Crane Hand Signals UK: Safe Communication in Crane Operations

Why is Communication Important in Crane Operations?

Effective communication is fundamental to safe crane operations, particularly where the crane operator cannot maintain a clear view of the lifting procedure. Where signalling is required, a competent signaller communicates agreed manoeuvring instructions to the crane operator, helping the lifting operation to be carried out in accordance with the planned system of work.

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require employers to use safety signs and signals where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Where visual signalling forms part of the selected control measures, recognised hand signals can be used to direct crane manoeuvres. 

BS 7121-1 provides recognised guidance for crane operations, including hand signalling. HSE guidance also recognises the hand-signal code set out in Schedule 1 of the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations.

The Risks of Miscommunication On Site 

Miscommunication between a crane operator and signaller can pose a significant risk to people and high-value assets on site. Key risks include:

• Dropped loads: Incorrect instructions may cause a load to be lowered, released or moved unexpectedly, which could result in serious injury or fatality, as well as damage to the load or surrounding property.
• People being hit by the crane or its load: Miscommunication can cause the crane or suspended load to move unexpectedly, potentially resulting in the crane or load striking workers, vehicles or members of the public.
• Crushing and trapping: Personnel may become trapped between the load and another object if the crane moves in the wrong direction or at the wrong time, putting them at risk of injury or requiring an emergency stop.
• Load swing: Poorly coordinated movements can contribute to unexpected or excessive load swing, increasing the risk of the load striking people, structures or other equipment.
• Collisions: The crane’s boom, jib or load may collide with buildings, scaffolding, plant, vehicles, other cranes or overhead services, causing damage to the crane or the surroundings.
• Project delays: Lifting operations may need to stop while communication issues are resolved or while unclear signals are confirmed, causing programme delays and increased costs.

How Effective Communication Helps Health & Safety 

Effective communication is an important safety control during lifting operations. By providing clear, recognised instructions, hand signals reduce the risk of misunderstandings and contribute to well-controlled operations. This is particularly beneficial in lifts where the operator cannot see the entirety of the load and lifting area. 

The signaller monitors the manoeuvre from a suitable position and communicates the agreed instructions to the crane operator while supporting the defined safety arrangements around the movement.

Designated hand signals convey an immediate message to the crane operator. This is particularly important in emergency situations. The recognised emergency-stop signal provides an immediate visual instruction to stop movement where danger is identified.

Crane Hand Signals Overview 

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 set out a recognised code of hand signals that can be used for hazardous manoeuvres. Where this signalling code is selected, the signals should be understood and used consistently by those involved. Examples of how these hand signals are used include:

• When the crane operator has a restricted view of the site or load
• As part of routine lifting operations
• In situations where verbal communication isn’t suitable
• In combination with radio communication
• To communicate the need for an emergency stop by any worker on-site

Who is Responsible for Giving Hand Signals? 

A designated competent signaller is responsible for communicating agreed manoeuvring instructions to the crane operator. Where one person also undertakes slinging duties, they must be competent for the responsibilities assigned to them.

The Safety Signs and Signals Regulations state that the signaller must be able to monitor all manoeuvres visually without putting themselves at risk. If one signaller cannot monitor all the required manoeuvres safely, additional signallers may be used. In those circumstances, the communication arrangements should clearly establish who is directing the operator at each stage. 

The only exception to signalling responsibility is emergency stop signals. The crane operator should immediately cease operations if this signal is communicated by anyone on site.

Under LOLER, every lifting operation needs to be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. Competent signalling arrangements can form part of the safe system of work but do not replace the separate LOLER requirements for proper planning, appropriate supervision and safe execution.

Common Crane Hand Signals 

Schedule 1 of the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 includes the following recognised hand signals:

Best Practices for Crane Hand Signals Safety 

Maintain Clear Visibility 

Where hand signals are being used, the crane operator must be able to recognise the signaller clearly, while the signaller must be able to monitor the manoeuvres visually from a position that does not place them at risk. The signaller should be able to see the surrounding work area, the crane and load from a safe vantage point. If this isn’t possible, alternative communications and additional signallers may be required.

Use a Designated Signaller 

A dedicated signaller provides a crane operator with one point of reference for communication, ensuring they receive consistent and clear instructions throughout the lift. Emergency stop instructions are the one exception to this rule. Where additional signallers are required, the arrangements should make clear which signaller is providing instructions to the operator.

Confirm Signals Before Lifting 

The communication method and signals used during the lift should be confirmed as part of the lift planning stage. The crane operator and signaller should understand the agreed signalling code and communication arrangements for the planned lifting operation. 

Avoid Improvised Gestures 

Improvised gestures can cause confusion and result in unexpected movement of the crane, which increases risk. Use the agreed recognised signalling code consistently. Where additional signals are genuinely required, they should be defined and understood in advance rather than improvised during the manoeuvre. 

Wear Appropriate High-Visibility PPE

The signaller should be readily identifiable to the operator using suitable distinctive items. High-visibility clothing may be required where lighting, weather or site conditions affect visibility, while items such as reflective armbands or signalling bats can provide additional identification where suitable. 

Training 

Anyone responsible for giving or receiving lifting instructions should be competent in the agreed communication method, with signallers trained in the correct use of the signalling code selected for the operation. The HSE L64 guidance advises that individuals using hand signals should complete training on their use. New employees who have previously worked using a different recognised signalling system should receive retraining where necessary.

Alternatives or Additions to Hand Signals 

There is a range of alternatives or additions that crane operators and signallers can use for clear communication. These include:

• Voice communication: Direct or transmitted verbal instructions can be used where the agreed messages can be heard and understood reliably
• Two-way radios: Used where hand signals cannot be seen clearly, such as during blind lifts
• Additional signallers: Where one signaller cannot monitor all required manoeuvres safely, further competent signallers can support the agreed communication arrangement

Creating Safer Communication in Crane Operations 

Clear, planned communication can help reduce on-site risk and support the protection of workers and valuable assets. Some of the steps you can take to improve safety through communication include the following:

• Selecting the communication method during lift planning
• Recording the agreed arrangements in the lift procedure or method statement where required
• Confirming the communication arrangements during the pre-lift briefing
• Providing suitable initial and refresher training
• Reviewing communication arrangements when site conditions or the lifting operation change
• Ensuring the signaller can be clearly identified

Safe Crane Operations With Ainscough Crane Hire 

At Ainscough, safety is built into the foundations of our business. Our Make the Safe Choice ethos includes using defined communication arrangements as part of Ainscough’s agreed scope of work, supported by trained and competent Crane Operators and Slinger/Signallers.

If you require a managed lifting solution for your project, contact Ainscough to discuss the lifting requirements and suitable service scope. Our fleet of more than 300 cranes is supported by experienced lifting professionals and technical specialists, with managed planning and coordination available as part of an agreed Contract Lift service across the UK. Call us on 0800 272 637 or email us at info@ainscough.co.uk today.