No matter what type of job is on the cards, every crane operator knows that safety should always come first, and often use hand signals as a way to communicate.
Most people know that a crane is a machine that is used to lift and move heavy loads, machines, materials, and goods for a variety of purposes. From construction to manufacturing to shipbuilding and material loading, cranes are used in a wide variety of settings, sectors and projects. While they belong to the same machinery parent group, a mobile crane is an instrumental piece of equipment, mounted on a prime mover and controlled by pulleys and cables - think of a crane, only portable.
However, working with machines of this size and weight capacity requires a serious commitment to safety. A reputable crane operator should have a wide variety of qualifications, a wealth of experience, and most importantly, a thorough understanding of how to operate a crane safely. While there’s many ways to do so, one of the easiest methods includes hand signals - but what do they actually mean?
Understanding Common Crane Operator Hand Signals
Anyone who’s ever worked on a construction site is all too familiar with the fact that there’s often a lot going on. From coordinating multiple contractors, transporting materials and more, the level of noise on these types of job sites can often make it difficult to communicate with your fellow team members. For a crane operator, this is where the simple strategy of using hand signals can be most effective, with some of the most common including the following.
Stop
- Arguably the most critical hand signal used by a crane operator is conveying the need to stop. This is communicated by extending an arm, with the palm of the hand facing flat to the ground or surface.
Raise Boom
- For on site team members ready to signal to the crane operator that the boom needs to be raised, extend an arm outward, with all the fingers in your hand closed in a fist and the thumb extended. Proceed to gesture or point upward.
Lower Boom
- Once the crane operator is finished unloading and it’s safe to lower the boom, the hand signals to do so are simply the opposite of going up. The arm is extended, and the thumb is pointed in a downward gesture.
Swing Boom
- Used to let the crane operator know that the arm of the crane needs to be moved to the left or the right, this is a common gesture when mid task. Simply extend an arm away from your body, and point your index finger in the direction the boom needs to move.
Hoisting Down
- To signal that a load is ready to be loaded with the crane’s hoist, simply extend your arm vertically and point a finger toward the sky. While doing so, make small circles in a clockwise motion with your hand while keeping the index finger upright.
Lower Load
- To communicate to the crane operator that a load needs to be lowered, the process is similar to hoisting it. The point of difference is that although your arm is still extended, this time point a finger towards the ground and make circular movements with the hand.
Travel
- When the whole crane needs to be moved from one point to another on a job site, the primary travel hand signal involves extending your hand out to the side in the direction you need it to go, so that the crane operator can safely move to the next point.
In order to reap the benefits of hiring a mobile crane, the simple fact of the matter is that you need to avoid renting a lemon and to partner with a crane operator that truly values safety. More often than not, a less than ideal mobile hire company could very well cause more headaches than they do solutions, so it’s important for consumers to do their research and partner with a reputable provider - but where do you find one?
Sourcing Crane Hire Solutions With Lindores
Lindores Mobile Cranes (LMC) are a mobile crane and labour hire business that has unequalled experience in the construction industry spanning two generations. In operation since 2007, we’re a family owned business and are also proud owners of Brisbane’s only Humma crane.
Google reviews and even peers within the industry are always a good starting point to ensure that a mobile crane hire company is a reputable business provider. At Lindores, we’re only too happy to show you the feedback from our customers, as it’s something that we’re actually quite proud of.
At LMC, we pride ourselves on knowing what our customers require, and aren’t afraid to think outside of the box with suggestions in order to reduce costs and increase productivity. If you would like to explore your options regarding crane hire in South East Queensland or aren’t quite sure where to start, get in touch with us today.