Operators should only respond to signals from a designated spotter. Spotters should watch the load, not the operator, when using signals. A designated spotter should use these forklift signals to help operators navigate. OSHA has developed a standardized set of hand signals that are easy to use and interpret.
This will also improve forklift pedestrian safety. Utilizing forklift hand signals increases communication among operators and other employees, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Most forklift fatalities occur from a lack of situational awareness. Learn more about general forklift safety tips here.įorklift accidents are more common than they should be. Prevent accidents by practicing OSHA forklift hand signals and operating with caution. One in every ten operators experiences a forklift accident, some of which are fatal. Both are essential to safe forklift operation.įorklifts can be very dangerous. Safety is always the top priority of all workers and the crane operator.Learning about forklift hand signals is as important as learning about forklift controls. Always use your safety devices and helmet to avoid injuries. If possible, avoid working under a moving load and stay clear of the counter balance. A wrong signal could cause a serious injury or worst - death.Īlways stay alert when you are working in construction near any crane. When using these hand signals be sure that you and the crane operator are familiar with these signals. One hand gives any motion signal while the other hand motionless in front of hand giving the motion signal.ġ5. Flex fingers pointing in and out as long as load movement is needed.ġ3. Right arm extended and thumb pointing down. Flex fingers in and out as long as load movement is needed.ġ2. Right arm extended and thumb pointing up. hold up one finger, and two fingers for block marked 2. Extend right arm, palm down and move hand rapidly left and right.ġ0. Thumb pointing in direction of motion with palm up and fingers closed, jerk hand horizontally.ĩ. Extend the right arm forward, hand open and slightly raised and make pushing motion in direction of travel.Ĩ. Fingers closed and thumb pointing downward while extending the right arm straight out.ħ. Fingers closed and thumb pointing upward while extending the right arm straight out.Ħ. Right arm away from body, point with finger in direction of swing of boom.ĥ.
Extend right arm down with wrist bent, palm down and open.Ĥ SWING. Forefinger pointing down and extend right arm downward then move hand in small horizontal circle.ģ. Then, move hand in small horizontal circle.Ģ. Raise the forearm vertically and extend the right arm straight out with forefinger pointing up. Here are the most commonly used hand signals during crane lifting operation:ġ. The personnel who handle the operation of cranes in an area must utilize hand signals, if necessary, as their means of communication. Also strict adherence to proven safety rules and practices is necessary. To be safe in the operation of crane, it requires skill and exercise of great care and ideal foresight, alertness and concentration. Employers must also make certain that their operators are properly trained and are equipped with the know-how.
It is always the responsibility of the owner to make their personnel aware of all federal rules and codes so as to preclude violations along with their penalties. They must be instructed of the proper use, prohibition and the safety rules and regulation during the operation. It is also crucial for the crane operator to understand the consequences of careless operation of cranes. Further, they must always note any instructions given by a reliable instructor or operator. Cranes come in different types such as jib, gantry, ship and deck, bridge or overhead, boom, tower, and mobile or truck.īefore operating the crane, operators should carefully read and understand the operation manual from the crane manufacturer. They are either fixed on the ground or hoarded on a purpose-built vehicle. Basically, they are temporary structures in construction. Cranes ranges from small site crane to big cranes and deck cranes that lift heavy equipments. Cranes are commonly used in the construction of towers and industry, and in manufacturing heavy equipments.