For example, a signalperson could be considered qualified if he or she can correctly answer oral or written questions about crane operation and safety asked by their company’ s lift director, and can also demonstrate that they know the required hand or verbal signals that will be used to communicate with the crane operator.
Even though the qualification process can be done orally, the employer must document it and keep a record on site.
Signalpersons must know the standard crane operation hand signals specified in the ANSI B30.5 standard, a few of which are shown here.
Knowledge and Communication Skills
What must a signalperson know for OSHA to consider him or her qualified?
Most obviously, they must know how to communicate clearly and accurately with the crane operator.
Those requirements are listed in OSHA / ASME regulations 29 CFR 1926.1419 through 1926.1422 and in ANSI standard B30.5-2018.
Those regulations require a signalperson to know the 20, or so, standard hand signals commonly used in crane operation, plus any special hand signals for a specific lift. If special signals are needed, the signalperson and the crane operator must agree on them before the lift starts.
The regulations also require the signalperson to know how to use any needed voice signals and audio equipment, for example a mobile radio, used to communicate with the crane operator.
Again, the signalperson and the crane operator must agree on those signals before the lift starts.
Any message to the crane operator, whether visual or verbal, must be given from the
38 July 4, 2025 www. contractorshotline. com