Becoming a Qualified Signal Person is a great way to make a living and/or get your “foot in the door” if you want to be a crane operator in the future. Let’s begin looking at when/why a signal person is needed in the construction industry. When is a signal person required? A signal person is required when:
• The point of operation is not in full view of the operator (1926.1419(a)).
• The operator’s view is obstructed in the direction the equipment is traveling.
• Either the operator or the person handling the load determines that a signal person is needed because of site-specific safety concerns
Now that we know it is a requirement to have a Qualified Signal Person on-site during the hoisting operations mentioned above, we need to understand what skills and knowledge a Qualified Signal Person should have.
- Understands the signals used that are specific to that worksite
- Display a competent use of these signals
- Understands crane dynamics including those involving swinging, raising, lowering, stopping loads and boom deflection
- Must pass an oral or written test as well as a practical test
- Must be evaluated by a third party or someone designated by the employer
A signal person is the “eyes and ears” on the ground for the crane operator. They need to be calm and concise with their signals and this all comes from proper signal person training such as what we provide at Colorado Crane Operator School. Jump on over to the calendar and enroll in our next class.
