Appendix B: Hand Signals
- Stop
- Extend one arm and hold palm of hand vertical. Note: EMERGENCY STOP is indicated by holding both arms up.
- Stop B
- Arm extended, palm down, move hand right and left. Usually for different level operations.
- Hold Everything
- Clasp hands in front of body.
- Move Slowly
- Place one arm motionless across chest in conjunction with or before giving any other directional signal. (“Hoist slowly” shown as example.)
- Hoist
- With forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, move hand in horizontal circles.
- Lower
- With arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move arm in horizontal circles.
- Use Main Hoist
- Tap fist on head, then use regular signals.
- Use Flyline (Auxiliary Hoist)
- Tap elbow with one hand, then use regular signals.
- Raise Boom (Luff Up)
- Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward.
- LOWER BOOM (LUFF DOWN)
- Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward.
- SLEW
- Arm extended, point with finger in direction of swing of boom. OVERHEAD GANTRY CRANE - Arm extended, point with finger in the long-travel or cross-travel direction.
- RAISE THE BOOM AND LOWER THE LOAD
- One arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward. Other arm extended downward with forefinger pointing down, move arm in horizontal circles.
- Lower the boom and raise the load
- One arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward. Other arm vertical with forefinger pointing up, move arm in horizontal circles.
- Extend hydraulic boom or trolley out (tower crane)
- Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing outward.
- Retract hydraulic boom or trolley in (tower crane)
- Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing toward each other.
- Travel
- Arms bent at the elbows, fists clenched, rotate both forearms around each other, then point in the direction of travel.
- Travel (one track - crawler cranes only)
- Lock the track on the side indicated by the closed fist. Travel opposite track in the direction indicated by circular motion of other fist rotated vertically in front of body.
- Finished with crane
- Place arms above head and cross hands.
