Instructor Qualifications

• 1. 35 years of commercial insurance experience conducting

risk assessments for contractors.
• 2. Four years teaching crane rigging and signal person
training.
• 3. An OSHA Construction Outreach Authorized Instructor.
• 4. Have a general awareness of the new OSHA crane rule 29
CFR 1926 Subpart CC and have developed signal person
training courses.
• Completed Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau’s Mobile
Crane Operations one week course.
• Professional Designations: CSP (Certified Safety
Professional), ARM (Associate in Risk Management), CRIS
(Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist)
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:

■ Understand the basic hazards associated with signaling

crane operations

■ Know OSHA Requirements for Crane Signal Person

Qualification CFR 1926.1428

■ Obtain skills, knowledge and qualification for using

hand and radio signals to safely direct crane
movements.

■ Be able to develop your own company’s Signal Person

Qualification program.
– Signal Person Qualifications

• Employer must ensure each signal person meets

Qualification Requirements [1926.1428 (c)]
• Two Options - Third Party or Employer
• Third Party qualification is portable
• Documentation by Third Party or Employer
• Written or Verbal Test
• Practical Test
– Signal Person Qualifications (continued)

• Documentation must specify type of signaling, e.g.,

voice, hand signals, or other
• Must know and understand types of signals used, e.g.,
“Standard Method” for hand signals
• Be competent in the application of the type of signals
used
• Have a basic understanding of equipment operation
and limitations including crane dynamics involved in
swinging and stopping loads and boom deflection
from hoisting loads
CHAPTER 3
TYPES OF CRANES
PARTS OF CRANES

5
Carrier Mount Telescopic Boom
Pedestal & Tower Cranes
Rough Terrain Telescopic Boom
Parts of Cranes
• Movable boom – can be raised, lowered, rotated

• Spool with steel cable that extends to end of boom

• Counterweights that offset the weight of the load

• GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
• DISQUALIFICAITON
• GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
General Safety
Considerations
• Typical PPE will likely include hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high visibility vest and work
boots.
• Before the lift begins, check that the load hook is centered over the load and that the
rigging gear is properly set. Also check that the load stays centered during the lift.
• Watch for power lines to be sure the boom or load doesn’t get too close.
• Watch the boom deflection closely to make sure it doesn’t exceed the load radius.
• Make sure other personnel stay out of the crane operating area and always keep yourself
and others from under a suspended load.
• The rotation of the cab and counterweights presents a hazard. Stay well away from its
rotation zone.
• Avoid using your hands to control a load. Use a tag line so you can stay a safe distance
from the load.
• When an operator is moving a load horizontally, it may swing if the boom stops suddenly.
Stay well away from swinging loads.
• Also, pay close attention to weather conditions. Lightning and strong side winds can
produce serious hazards. The steel boom can act like a lightning rod and the wind pushing
on the load and boom can make cranes unstable.
Signal Person Disqualification
• If subsequent actions by the signal person do not
follow agreed upon signals or uses inappropriate
signals the employer must:
• Disqualify the person
• Prohibit the person from working as a signal person
• Retrain and re-qualify the signal person
• EXAMPLES
• Not using Standard Method Signals
• Using wrong signal, e.g., booming up instead of hoisting up

• The goal of this requirement is to help prevent

miscommunication between signal person and crane
operator.
Signals – General Requirements
• Signal person must be provided in each of the
following situations:
• Where point of operation view is obstructed
• When equipment is traveling and the view in the direction of
travel is obstructed
• Due to site specific safety concerns – either operator or
person handling the load determines that it is necessary

• Types of Signals
• Hand, Voice or New Signals
• A second signaler may be needed if the view of the
pick or landing area is obstructed.
Signals – General Requirements (continued)
• When using Hand Signals, you must use the Standard
Method
• Found in Appendix A
• Exceptions – When infeasible or where an operation or use
of an attachment is not covered in the Standard Method,
Non-standard hand signals may be used in accordance with
1926.1419(c)(2)

• Non-standard hand signals 1926.1419(c)(2)

• Must communicate with signal person, operator, and lift
director (if any) the non-standard hand signals that will be
used
Signals – General Requirements (continued)
Suitability
1. Hand, voice, or new signals and their means of transmitting
the signals to the operator must be appropriate for the site
conditions.
Example: Radio signals would not be suitable if electronic
interference on the site prohibits the signals from being
readily understood. Hand signals would not be suitable at
night or over large distances.
Note: Operators often have a say in what types of signals will
be used.
2. Only one person may give signals to a crane/derrick at a
time, except in circumstances covered in 1419(j)
(emergencies)
Signals – General Requirements (continued)

1. Anyone who becomes aware of a safety problem must alert

the operator or signal person by giving the stop or emergency
stop signal
Note: 1926.1417(y) requires the operator to obey a stop or
emergency stop signal.

2. All directions given to the operator by the signal person must

be given from the operator’s direction perspective.
= Meaning that the signal person must provide the signals as if he
or she was sitting in the operator’s seat and facing the same
direction as the operator
Signals – General Requirements (continued)

• Communication with multiple cranes/derricks

• Must use a system to identifying the crane each signal
is for:
• For each signal, prior to giving the function/direction,
the signal person must identify the crane/derrick the
signal is for, or
• Must use equally effective method of identifying which
crane /derrick the signal is for.
ELECTRONIC AND VOICE

18
 Signals – Radio, telephone or other
electronic transmission of signals
• Must test device before to ensure signal transmission is
effective, clear, and reliable.
• Signal transmission must be through a dedicated channel,
except;
• Multiple cranes/derricks and one or more signal person as may
share a dedicated channel for the purpose of coordinating
operations.
• Where a crane is being operated on or adjacent to railroad tracks,
and the actions of the crane operators need to be coordinated
with the movement of other equipment or trains on the same or
adjacent tracks.
• The operator’s reception of the signals must be by a
hands-free system.
• Hardwired intercom on tower cranes are most reliable.
-Signals – Voice Signals – Additional
Requirements
• The operator, signal person and lift director (if any) must be
able to effectively communicate in the language used.

• Prior to beginning operations, the operator, signal person and

lift director(if any) must contact each other and agree on the
voice signals that will be used. No further meetings needed
unless;
• Another worker is added or substituted
• There is confusion about the signals
• Voice signal is to be changed.

• Each voice signal must contain the following three elements,

given in the following order:
1. Function, e.g., (hoist/boom), direction
2. Distance and/or speed
3. Function, e.g., hoist/boom stop command
•TYPES OF SIGNALS
Two Major Types of Signals
• Mobile and Locomotive Cranes ASME B30.5-2007

• Tower Cranes ASME B30.3-2009

ASME B30.5-2007

Mobile and Locomotive Cranes

•General Rules
•Standard Hand Signals
•Standard Voice Signals
•Signal person Qualification
•Special Signals
•Audible Travel Signals
•Audible Emergency Signals
ASME B30.5-2007
• General Rules – Adopted by OSHA
• Continuous communication between COP & SP
• Any concerns by COP of requested movement required
COP to stop all crane movement
• Any instructions other than established signals requires
full stop.
• Perform hand signals slowly and deliberately
• Be in clear view of the COP and load
Standard Hand Signals

• ASME B30.5 – Mobile Crane Hand Signals

Voice Signal
Use Whipline / Auxiliary

Initiate Function
•“Use whipline”
•“Use auxiliary hoist”
•“use auxiliary drum”

Terminate Function
•NA

26
Voice Signal - Hoist

Initiate Function
•“Hoist”
•“Hoist up”
•“Hoist the Load”
•“Hoist Hook”

Terminate Function
•“Hoist Stop”

27
Voice Signal - Lower

Initiate Function
•“Lower”
•“Lower Down”
•“Lower Load”
•“Lower Hook”

Terminate
•“Lower Stop”
28
29
30
31
• Voice Signal– Boom Up

Initiate Function
• “Boom up”

Terminate
• “Boom stop”

32
Voice Signal – Boom Down

Initiate Function

•“Boom Down”

Terminate Function

•“Boom Stop:

33
34
35
36
37
Voice Signal – Telescope In

Initiate Function
•“Telescope in”

Terminate Function
•“Telescope stop”

38
Voice Signal – Telescope Out

Initiate Function

•“Telescope out”

Terminate Function
•“Telescope stop”

39
Voice Signal – Use Main Hoist

Initiate Function

•“Use main hoist”

•“Use main drum”

Terminate Function
•NA

40
Voice Signal – Swing

Initiate Function

•“Swing right”
•“Swing left”

Terminate Function

•“Swing stop”

41
Voice Signal – Travel

Initiate Function
•“Travel Forward”
•“Travel Reverse”

Terminate Function
•“Travel Stop”

42
Voice Signal – Travel One Track

Initiate Function
•“Travel left track forward”
•“Travel left track reverse”
•“Travel right track forward”
•“Travel right track reverse”

Terminate Function
•“Travel Stop”

43
Voice Signal – Travel Both Tracks

Initiate Function

•“Travel both tracks forward”

•“Travel both tracks reverse”

Terminate Function

•“Travel Stop”

44
Voice Signal – Dog Everything

Initiate Function
•“Dog everything”

Terminate Function

NA

45
Hand Signals B30.3 2009 Tower Cranes
• Nine signals in all.
• Seven are the same as for mobile cranes, e.g.,
Lower, Hoist, Stop, Emergency Stop, Move Slowly,
Swing and Dog Everything.
• Two new signals pertain to trolley and tower travel
Voice Signal – Travel

Initiate Function
•“Travel Forward”
•“Travel Reverse”

Terminate Function
•“Travel Stop”

48
Voice Signal – Trolley Travel

Initiate Function
•“Trolley in”
•“Trolley out”

Terminate Function
•“Trolley stop”

49
CFR 1926.1422 Hand Signal
Chart (continued)
• EQUPMENT OPERATION AND LIMITATIONS
• COLLAPSE INVESTIGATION
Equipment Operation and Limitations
• Maximum rating (tons) – Maximum rig capability – Determined by the
Mfg. ( Metric Ton = 2,204.6 pounds)
• Gross Capacity (determined by radius and other factors, jib/outriggers)
• Maximum Net Load (accounts for weights of rigging, blocks, headache
ball, stowed fly, auxiliary boom head. Some crane manufacturers also
consider rope suspended from the top sheave as also part of the load
• As radius increases, crane capacity decreases
• Boom deflection increases radius and causes load to swing
• Effect of Quadrant: greatest when over the rear of carrier, least over the
side (All Terrain and Truck cranes)
• Longer boom length generally means reduced lifting capacity and
greater boom deflection.
• Two Blocking
• Personnel clear of lift area
54
55
 Equipment Operation and Limitations
(continued)

• Dynamic Loading – Extra force when load is moving. Not

accounted for in the load chart.
• Control through use of tag lines and proper rigging.
• Plan lift to avoid sudden stops.
• Prohibit side loading of crane.
• Know and follow manufacturers recommendations for wind
speed.

• Boom Deflection – affects the positioning of the load. The

amount of deflection varies with boom angle and length as
well as load weight. Also, equipment with lattice/cable
supported booms has different deflection characteristics
than equipment with non-lattice booms (hydraulic ram
extensible booms).
Deflection Hazard Relating to
Signaling
• The signal person intends to signal to the operator to hoist up,
since the load needs to be raised straight up. However, the signal
person uses the standard signal for booming up in the mistaken
belief that this signal is for hoisting up. A struck-by or crushed-by
incident could result because, when booming up, the load will
move laterally as well as vertically. A failure to understand what it
is that the crane needs to do to accomplish a task can also lead to
struck-by or crushed-by incidents.

• As a crane booms down, boom deflection tends to increase,

which has the effect of lowering the load more than if there were
no boom deflection. If the signal person is unfamiliar with this
boom characteristic, he or she may fail to signal in time for the
load to stop at the correct point or may cause the load to descend
too quickly.
 Boom Deflection Control
• Needs to be discussed with the operator at the beginning of the job
• Determined by load weight and boom length
• Boom crane up prior to hoist signal
• Hoist up until rigging is tight and boom starts to deflect, then boom
up until load comes up or boom tip starts moving towards crane
• If obstructions above boom, boom down on load contact with ground
• Operators have to precisely adjust the boom elevation and winch
together to keep a load from drifting out when it is lifted off the
ground
• Modern cranes can automatically compensate for this. Lift Adjuster,
Load Com are names manufacturers use to describe this feature
• ELECTRICAL
Electrical
Power Lines
• Identify Work Zone
Work Zone =
Marking boundaries
or
360 degrees around crane up to maximum working radius
• Determine if any part of the equipment, load line or
load could get closer that 20/50 feet to a power line.
• 20 feet clearance for lines up to 350KV
• 50 feet clearance for lines up to 1000KV
• Over 1000KV minimum clearance determined by the
utility owner or qualified RPE
 Could you get within
20/50 feet of power
line?
YES NO

Option #1
Deenergize &
Ground
No further
Encroachment
action
Option #2 Prevention Measures
20-foot (Equipment Operations)
clearance • Planning meeting
• If tag lines used Non-conductive
Option #3 • Elevated warning lines, barricade
Ask Utility for or line of signs
Voltage and
Use Table A •PLUS (Choose one):
(with minimum
clearance distance) • Proximity alarm, spotter, warning
device, range limiter, or insulating link

63
Training – Operator & Crew
• Electrocution from touching energized equipment
• Operator should remain inside the vehicle
• The safest means of evacuating equipment that
may be energized
• The danger of the potentially energized zone
around the equipment
• Limitations of an insulating link, proximity alarm
and range control device
• Proper grounding procedures
Minimum Clearance Distances
Table A – Minimum Clearance Distances
Voltage (nominal, kV, Minimum clearance distance
alternating current) (feet)
up to 50 10
over 50 to 200 15
over 200 to 350 20
over 350 to 500 25
over 500 to 750 35
over 750 to 1000 45
over 1000 (as established by the power line
owner/operator or registered
professional engineer who is a qualified
person with respect to electrical power
transmission and distribution)

65
 Intentionally Working Closer Than Table A
Zone
All of the following are required:

1. Power line owner – sets minimum

Must Show:
approach distance
• Staying outside zone
is infeasible 2. Planning meeting – minimum procedures
• Infeasible to - Dedicated spotter
de-energize and - Elevated warning line or barricade
ground - Insulating link/device
- Nonconductive rigging
- Range limiter (if equipped)
- Nonconductive tag line (if used)
- Barricades - 10 feet from equipment
- Limit access to essential workers
- Prohibit non-operator workers from
touching above insulating link
- Properly ground crane
- Deactivate automatic re-energizer
- Insulating line cover-up installed
66
• CRANE STABILITY
• BOOM COLLAPSE CAUSES
• KEEPING CLEAR OF THE LOAD
Crane Stability
• Crane deck must be level and remain level during the lift. This is
determined at set up. Every degree out of level reduces the
capacities in the load chart by 25%.
• Outriggers set on firm, level supporting surface.
• Outriggers fully extended, or to manufacturer’s
recommendations.
• Tires of the crane, when set up, shall be clear of the ground and
must not be supporting any of the weight of the crane or the
capacities of “on rubber” applies.
• Radius and boom length is determined at set-up. The shorter the
radius and or boom, the greater the crane capacity.
• Load Loss - Need Safety Latches on Hooks.
• Synthetic sling padding to protect from abrasive or sharp surfaces
Boom Collapse Common Causes

• Improper positioning of the crane

• Exceeding lifting capacity
• Soil too soft to support outriggers
• Load moved too quickly
• Oblique pulling of load
• Side loading
• Improper erection of crane
• Boom contact with structure
• Load contact with boom
 Keeping clear of the load
• Where available, hoisting routes must minimize
exposure to employees.
• Keep out of areas where a load can swing
• Use tag line instead of your hands to control the load
• No worker in the fall zone, except for;
• Those hooking, unhooking or guiding a load
• Engaged in initial attachment of the load to a component or
structure
• Operating a concrete hopper
 Keeping clear of the load (continued)
• Workers in the fall zone (area under the load) are
required to:
• Have load rigged by qualified rigger.
• Use hooks with self-closing latches or equivalent; exception
– “J” hooks permitted for wooden trusses
• During Tilt-up or tilt-down;
• No employees must be directly under the load
• Only essential workers in the fall zone (but not directly
under) – workers guiding load, those closely monitoring and
giving instructions regarding the loads movement, those
detaching or initially attaching to another component or
structure.
 Signaling Guidelines for Riggers
• Load secure and properly balanced before signaling to lift.
• Verify that planned lift and swing paths are clear of personnel
and free of obstructions.
• Verify that the load is free to be lifted and clear of obstruction
before giving hoist signal.
• Verify that ropes are not twisted around each other before
giving hoist signal.
• Signal the operator to boom or swing until the hook is centered
over the load before hoisting.
• Do not direct load movement such that the crane, rope, or load
contacts any obstruction.
• Do not give load movement signals while personnel are on the
load or hook, unless in a personnel basket.
• Do not direct load movements over personnel.
• If the load must remain suspended, give the dog everything
signal.
 Moving The Load
• The load is secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device
before it is lifted.
• The lift and swing paths are clear of obstructions and personnel.
• Before starting to lift, the following conditions will be verified.
• The load is free to be lifted.
• Multiple part lines are not twisted around each other in such a manner that
all of the lines will not separate upon application of the load.
• The hook is brought over the load in such a manner as to minimize swinging.
• The correct slings have been selected for the weight to be lifted.
• During lifting, care will be taken that:
• Acceleration or deceleration of the moving load is accomplished in a smooth
manner.
• Load, boom, or other parts of the machine do not contact any obstruction.