Standard Hand Signals for Controlling Overhead and Gantry Cranes
Hoist: With forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circle. |
Lower: With arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circles. |
Bridge Travel: Arm extended forward, hand open and slightly raised, make pushing motion in direction of travel. |
Trolley Travel: Palm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing in direction of motion, jerk hand horizontally. |
Stop: Arm extended, palm down, move arm back and forth horizontally. |
Emergency Stop: Both arms extended, palms down, move arms back and forth horizontally. |
Multiple Trolleys: Hold up one finger for block marked "1" and two fingers for block marked "2." Regular signals follow. |
Move Slowly: Use one hand to give any motion signal and place other hand motionless in front of hand giving the motion signal. |
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Magnet is Disconnected: Crane operator spreads both hands apart--palms up. |
Sources for More Information
29 CFR 1910.179, Overhead and Gantry Cranes
ANSI B30.2-1983, Overhead and Gantry Cranes
Crane Hand Signals
Basic hand signals used in crane operation are illustrated here.
HOIST. With forearm vertical, and forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circle.
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LOWER. With arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move hand in a small horizontal circle.
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BRIDGE TRAVEL. Arm extended forward, hand open and slightly raised, make pushing motion in direction of travel.
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TROLLEY TRAVEL. Palm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing in direction of motion, jerk hand horizontally.
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STOP. Arm extended, palm down, hold position rigidly.
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EMERGENCY STOP. Arm extended, palm down, move hand rapidly right and left.
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MULTIPLE TROLLEYS. Hold up one finger for block marked "1" and two fingers for block marked "2". Regular signals follow.
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MOVE SLOWLY. Use one hand to give any motion signal and place other hand motionless in front of hand giving the motion signal. (Hoist slowly shown as example)
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MAGNET IS DISCONNECTED. Crane operator spreads both hands apart -- palms up.
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