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Hand Signals & Communication

2 hours

Learning Objectives

  • •Demonstrate the SAE J1307 hand signals required for crane operations in Massachusetts
  • •Explain when each of the four OSHA-permitted signal methods may be used
  • •State the signal person qualification requirements under OSHA 1926.1428
  • •Describe how to handle conflicting or lost signals during crane operations

Topics Covered

  • •Massachusetts requirement: SAE J1307-2023 hand signals required by 230 CMR 6.00 for crane operations
  • •OSHA 1926.1422: Standard Method hand signals per Appendix A of Subpart CC — required unless the Standard Method is infeasible
  • •Core crane hand signals: Hoist (raise load), Lower (lower load), Stop, Emergency Stop, Swing (rotate superstructure), Travel, Dog Everything (suspend operations), Raise Boom, Lower Boom, Use Main Hoist, Use Whipline
  • •Emergency Stop signal: both arms raised, palms outward — overrides all other signals; anyone on site may give it
  • •Dog Everything: the signal to stop all crane functions and hold position
  • •Signal person qualifications under OSHA 1926.1428: must demonstrate knowledge of applicable signals and crane operation awareness; no formal certification required but knowledge must be demonstrated
  • •Only one signal person may give signals at a time — except for Emergency Stop
  • •When visual signals are not feasible (obstructed view, long distance): radio communication permitted per OSHA 1926.1420; voice signals per 1926.1421
  • •Lost signal protocol: operator must stop immediately when visual contact with signaler is lost
  • •Directions given from operator's perspective: all signals given based on which direction the operator is facing, not the signaler
  • •230 CMR 6.00: operator must be able to see the signaler at all times during operation; if the signaler is out of view, stop
  • •Crane travel signals: separate signals for travel forward/backward and travel left/right
  • •Pre-lift communication meeting: operator and signaler agree on any non-standard signals before the lift

Resources

SAE J1307 Hand Signals — Quick Reference

reference

Required
View →

OSHA 1926.1419 — Signals — general requirements

osha

Required

OSHA 1926.1428 — Signal person qualifications

osha

Self-Check Questions

Question 1: Under 230 CMR 6.00, which hand signal standard is required for crane operations in Massachusetts?

  1. A. ASME B30.5 Appendix B
  2. B. OSHA 1926 Subpart CC Appendix A only
  3. C. SAE J1307-2023(correct)
  4. D. ANSI Z535 sign-and-signal standard
Show Explanation

Explanation:

230 CMR 6.00 specifically requires SAE J1307-2023 hand signals for crane operations in Massachusetts. OSHA Subpart CC Appendix A also defines standard hand signals, and in practice the signals overlap significantly, but the Massachusetts regulatory citation is SAE J1307.

Question 2: During a lift, the site superintendent — who is not the designated signaler — gives you a hand signal to swing right. What should you do?

  1. A. Follow the superintendent's signal since they have job site authority
  2. B. Comply if no other signal is being given at the same time
  3. C. Ignore the signal — only signals from the designated signaler must be followed(correct)
  4. D. Stop all operations until the superintendent and signaler resolve who gives signals
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Under 230 CMR 6.00 and OSHA 1926.1419, only the designated signal person may direct crane operations. The operator must disregard any signal from an unauthorized person, regardless of their job title. The exception is an Emergency Stop signal, which anyone may give.

Question 3: You are operating a crane and suddenly cannot see your designated signaler. What is the required action?

  1. A. Sound the horn and wait for the signaler to reappear
  2. B. Continue the current movement and stop when complete
  3. C. Stop all crane movement immediately(correct)
  4. D. Ask a nearby worker to relay signals until the signaler reappears
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Both 230 CMR 6.00 and OSHA 1926.1419 require the operator to stop all crane movement immediately when contact with the designated signaler is lost. Operating blind is the highest-risk condition in crane work. No relay system is permitted as a substitute for direct visual contact.

Question 4: An emergency stop signal may be given by:

  1. A. Only the designated signaler
  2. B. Only the operator or signaler
  3. C. The operator, signaler, lift director, or any worker who sees an imminent hazard(correct)
  4. D. Only a licensed hoisting engineer or OSHA inspector
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The Emergency Stop is the one signal that anyone on the job site may give. Recognizing and giving an emergency stop when a hazard is spotted is an obligation — not just a right. The operator must stop immediately upon seeing any Emergency Stop signal regardless of who gives it.

Question 5: What does the "Dog Everything" hand signal instruct the crane operator to do?

  1. A. Lower the load slowly to the ground
  2. B. Stop all crane functions and hold the current position(correct)
  3. C. Perform an emergency shutdown of the engine
  4. D. Raise the boom to the maximum angle and wait
Show Explanation

Explanation:

"Dog Everything" means stop all crane functions and hold — do not lower the load, do not rotate, do not change boom angle. It is used when a problem needs to be sorted out but does not require emergency stop. The load stays suspended in place until the all-clear is given.

Question 6: When signal persons are required to use radio communication instead of hand signals, which OSHA section governs radio/electronic signals?

  1. A. OSHA 1926.1419
  2. B. OSHA 1926.1420(correct)
  3. C. OSHA 1926.1422
  4. D. OSHA 1926.1428
Show Explanation

Explanation:

OSHA 1926.1420 governs radio and electronic signal communication. Radio may be used when hand signals are not feasible due to distance, obstructions, or noise. The operator must be able to hear signals clearly and the system must be on a channel dedicated to crane communication.

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