What should I know about crane hand signals as an apprentice?

Treat crane signals as awareness unless you are the qualified signal person. Know that STOP matters, only the assigned signal person controls the operator, and emergency stop/safety concerns override ego.

High-risk starter answer - crane signals are qualified-person work. Learn who the signal person is and stay out of the way unless you are assigned and qualified. The apprentice move is to recognize the chain of command, not freestyle hand signals because you think you know what the operator needs.

Stop if

• Who is signaling this pick, and what should I do if I see something unsafe while the load is moving?

Watch out

• Do not give crane signals unless the foreman assigned you and you are qualified for the signal method being used.

Check

• Identify the assigned signal person before work starts.
• Know the emergency stop/stop-work signal your company uses.
• Keep your body out of the operator's blind spot and fall zone.

Steps

• Find out who the assigned signal person is before the lift.
• Do not give random hand signals to the operator from the side.
• If you see a hazard, use the site's emergency stop process and alert the foreman/signal person.
• Keep clear line of communication: avoid yelling different instructions from the crowd.
• Learn the standard signals in training, but do not assume that makes you qualified.

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