Confined Spaces for Canada

### **Crane Hand Signals for Canada**
Crane hand signals are essential for safe and efficient crane operations, especially on noisy worksites or when visibility or distance limits verbal communication. In Canada, crane hand signals follow standardized practices, such as those outlined in the **CSA Z150 Standard for Mobile Cranes** and provincial/territorial occupational health and safety regulations.

Below are the key crane hand signals, their descriptions, and their applications:

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### **1. General Rules for Crane Hand Signals**
- **Designated Signaler**: Only one designated signaler communicates with the crane operator unless an emergency arises.
- **Clarity**: Signals should be large, clear, and deliberate.
- **Emergency Stops**: Any worker can give an emergency stop signal, and the crane operator must comply immediately.
- **Pre-Work Review**: Operators and signalers must confirm understanding of the signals before starting work.

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### **2. Common Crane Hand Signals**

#### **Hoist (Lift the Load)**
- **Signal**: Arm extended upward with index finger pointing up. Move hand in small circles.
- **Purpose**: Instructs the crane operator to raise the load vertically.

#### **Lower the Load**
- **Signal**: Arm extended downward with index finger pointing down. Move hand in small circles.
- **Purpose**: Instructs the crane operator to lower the load vertically.

#### **Stop (Standard Stop)**
- **Signal**: Arm extended outward with the palm facing down. Hold steady or move arm back and forth horizontally.
- **Purpose**: Signals the operator to halt all movement.

#### **Emergency Stop**
- **Signal**: Both arms extended outward with palms facing down. Wave arms back and forth horizontally.
- **Purpose**: Immediately stops all operations in an emergency.

#### **Raise Boom**
- **Signal**: Arm extended outward, make a thumbs-up gesture, and move hand in small circles.
- **Purpose**: Instructs the operator to raise the crane boom.

#### **Lower Boom**
- **Signal**: Arm extended outward, make a thumbs-down gesture, and move hand in small circles.
- **Purpose**: Instructs the operator to lower the boom.

#### **Swing Boom (Left or Right)**
- **Signal**: Arm extended outward, point with your index finger in the direction the boom should swing.
- **Purpose**: Directs the operator to rotate the boom left or right.

#### **Extend Boom**
- **Signal**: Both hands in front of the body with thumbs pointing outward. Move hands apart.
- **Purpose**: Instructs the operator to lengthen the boom.

#### **Retract Boom**
- **Signal**: Both hands in front of the body with thumbs pointing inward. Move hands together.
- **Purpose**: Instructs the operator to shorten the boom.

#### **Travel (Crawler Cranes or Mobile Cranes)**
- **Forward Travel**:
- **Signal**: Both arms extended forward with palms facing up. Move hands in a circular motion.
- **Purpose**: Instructs the operator to move the crane forward.
- **Reverse Travel**:
- **Signal**: Both arms extended backward with palms facing up. Move hands in a circular motion.
- **Purpose**: Instructs the operator to move the crane backward.

#### **Dog Everything (Pause All Movements)**
- **Signal**: Hands clasped together in front of the body.
- **Purpose**: Temporarily stops all crane operations.

#### **Move Load (Horizontally)**
- **Signal**: Arm extended outward with the index finger pointing in the desired horizontal direction.
- **Purpose**: Guides the operator to move the load laterally.

#### **Tilt Load**
- **Signal**: Hold one hand flat while tilting it back and forth.
- **Purpose**: Adjust the tilt of the load.

#### **Use Main Hoist**
- **Signal**: Tap the top of your head with a closed fist, then perform the hoist or lower motion.
- **Purpose**: Directs the operator to use the main hoist.

#### **Use Auxiliary Hoist**
- **Signal**: Tap your elbow with one hand, then perform the hoist or lower motion.
- **Purpose**: Directs the operator to use the auxiliary hoist.

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### **3. Training and Certification Requirements**
In Canada, employers are required to ensure that workers involved in crane operations are properly trained. This includes signalers and operators.

- **Signalers Must Be Competent**:
- Understand the signals and their proper use.
- Be familiar with site-specific hazards.
- **Certification**: Some provinces may require formal certification or specific training for signalers.

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### **4. Importance of Standardized Crane Hand Signals**
- **Improves Safety**: Minimizes the risk of accidents caused by miscommunication.
- **Enhances Efficiency**: Ensures smooth operations on busy and noisy worksites.
- **Compliance**: Meets CSA Z150 and provincial occupational health and safety regulations.

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### **5. Practical Tips for Signalers**
- **Position Yourself Clearly**: Ensure the crane operator can see you at all times. Use radios for confirmation if visibility is limited.
- **Use Consistent Signals**: Avoid improvising signals, as this can lead to confusion.
- **Monitor Surroundings**: Be aware of potential hazards like obstacles, other workers, or equipment.

By adhering to these standardized hand signals and safety practices, crane operations can be conducted effectively and safely across Canada.