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Signals

1.5 hours

Learning Objectives

  • •State the SAE standard that governs hand signals for pile driving and derrick equipment under 230 CMR 6.00
  • •Identify who may act as a signaler for a pile driver or derrick operator under Massachusetts regulations
  • •Demonstrate the correct response when an operator loses sight of the signaler during an operation
  • •Describe the use of radio communication as a supplement or substitute for hand signals

Topics Covered

  • •SAE J1307 hand signal standard: required by 230 CMR 6.00 for pile driving and derrick operations
  • •Approved signaler: only one designated person may direct the operator; no one else may give movement signals
  • •Signaler qualifications: must be knowledgeable of the signals and in a safe position with full view of the operation
  • •Stop signal: any person on site may give an emergency stop; operator must obey it immediately
  • •Loss of visual contact rule: if operator cannot see the signaler, all movement must stop immediately
  • •Conflicting signals: if conflicting signals are received, the operator stops until the conflict is resolved; Emergency Stop from either person is always obeyed
  • •Radio / electronic communication: may be used as an alternative to hand signals when both operator and signaler agree; one speaker at a time; "go ahead" protocol
  • •Signal clarity: signaler must be visible and use distinct, unambiguous motions
  • •Dedicated signaler rule: while acting as signaler, that person may not perform other tasks
  • •Common hand signals to know: Hoist, Lower, Stop, Emergency Stop, Swing, Travel, Raise Boom, Lower Boom, Extend Boom, Retract Boom
  • •Internal reference for visual review of all standard signals

Resources

SAE J1307 Hand Signals — Quick Reference Guide

reference

Required
View →

230 CMR 6.00 — Hoisting Machinery Regulations

regulation

Required

Self-Check Questions

Question 1: Under 230 CMR 6.00, which SAE standard specifies the required hand signals for pile driving and derrick operations?

  1. A. SAE J386
  2. B. SAE J1307(correct)
  3. C. SAE J765
  4. D. SAE J237
Show Explanation

Explanation:

SAE J1307 is the required hand signal standard for hoisting machinery under 230 CMR 6.00. SAE J386 covers seat belts, J765 covers roll-over protection for rough-terrain forklifts, and J237 covers braking — not signals.

Question 2: During pile driving operations, the designated signaler steps behind a concrete barrier and is no longer visible to the operator. What must the operator do?

  1. A. Slow all movements and proceed with caution
  2. B. Switch to radio communication immediately
  3. C. Stop all machine movement immediately until visual contact with the signaler is restored(correct)
  4. D. Ask the nearest worker to relay the signaler's hand signals
Show Explanation

Explanation:

230 CMR 6.00 requires the operator to stop all movement immediately if the signaler is not visible. No relay system, radio switch, or reduced-speed workaround satisfies this requirement — stop and wait.

Question 3: A worker who is NOT the designated signaler spots an immediate danger and gives the Emergency Stop signal. What must the operator do?

  1. A. Ignore the signal — only the designated signaler's signals are valid
  2. B. Stop if convenient, then check with the designated signaler
  3. C. Obey the Emergency Stop immediately, regardless of who gave it(correct)
  4. D. Continue the current movement to a safe stopping point before stopping
Show Explanation

Explanation:

The Emergency Stop signal must be obeyed immediately, from any person on the site. Only the Emergency Stop overrides the "designated signaler only" rule — for all other movements, only the approved signaler directs the operator.

Question 4: While the designated signaler is directing a derrick lift, the site superintendent approaches and begins giving competing hand signals. What is the correct operator response?

  1. A. Follow the superintendent's signals, as they have overall site authority
  2. B. Follow whichever signal the operator judges to be safer
  3. C. Stop the lift and do not resume until it is determined who the designated signaler is(correct)
  4. D. Follow the signaler's signals and ignore the superintendent
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Conflicting signals require the operator to stop. Only after the conflict is resolved and a single approved signaler is clearly established should operations resume. Following the "higher authority" is not permitted — the regulation designates one signaler only.

Question 5: When using radio communication as a substitute for hand signals, which protocol must be followed?

  1. A. Both the operator and signaler may speak at the same time for efficiency
  2. B. Only one person speaks at a time; the other acknowledges before the speaker directs any movement(correct)
  3. C. Radio communication is not permitted under 230 CMR 6.00 — hand signals only
  4. D. The operator may use radio for hoisting but must use hand signals for all other movements
Show Explanation

Explanation:

Radio communication is permitted as an alternative, but both parties must follow strict one-speaker-at-a-time protocol to prevent miscommunication. The operator acknowledges each direction before executing it — simultaneous transmission defeats the purpose of the communication system.

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