally while raising their thumb to the sky. To lower the boom, do the opposite and point your thumb down.
They can use their pointer finger in a side to side gesture to determine where the boom needs to go. Holding your thumb at your waist and holding it outward signals that you need to extend it.
4. Emergency Stop is Critical
While the stop signal is essential, you need to master the emergency stop. This is a signal that helps to avert danger so that the operator can stop their machinery right way.
With this sign, the crane operator extends both their arms outward, similar to the way that a baseball umpire signals “safe.”
5. Employ the Right Travel Signals
There are also a variety of travel signals that you can put to use to direct your crane. These signals vary and teach people when and how to move their crane throughout the worksite.
This signal is crucial so that you can direct traffic in your worksite without creating damage or injuries.
Perfect Your Crane Hand Signals
Using crane hand signals will help you keep your workplace as safe as possible. Let these tips point you toward creating a helpful work environment.
Whenever you’d like to keep your worksite at its best, master these crane signals and use them consistently.
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