Site Safety – Crane Signal Person

By October 9, 2019 Uncategorized

The job of providing signals (hand or verbal) to crane ‘operators is critical to the safe operation of a crane.  

A SIGNAL PERSON IS REQUIRED WHEN:

  • The point of operation isn’t in full view of the operator.
  • The operator’s view is obstructed in the direction the equipment is traveling.
  • Either the operator or the person handling the load determines that a signal person is needed because of site-specific safety concerns.  

THE SIGNAL PERSON IS CONSIDERED QUALIFIED IF HE OR SHE:

  • Knows and understands the type of signals used at the work site.  – is competent in using these signals.  
  • Understands the operations and limitations of the equipment, including the crane dynamics involved in swinging, raising, lowering and stopping loads and in boom deflection from hoisting loads.
  • Knows and understands the relevant signal person qualification requirements specified in OSHA subpart CC (1926.1419-1926,1422; 1926.1428).
  • Passes an oral or written test and a practical test.     

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: Documentation of the signal person’s  qualifications must be available at the work site, either in paper form or electronically. It must specify each type of signaling  (i.e. hand signals, radio signals, etc.) for which the signal person is qualified.