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821 Cranes and Derricks Safety II
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Types of Signals

Voice Signals

These are signals given by oral communication, with or without amplification or electronic transmission.

Voice - Sims Crane

If this type of signal is used, the operator, signal person, and lift director (if there is one) must, before beginning operations, contact each other and agree on the voice signals that will be used.

Each voice signal must contain the following three elements, given in the following order:

  1. function (such as hoist, boom, etc.) and direction
  2. distance and/or speed
  3. function stop

In most cases where voice signals are given, some type of electronic transmission and reception will be used. When this is the case:

  • The device(s) used to transmit signals must be tested on site before beginning operations to ensure that the signal transmission is effective, clear, and reliable.
  • Signal transmission must be through a dedicated channel, except:
    • Multiple cranes/derricks and one or more signal persons 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 operator need to be coordinated with the movement of other equipment or trains on the same or adjacent tracks.
  • The operator's reception of signals must be by a hands-free system.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-3. Before a hoist begins, the operator, lift director, and _____, must agree on the voice signals used.