Hand Signals & Communication Procedures
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Demonstrate the SAE J1307 hand signals required by 230 CMR 6.00 for 2A and 1C equipment
- •Identify the designated signaler's positioning and responsibilities
- •Apply the Emergency Stop signal and explain when it takes absolute priority
- •Explain when radio communication may substitute for hand signals
Topics Covered
- •230 CMR 6.00 requires SAE J1307 hand signals for all 2A and 1C equipment operations
- •Only the approved signaler may direct the operator
- •SAE J1307 signals: raise/lower, boom up/down, extend/retract boom, swing, travel, stop, emergency stop
- •Emergency Stop: crossed arms across the chest — any person may give it and it takes absolute priority
- •Signaler positioning: clear line of sight to the operator at all times; never in the swing radius
- •Operator must stop immediately if signaler contact is lost
- •One signaler per machine — no relay or substitute except for Emergency Stop
- •Radio communication: acceptable when both parties have reliable two-way radios and clear communication
- •Conflicting signals: stop until resolved; Emergency Stop always wins
- •Night operations: illuminated signals or radio required
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: What is the universal Emergency STOP hand signal recognized under SAE J1307?
- A. One hand raised with palm facing out
- B. Both arms raised above the head
- C. Arms crossed at the wrists in front of the chest(correct)
- D. Pointing downward with both hands
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Arms crossed at the wrists in front of the chest is the universal Emergency Stop signal per SAE J1307. Every operator on site must respond immediately, and any person — not just the signaler — may give it. It takes absolute priority over all other instructions.
Question 2: Under 230 CMR 6.00, who is the ONLY person authorized to direct a 2A/1C 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 single exception is the universal Emergency Stop, which any person may give.
Question 3: 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, 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, and no relay or substitution is permitted.
Question 4: A coworker who is not the designated signaler gives you a "hoist up" signal because the signaler briefly stepped away. What should you do?
- A. Comply — it is a simple lift and they clearly mean well
- B. Comply only if the coworker is a licensed operator
- C. Do not hoist — only the approved signaler may direct your movements(correct)
- D. Hoist slowly and watch for the signaler to return
Show Explanation
Explanation:
230 CMR 6.00 allows only the approved signaler to direct the operator. Taking direction from any other person violates the regulation regardless of how simple the movement or how experienced the coworker is. Wait for the signaler or stop operations.
Question 5: You receive a "hoist up" hand signal from your signaler and simultaneously a verbal "stop" from the site superintendent. What is the correct response?
- A. Follow the superintendent — they have overall authority
- B. Follow the signaler — they are the designated authority for movements
- C. Stop all motion and wait until you receive a single, clear, unambiguous 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 in a conflict — the correct action is to stop until the conflict is resolved and a single clear signal is received.
Question 6: When is radio communication an acceptable substitute for hand signals on a 2A/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
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.
A deeper, regulation-by-regulation companion page for this lesson.