If someone enters the work area where materials are lifting, the crane operator might not see them. In addition, they can’t always determine clearances and potential obstacles when raising, moving, or lowering a load. As a result, crane hand signals were developed to help reduce the risk of accidents. The signs to communicate the desired intentions to lift and move materials must be learned by the crane operator and a signaller on the ground.
What is the purpose of crane hand signals?
The primary function of crane hand signals is to direct and control crane operation. The crane operator knows what actions to take based on the signaller’s placement of the arm(s) and movement of the hand(s).
What are the benefits of crane hand signals?
Cranes are used in various environments and industries, from construction and building to supply chain and cargo transport. Job sites are typically bustling and active places, with people performing several tasks and functions simultaneously.
Furthermore, these environments can be quite noisy because of everything that is going on. This can make verbal communication with the crane operator difficult because the signaller cannot simply ask everyone to stop what they are doing.
This issue is solved by using nonverbal hand signals. The signaller can inform the crane operator of the function to be performed. Furthermore, crane hand signals can be transmitted much more quickly for continuous operations, from when the load is lifted off the ground to when it is placed back down in the desired location.
Why not simply tell the crane operator your requirements?
It is always a good idea to communicate your intentions ahead of time to give the operator an idea of what you want to be done with the load.
However, unanticipated and unexpected events may occur during the crane operation. For example, even if the area where crane operations will occur has been cleared of workers, someone could walk into the area looking for the foreman.
How do you tell the crane operator to pause or stop operations until the signaller can re-secure the area? Yelling over the noise of construction equipment is ineffective. Instead, signallers can easily and quickly communicate changes in the work environment through crane hand signals.
Why not communicate through radios or smartphones?
Radios and smartphones are practical communication tools that can be used for certain types of crane operations. However, before they can be used, they must be tested to determine their effectiveness. In addition, they should not be used as the primary means of communication between the signaller and the crane operator.
Even if you use radios or smartphones to communicate, you will still need to use and rely on crane hand signals for crane operations because background noise can travel through radios and smartphones. The crane operator may still be unable to hear what you are saying.
In addition, interference can occur, causing radio and smartphone communications to sound staticky. Furthermore, the crane operator takes longer to respond to a verbal command because they must first hear what you are saying before responding. Nonverbal hand signals eliminate the need for the crane operator to seek clarification or be concerned about any of the issues mentioned above.
What are the essential crane hand signals?
While there may be numerous hand signals to learn, about six essential signals can be very effective at controlling the crane operator’s movements.
Whether you rent a crane, own one, or rely on a qualified and licenced contractor to provide crane operation services, everyone involved in the crane’s operations should be aware of the following signals:
- Raise the boom: Extend your arm horizontally, fist closed and thumb pointing up.
- Lower the boom: Extend your arm horizontally, fist closed and thumb pointing downwards.
- Raise the load: Bend your arm and point the forefinger upwards while rotating the finger in horizontal circles.
- Lower the load: Bend the arm slightly downwards, forefinger pointing downwards, and rotate the finger in horizontal circles.
- Swing the boom: Extend your arm horizontally and point in the direction you want the boom to move. Use the thumb to point upwards or downwards for up or down; otherwise, use the forefinger for all other directions.
- Stop: Extend one arm horizontally, palm facing downwards, and the other arm at your side.
Remember that this is only a partial list of the many different types of crane hand signals. Others will be learned depending on the complexity of the load to be lifted and moved, the type of crane used, and other factors.
Contact JMB Cranes for details
JMB Cranes is a one-stop shop for all your lifting needs. If you want to hire the best team of mobile crane operators in the area, talk to JMB Cranes today. Our team comprises professional crane operators and experts to help you with all your construction project needs. Contact JMB Cranes for professional and turnkey crane and rigging services.