If hand signals are used between a signaller and the operator of a crane or hoist to control hoisting operations, the following signals should be used:

STOP
Arm extended, palm down, move hand horizontal.

HOIST
With forearm vertical, finger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circles.

LOWER
With arm extended down, move forefinger; pointing down, move hand in circles.

RAISE BOOM
Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward.

LOWER BOOM
Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward.

RAISE THE BOOM AND LOWER THE LOAD
With arm extended, thumb pointing up, flex fingers in and out as long as load movement is desired.
Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward, other arm bent slightly with forefinger pointing down, and rotate hand.

LOWER THE BOOM AND RAISE THE LOAD
With arm extended, thumb down, flex fingers in and out as long as load movement is desired.

EXTEND BOOM
Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb down, other arm vertical, forefinger upward and rotate hand.

RETRACT BOOM
Both fists in front of body, with thumbs pointing outward.

SWING
Both fists in front of body, with thumbs pointing toward each other.

MOVE SLOWLY
Arm extended, point in direction of swing of boom.

DOG (STOP) EVERYTHING
Use one hand to give any motion signal and place other hand motionless in front of hand giving the motion signal (hoist slowly shown as example).

Clasp hands in front of body.
This indicates “dog everything”: secure the load, stop all crane motions, and hold position until further instructions are given.

Hand signals provide a universal and clear method of communication between crane or hoist operators and signalers. At Gama Safety, we ensure workers are trained to use these signals correctly to maintain safe lifting operations.

Training Center: 122-2544 Douglas Road, Burnaby BC. V5C 5B4, Canada.

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