Signalperson Training communicate clearly and accurately with the crane operator.

Those requirements are listed in OSHA / ASME regulations 29 CFR 1926.1419 through 1926.1422 and in ANSI standard B30.5-2018.

Those regulations require a signalperson to know the 20, or so, standard hand signals commonly used in crane operation, plus any special hand signals for a specific lift.

If special signals are needed, the signalperson and the crane operator must agree on them before the lift starts.

The regulations also require the signalperson to know how to use any needed voice signals and audio equipment, for example a mobile radio, used to communicate with the crane operator.

Again, the signalperson and the crane operator must agree on those signals before the lift starts.

Any message to the crane operator, whether visual or verbal, must be given from the crane operator’ s perspective.

For example,“ swing right” must mean

swing toward the crane operator’ s right. Also, verbal messages must contain these elements in this order:

• Function

• Direction

• Distance or Speed

• Function Stop

One example:“ Swing right 50 feet... 25 feet... 15 feet... 10 feet... 5 feet... 2 feet... swing stop.”

Clear communication between signaler and operator is vital, especially in cases like taxi crane work, where the signaler and operator may not have worked together, or even met each other, before.

Understanding Crane Ops and Site Hazards

As part of being considered qualified, a signalperson must understand the basics of crane operation and limitations, such as the dynamics of swinging and stopping

Right: Signalpersons must know the standard crane operation hand signals specified in the ANSI B30.5 standard, a few of which are shown here.

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