Hand Signals
1.5 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Demonstrate the SAE J1307 hand signals required by 230 CMR 6.00 for boom truck operations
- •Identify the designated signaler's responsibilities and positioning requirements
- •Apply the Emergency Stop signal and explain when it takes absolute priority
- •Explain radio communication protocols as an alternative to hand signals
Topics Covered
- •230 CMR 6.00 requires SAE J1307 hand signals for all 1C equipment operations
- •Only approved signaler may direct the operator
- •SAE J1307 signals: hoist up, hoist down, boom up, boom down, extend boom, retract boom, swing (left/right), travel, stop, emergency stop
- •Emergency Stop: crossed arms — takes priority over all other instructions from any person
- •Signaler positioning: clear line of sight to operator at all times
- •Operator must stop immediately if signaler contact is lost
- •One signaler per machine — no relay or substitute except for Emergency Stop
- •Radio communication: acceptable alternative when both parties can communicate clearly
- •Radio protocol: state machine/operator, describe intended movement, confirm receipt
- •Night operations: illuminated signals or radio required
- •Conflicting signals: STOP until conflict is resolved; Emergency Stop always wins
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: Under 230 CMR 6.00, who is the ONLY person authorized to direct a boom truck operator's movements on a job site?
- A. The general contractor's site superintendent
- B. Any crew member present at the job site
- C. The approved signaler assigned to the machine(correct)
- D. Either the operator or the site safety officer
Show Explanation
Explanation:
230 CMR 6.00 requires that only the approved signaler direct the operator. Taking direction from anyone else — even a supervisor — violates the regulation. The only exception is a universal Emergency Stop, which any person can give.
Question 2: You are operating a boom truck and lose sight of your signaler mid-swing. What must you do?
- A. Slow the swing and look for the signaler
- B. Complete the swing to a safe position and then stop
- C. Stop all machine movement immediately(correct)
- D. Switch to radio and ask the signaler to reposition
Show Explanation
Explanation:
If visual contact with the signaler is lost at any time, 230 CMR 6.00 requires the operator to stop immediately. A signaler you cannot see cannot safely direct the machine. No relay or substitution is permitted.
Question 3: The SAE J1307 Emergency Stop signal is given by:
- A. One hand raised with palm facing the operator
- B. Both arms raised straight above the head
- C. Arms crossed at the wrists in front of the chest(correct)
- D. Pointing downward rapidly with both index fingers
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Arms crossed at the wrists in front of the chest is the universal Emergency Stop signal per SAE J1307. This signal must be obeyed immediately regardless of who gives it — it takes absolute priority over any other instruction.
Question 4: You receive a "hoist up" hand signal from your signaler and simultaneously a verbal "stop" from the site superintendent. What should you do?
- A. Follow the site superintendent — they have overall authority
- B. Follow the signaler — they are the designated authority for directing movements
- C. Stop all motion and wait until you receive a clear, unambiguous single signal(correct)
- D. Follow whichever instruction you judge to be safer
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Conflicting signals require the operator to stop. Neither the superintendent's verbal instruction nor the signaler's hand signal takes priority over the other in a conflict — the correct action is to stop until the conflict is resolved and a single clear signal is received.
Question 5: Which SAE J1307 standard specifies the required hand signals for 1C equipment under 230 CMR 6.00?
- A. SAE J386-1969 (seat belts)
- B. SAE J1307-2023 (hand signals for excavating machinery)(correct)
- C. SAE J320a (rollover protective structures)
- D. SAE J237 (braking performance)
Show Explanation
Explanation:
SAE J1307 is the hand signal standard referenced by 230 CMR 6.00 for hoisting and excavating machinery in Massachusetts. SAE J386, J320a, and J237 cover different equipment safety topics entirely.
Question 6: When is radio communication an acceptable substitute for hand signals on a 1C operation?
- A. Never — 230 CMR 6.00 requires hand signals at all times
- B. When both the operator and signaler have reliable two-way radios and clear communication(correct)
- C. Only during night operations when visibility is reduced
- D. Only when a supervisor approves the deviation from hand signals
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Radio communication is an acceptable alternative to hand signals provided both parties have reliable two-way radios and communication is clear. The same one-signaler-per-machine rule applies. If communication becomes unclear, the operator must stop.