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Unit 1 — Workplace Safety and Equipment Management
Section 4 — Hoisting, Lifting, & Rigging

4.9 Communication Methods

Clear, unambiguous communication between the signaller and the equipment operator is critical during every lifting operation. When verbal communication is not possible due to distance or noise, a standardized system of hand signals must be used. Only one designated signaller gives signals to the operator at any one time.

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🤚Hand Signals 📋Signal Reference 📐Principles 🦺Signaller ID 📡Electronic Devices 🔄Contingency Plan

4.9.1 Standard Hand Signals

The standard crane and hoist hand signals used in Canada are based on CSA Z150 and provincial construction regulations. Every worker involved in lifting operations must know these signals — not just the designated signaller.

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Stop & Emergency Stop — Anyone Can Signal The operator must obey signals only from the designated signaller — with one critical exception: a Stop or Emergency Stop signal must be obeyed immediately from any person on the job site, regardless of who gives it.
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Core Hand Signals — CSA Z150 Reference

Signal Hand / Body Description
Hoist Forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up — rotate hand in small horizontal circles
Lower Arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down — rotate hand in small horizontal circles
Stop Arm extended horizontally, palm facing down — hold position stationary
Emergency Stop Both arms extended horizontally, palms facing down — wave both arms back and forth
Move Slowly Use one hand to give any motion signal; place other hand motionless over top of the first hand
Swing Arm fully extended, point with forefinger in the desired direction of swing
Travel Arm extended forward, hand open and slightly raised — make a pushing motion in the direction of travel
Extend Boom Both fists in front of face with thumbs pointing outward — rotate fists outward
Retract Boom Both fists in front of face with thumbs pointing inward — rotate fists inward
Dog Everything Clasp hands together in front of the body — suspend all operations immediately
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Principles of Effective Hand Signalling

  • Always position yourself in clear, unobstructed view of the equipment operator.
  • Face the operator directly when giving signals — never signal with your back toward the cab.
  • Use large, deliberate, unambiguous movements — small or hesitant gestures can be misread.
  • Wait for the operator to acknowledge the signal before the operation begins.
  • If the operator's line of sight is obstructed, relay signals through an intermediate signaller positioned between you and the operator.
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Signaller Identification

The designated signaller must be clearly identifiable to the operator at all times. Ambiguity about who is giving signals is a leading cause of communication failures during lifts.

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Identification Requirements A high-visibility vest of a distinctive colour — different from that worn by other site workers — is commonly required to identify the designated signaller. Before work begins, all parties (operator, rigger, ground crew) must verbally confirm who the designated signaller is for that lift.

4.9.2 Electronic Communication Devices

Electronic communication methods supplement — and in some conditions replace — hand signals when direct visual contact between the signaller and operator is not possible. Each method has specific appropriate uses and limitations.

📻 Two-Way Radios

  • Use when: Signaller cannot maintain direct visual contact — large facilities, blind corners, multi-floor installations.
  • Establish a dedicated channel for lifting operations — no other traffic on that channel during the lift.
  • Use standard verbal commands mirroring hand signals: "Hoist slow," "Hold," "Lower easy."
  • Never use casual conversation on a lift radio channel.

📱 Mobile Phones

  • Generally not recommended as a primary method for active lift operations.
  • Risks include dropped calls, interference, distraction, and delayed response time.
  • Acceptable for pre-lift planning communication or emergency use only.
  • Never use a mobile phone as the sole communication channel during an active lift.

📷 Video Systems

  • Camera-based monitoring gives the operator a remote view of areas not directly visible from the cab.
  • Useful supplementary aid on complex or confined lifts.
  • Video systems do not replace a qualified signaller — signal confirmation must still occur through standard hand signal or radio channels.
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Communication Contingency Planning

Before any lift begins, all parties must agree on what action the operator will take if communication is lost mid-lift. This must be discussed and confirmed during the pre-lift briefing.

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Standard Response — Lost Communication If communication is lost at any point during a lift, the standard industry practice is: stop all movement immediately and hold position. Do not lower, travel, or swing. Wait until communication is fully re-established and all parties have confirmed readiness before continuing.
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Pre-Lift Communication Confirmation Checklist

  • Designated signaller identified and confirmed by operator, rigger, and ground crew.
  • Signaller wearing a distinctive high-visibility vest differentiating them from other site workers.
  • Communication method confirmed — hand signals, radio channel number, or both.
  • Backup/contingency communication method identified if primary fails.
  • Lost-communication protocol confirmed: stop and hold until communication restored.
  • All parties acknowledge the pre-lift briefing verbally before rigging begins.
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