Crane Hand Signals: The OSHA Standard Method
Updated October 14, 2026
Crane hand signals are the fixed set of arm and hand motions a signal person uses to direct a crane operator. On construction sites, OSHA requires the Standard Method shown in Appendix A to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC whenever hand signals are used (1926.1419(c)), a hand signal chart posted on the equipment or near the hoisting operation (1926.1422), and a signal person qualified under 1926.1428 before any signal is given. A signal person is required when the operator cannot see the load's travel or the area where it will be placed, when the path ahead of a traveling crane is hidden from the operator, or when site conditions lead the operator or the load handler to call for one (1926.1419(a)).
The 19 standard crane hand signals (Appendix A)
These are the signals in the Standard Method chart. The descriptions below are plain-language summaries; post the official chart itself at the crane, because 1926.1422 requires the chart, not a summary, to be on the equipment or in view of the hoisting operation.
| Signal | How it is given |
|---|---|
| Stop | One arm straight out to the side, palm down, swung back and forth |
| Emergency stop | Both arms straight out to the sides, palms down, swung back and forth |
| Hoist | Upper arm out to the side, forearm and index finger pointing straight up, hand making small circles |
| Lower | Arm and index finger pointing down, hand making small circles |
| Raise boom | Arm straight out to the side, fingers closed, thumb pointing up |
| Lower boom | Arm straight out to the side, fingers closed, thumb pointing down |
| Swing | Arm straight out, index finger pointing the way the boom should swing |
| Raise the boom and lower the load | Arm out, thumb up, fingers opening and closing for as long as load movement is wanted |
| Lower the boom and raise the load | Arm out, thumb down, fingers opening and closing for as long as load movement is wanted |
| Extend telescoping boom | Both hands in front at waist level, thumbs pointing outward, other fingers closed |
| Retract telescoping boom | Both hands in front at waist level, thumbs pointing at each other, other fingers closed |
| Move slowly | One hand held in front of the hand giving the action signal |
| Dog everything | Hands clasped together at waist level |
| Use main hoist | Tap the top of the head with one hand, then give the regular signal |
| Use auxiliary hoist (whipline) | Bend the arm with the forearm upright, tap the elbow with the other hand, then give the regular signal |
| Travel / tower travel | Arm out level with fingers pointing up, pushing in the direction of travel |
| Crawler crane travel, both tracks | Fists rotating around each other in front of the body: away from the body for forward, toward the body for backward |
| Crawler crane travel, one track | Raise a fist on the side of the track to lock, and rotate the other fist in front of the body in the direction the other track should move |
| Trolley travel | Palm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing the direction of motion, hand jerked sideways in that direction |
When OSHA requires a signal person
- ✓ The point of operation (the load travel or the area at or near load placement) is not in full view of the operator: 1926.1419(a)(1)
- ✓ The crane is traveling and the view in the direction of travel is obstructed: 1926.1419(a)(2)
- ✓ Site-specific safety concerns lead the operator or the load handler to call for a signal person: 1926.1419(a)(3)
- ✓ One signal person directs the crane at any moment; any worker who spots a safety problem gives the stop or emergency stop signal: 1926.1419(h) and (j)
- ✓ Directions are given from the operator's direction perspective, not the signal person's: 1926.1419(k)
- ✓ If the signal link is lost, the operator must safely stop operations that need signals until it is restored: 1926.1419(f)
Who can be a signal person (1926.1428)
Before giving any signal, the signal person must be qualified, either by a third-party qualified evaluator or by the employer's own qualified evaluator. An employer's evaluation is not portable: another employer cannot rely on it. The documentation must be available at the site and must list each type of signaling the person is qualified for, such as hand signals or radio.
- ✓ Knows and understands the type of signals used, including the Standard Method when hand signals are used
- ✓ Is competent in applying those signals
- ✓ Has a basic understanding of crane operation and limits, including how loads swing and stop and how the boom deflects under load
- ✓ Knows the signal rules in 1926.1419 through 1926.1422 and the qualification rule in 1926.1428
- ✓ Shows all of the above through an oral or written test and a practical test
Radio, voice and non-standard signals
- ✓ Radio and other electronic signals: test the device on site before operations start, use a dedicated channel, and give the operator a hands-free receiver (1926.1420)
- ✓ Voice signals: the operator, signal person and lift director agree on them before work starts, and each signal gives the function, the direction, the distance or speed, then the function and stop (1926.1421)
- ✓ Non-standard hand signals are allowed only where the Standard Method is infeasible or does not cover the operation, and only after the signal person, operator and lift director agree on them in advance (1926.1419(c)(2))
- ✓ Whatever the method, it must suit the site conditions, such as line of sight, noise and distance (1926.1419(e))
Signals, crane accidents and your lift paperwork
Subpart CC treats communication as a control in its own right: when the operator cannot see the load, the signal person is the operator's eyes, and a missed or confused signal can swing a load into a worker, a structure or a power line. That is why the rules require one signal giver at a time, a stop signal anyone can give, and a full stop whenever the signal link drops. Brief the signals before the first pick, confirm who the qualified signal person is, and keep people out from under the load.
Put the lift in writing. A job hazard analysis for the pick lists the steps, the hazards at each step, and the controls, including the signal person and the swing radius barricade. TailgateDocs writes one for your exact task for $29, and the crane and rigging toolbox talk is free to run with the crew before the lift.
Common questions
▸What are the standard crane hand signals?
The Standard Method in Appendix A to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC: 19 signals, including stop, emergency stop, hoist, lower, raise boom, lower boom, swing, move slowly, dog everything, travel, and the telescoping boom, auxiliary hoist and trolley signals. OSHA requires that method whenever hand signals are used, unless it is infeasible or does not cover the operation.
▸Does OSHA require a hand signal chart on site?
Yes. Under 1926.1422, hand signal charts must be posted on the equipment or conspicuously posted near the hoisting operation.
▸Who can give the stop signal to a crane operator?
Anyone. Only one person gives the working signals at a time, but under 1926.1419(j) anyone who becomes aware of a safety problem must alert the operator or signal person with the stop or emergency stop signal.
▸Does a signal person need to be certified?
They must be qualified under 1926.1428, either by a third-party qualified evaluator or by the employer's own qualified evaluator, through an oral or written test and a practical test. The documentation must be kept at the site and list each signal type the person is qualified for.
Official sources
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