EXPERT COLUMN
can send them to a professional trainer like Crane Institute of America, whose courses are available both in person and now online. An employer can have a knowledgeable person from its organisation – for example, a safety specialist – teach the aspiring signaller. The employer can even assign one of its experienced signallers to mentor the novice. In any case, experience has proven that a combination of classroom and hands-on training is most effective.
Once trained, aspiring signallers must be assessed as qualified by a competent assessor designated by their employer. The assessment can include oral and written questions about crane operation and safety, as well as questions about any plant-specific procedures and, of course, demonstration of the standard hand signals used with overhead cranes. It’s important to note that OSHA requires the employer to keep a record of the assessment. Only then can a new signalperson legally begin giving signals to a crane operator.
Clear communication is vital
Constant communication with the crane operator must be maintained during the operation of moving loads.
Safe and successful crane operation depends on clear, accurate communication between the signaller and the crane operator. The signals between the two may be visual, verbal, or a mix of the two. Before beginning a lifting operation, the
operator and signaller must identify each other and confirm the signals to be used and how they will be delivered.
Special signals may be used for cranes with
separately operated hoists, special operations or crane attachments not covered by standard hand or voice signals. If special signals are needed, they must not conflict with standard signals, and the signalperson and crane operator must agree on them in advance. Directions given to the crane operator must be
presented from the crane operator’s perspective. For example, ‘trolley right’ must mean move the trolley to the operator’s right. Verbal instructions must contain these elements in this order: 1. Function and direction 2. Distance and/or speed 3. Function stop.
Also, verbal directions must be continuous. For
example: “Travel north 25ft – 15ft – 10 ft – 5ft – 2ft – travel stop.”
About the author
James Headley is the founder and CEO of Crane Institute of America (CIA) and of Crane Institute Certification (CIC). The CIA trains operators, riggers, supervisors and others who use all types of cranes and equipment. The CIC tests those professionals to industry and governmental standards. Headley’s extensive expertise in cranes and rigging comes from more than 40 years in the industry.
ochmagazine.com | Fall 2025 61 A signalperson must thoroughly understand the hand/voice signals used with overhead cranes. Before a signalperson gives the crane
operator directions to do multiple functions at the same time – for example, trolleying and load lowering – the signaller should consider the lift’s complexity, the crane’s capability, the operator’s skill and the ability to communicate the needed voice signals.
Required procedures When a signalperson is involved in a lift, he or she must: Be positioned where he or she can clearly see the crane operator, the travel path and where the load will be placed
Keep non-essential people out of the work area Never direct the load over people Not give directions that would move a load if the travel path isn’t clear
Communicate continuously with the operator. If communication is disrupted,
equipment movement must be stopped until communication is restored
Give signals that the operator can see or hear and understand. If the operator cannot understand a signal, he or she must not respond
Use standard the standard hand signals prescribed in applicable ASME B30.2, B30.16 and B30.17 standards, unless voice- communication equipment is used.
For more information, visit
www.craneinstitute.com. Much of the information in this article can be found in Headley’s book Overhead Cranes, which can be purchased at
www.craneinstitute.com.
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