Cranes are indispensable on construction sites for lifting and moving heavy loads, and the safe operation of these powerful machines relies on clear, standardized crane hand signals. These hand signals enable the signal person to effectively communicate with the crane operator, ensuring the crane’s boom is raised or lowered, the load is hoisted or moved, and that everything comes to a halt quickly if needed.

Mastering crane hand signals is critical to crane safety, as they serve as a communication bridge between the crane operator and the signal person. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that anyone designated as a signal person must meet specific qualifications and undergo evaluation by a qualified individual. This is part of a broader effort to reduce crane-related accidents.

The commitment to standardized hand signals and proper training has paid off—crane-related fatalities reached their lowest recorded levels in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important crane hand signals, including those specific to telescopic, crawler, and tower cranes. Whether you’re using a small carry deck crane or a massive all-terrain crane, understanding these signals is crucial for safe operation.

Crane Hand Signals: The Basics

Below, we’ve outlined the essential crane hand signals, starting with those most frequently used to ensure safety. We’ve also included some signals specific to different types of cranes. These signals are universally used, even for the world’s largest cranes, ensuring consistency and safety across various job sites.

For a more comprehensive understanding, refer to our visual guide and downloadable chart at the end of the article.

Stop Signals: Safety First

Stop signals are perhaps the most crucial crane hand signals, as they allow the signal person to immediately communicate the need to halt crane activity. These signals are vital in preventing accidents and ensuring worker safety.

• Stop: Extend one arm, palm down, and swing the arm back and forth, touching the chest before swinging it back out to the side.
• Emergency Stop: Extend both arms, palms down, and swing them back and forth, touching the chest before swinging them back out to the sides.
• Dog Everything: Clasp both hands together and hold them in front of the navel to indicate an immediate stop of all operations.

Boom and Load Signals

Boom signals are used to instruct the operator to raise, lower, or swing the crane’s boom, which is the long arm extending from the crane. Additionally, load signals direct the operator on how to move the load itself.

• Raise Boom: Extend an arm outward, pointing the thumb upward with a closed fist.
• Lower Boom: Extend an arm outward, pointing the thumb downward with a closed fist.
• Swing Boom: Extend an arm outward and point with an index finger in the direction you want the boom to swing.
• Hoist Load: Extend an arm vertically, pointing the finger toward the sky, and make small clockwise circles with the hand.
• Lower Load: Extend an arm vertically, pointing the finger toward the ground, and make small clockwise circles with the hand.

These signals are often combined to ensure the safe operation of the crane as the boom and load interact. For example:

• Raise Boom and Lower Load: Extend an arm outward and point the thumb upward, while opening and closing the other fingers.
• Lower Boom and Hoist Load: Extend an arm outward and point the thumb downward, while opening and closing the other fingers.

Telescopic Crane Signals

For telescopic cranes, which have extendable and retractable booms, additional commands are necessary:

• Telescope Out: Place hands at waist level with thumbs pointing outward, fists closed.
• Telescope In: Place hands at waist level with thumbs pointing inward, fists closed.

Travel Signals

Cranes often need to be moved across the site, and these hand signals guide operators on how to safely maneuver the crane.

• Travel (Mobile Cranes): Extend your hand forward with fingers pointing upward, pushing the hand in and out in the direction of travel.
• Trolley Travel (Tower Cranes): Point a thumb in the direction of travel, palm facing upward, and close the remaining fingers into a fist. Move the thumb back and forth to indicate the desired movement.
• Travel (Crawler Cranes – Both Tracks): Rotate both closed fists in front of the body. Rotating them toward the body signals forward travel, while rotating them away from the body signals backward travel.
• Travel (Crawler Cranes – One Track): Raise a fist to indicate which track should be locked, then rotate the other fist in front of the body to signal the direction of travel.

Why Crane Hand Signals Matter

Crane hand signals are integral to the safe operation of cranes, whether on small, medium, or large job sites. Given that cranes can weigh thousands of pounds and carry massive loads, the importance of clear, effective communication cannot be overstated. These signals provide a universal language that ensures everyone on site—signal persons, operators, and workers—understands what actions are taking place and what to expect.

Implementing and adhering to standardized crane hand signals not only prevents accidents but also fosters safety across the entire construction industry. Using these signals consistently can significantly reduce the risk of crane-related injuries and fatalities, promoting a safer work environment for everyone involved.

Stay Safe Proper Crane Training with Certified Safety Experts

We are committed to delivering top-notch crane training programs that ensure your team is well-versed in the latest safety standards. Our training helps equip your team with the knowledge and skills needed to operate cranes safely, using proper hand signals, reducing risk, and promoting jobsite safety.

For more information on crane safety or to schedule training for your team, contact Certified Safety Experts today. Stay safe and stay compliant!