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Signalperson Training loads, the effects of boom deflection, and that lifting capacity decreases as boom length and load radius increase.

For example, a signaler should know that if he or she tells the crane operator to lower the boom, it will increase the load’ s radius, thereby reducing the crane’ s capacity.

As another example, some cranes have more lifting capacity over their front than over their sides, so a signalperson must know not to tell the operator to swing a load into an area that does not have enough capacity.

Knowing that helps avoid demanding more than the crane can safely handle. It’ s especially important on jobs without a lift director on site.

Also, a signalperson must be able to identify and avoid site hazards like power lines, obstacles, and weather dangers like strong winds or potential for lightning.

The signalperson must also be able to analyze the crane’ s swing, booming, and travel paths to make sure the load will not travel above people and that nobody will be struck by any moving part of the crane.

There are many ways to teach a signalperson the knowledge and skills they need to be safe and successful.

You can send them to a formal training organization like Crane Institute.

You can choose to have a knowledgeable person from your organization, for example a certified lift director, teach them.

You can even assign an experienced and proven signalperson from your organization to mentor them.

Whichever method you choose, a combination of classroom and hands-on experience is the most effective way to develop a qualified signalperson who will help crane operators make the lifts you need safely and effectively.

Below: A signalperson should station themselves where they can see the load’ s full travel path from start to finish. The location should also, where possible, be visible to the crane operator. When the crane operator can’ t see the signaler, radio communication can be used.

James Headley is founder and CEO of Crane Institute of America( CIA) and Crane Institute Certification( CIC). For more information about Headley, training courses, or his book Rigging, visit www. craneinstitute. com.

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June 2025 • www. cranehotline. com