Key Takeaways
- OSHA Subpart CC Appendix A defines 19 standard rigging hand signals that apply to all construction crane operations.
- A signal person is required whenever the operator cannot see the point of operation, the travel path is obstructed, or site conditions create safety concerns per 1926.1419(a).
- Anyone on site can give the stop or emergency stop signal regardless of their role per 1926.1419(j).
- OSHA requires signal persons to be qualified through either a third-party evaluator (such as NCCCO certification) or an employer’s qualified evaluator per 1926.1428.
- Hand signal charts must be posted on the equipment or conspicuously in the vicinity of hoisting operations per 1926.1422.
Rigging Hand Signals: What This Guide Covers
Every crane lift depends on clear communication between the operator and the signal person. Rigging hand signals are the standard visual language defined by OSHA 1926 Subpart CC Appendix A and ASME B30.5. This guide covers all 19 standard signals, the regulatory requirements for when and how they must be used, signal person qualification rules, and how the Certified Crane Signal Person Course prepares workers for the role.
Whether you are a rigger, crane operator, signal person, or safety manager, this is the complete crane hand signal chart reference for construction and entertainment rigging operations.
When Is a Signal Person Required?
Per OSHA 1926.1419(a), a signal person is required under three conditions:
- The point of operation is not in full view of the operator.
- 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.
These conditions apply on every construction crane site. If any one of them exists, operations must not proceed without a qualified signal person in place.
Critical rule: Per 1926.1419(j), anyone who becomes aware of a safety problem must alert the operator or signal person by giving the stop or emergency stop signal. This applies regardless of whether that person is the designated signal person.
Who Gives Signals on a Crane Site?
Per 1926.1419(h), only one person may give signals to a crane or derrick at a time. The designated signal person must be identifiable and positioned where they can see the load and be seen by the operator.
All signal person hand signals must be given from the operator’s direction perspective per 1926.1419(k). If the signal person faces the operator, “swing left” means the boom moves to the operator’s left, not the signal person’s left.
Types of Signals Under OSHA Subpart CC
OSHA Subpart CC recognizes four signal types:
- Hand signals (1926.1419(c)): The Standard Method defined in Appendix A. Required unless infeasible or the situation involves a specialized attachment not covered by the standard set.
- Voice signals (1926.1421): Must follow a three-element structure in this order: function (hoist, boom, swing, etc.), direction/distance/speed, and the stop command.
- Audible signals (1926.1420): Radio, telephone, or other electronic transmission. Must use a dedicated channel, be tested on site before operations begin, and the operator must use a hands-free device.
- New signals (non-standard): Permitted only when the Standard Method is infeasible or does not cover the operation. Requires pre-operation agreement among the signal person, operator, and lift director.
Chart Posting Requirement
Per 1926.1422, hand signal charts must be either posted on the equipment or conspicuously posted in the vicinity of hoisting operations. This is a standalone, enforceable requirement. Safety managers should verify that every crane on site has a visible chart.
The Complete Standard Hand Signal Chart
The following table lists all 19 standard crane operator hand signals from OSHA Subpart CC Appendix A, originally derived from ASME B30.5. These are the rigger signals every qualified signal person must know.
Stop and Safety Signals
| Signal Name | Description |
|---|---|
| STOP | Arm extended horizontally to the side, palm down. Arm is swung back and forth. |
| EMERGENCY STOP | Both arms extended horizontally to the side, palms down. Both arms are swung back and forth. |
| DOG EVERYTHING | Hands clasped together at waist level. Indicates that all operations should stop and the load should be held in position. |
Hoist and Load Signals
| Signal Name | Description |
|---|---|
| HOIST | Upper arm extended to the side, forearm and index finger pointing straight up. Hand and finger make small circles. |
| LOWER | Arm and index finger pointing down. Hand and finger make small circles. |
| USE MAIN HOIST | A hand taps on top of the head, then the regular signal is given. |
| USE AUXILIARY HOIST (Whipline) | Arm bent at elbow with forearm vertical. Elbow is tapped with the other hand, then the regular signal is given. |
| MOVE SLOWLY | A hand is placed in front of the hand giving the action signal. This is a modifier applied to any action signal to indicate reduced speed. |
Boom Signals
| Signal Name | Description |
|---|---|
| RAISE BOOM | Arm extended horizontally to the side, thumb pointing up, other fingers closed. |
| LOWER BOOM | Arm extended horizontally to the side, thumb pointing down, other fingers closed. |
| RAISE THE BOOM AND LOWER THE LOAD | Arm extended horizontally to the side, thumb pointing up, fingers open and close while load movement is desired. |
| LOWER THE BOOM AND RAISE THE LOAD | Arm extended horizontally to the side, thumb pointing down, fingers open and close while load movement is desired. |
| SWING | Arm extended horizontally, index finger points in the direction the boom is to swing. |
Telescoping Boom Signals
| Signal Name | Description |
|---|---|
| EXTEND TELESCOPING BOOM | Hands to the front at waist level, thumbs pointing outward, other fingers closed. |
| RETRACT TELESCOPING BOOM | Hands to the front at waist level, thumbs pointing toward each other, other fingers closed. |
Travel Signals
| Signal Name | Description |
|---|---|
| TRAVEL / TOWER TRAVEL | All fingers pointing up, arm extended horizontally out and back to make a pushing motion in the direction of travel. |
| CRAWLER CRANE TRAVEL, BOTH TRACKS | Rotate fists around each other in front of body. Rotation away from body means forward. Rotation toward body means backward. |
| CRAWLER CRANE TRAVEL, ONE TRACK | Raise fist on the side of the track to be locked. Other fist rotates to indicate direction of travel (away from body for forward, toward body for backward). |
| TROLLEY TRAVEL | Palm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing in direction of motion. Hand is jerked horizontally in the direction the trolley is to travel. |
This crane hand signal chart represents the complete Standard Method. All 19 signals must be known by any qualified signal person working construction crane operations.
Standard vs. Non-Standard Hand Signals
The Standard Method (the 19 signals listed above) is the default requirement per 1926.1419(c)(1). Non-standard signals are only permitted when:
- The Standard Method is not feasible for the operation.
- A specialized crane attachment requires signals not covered by the Standard Method.
When non-standard signals are used, the signal person, operator, and lift director must agree on the signals before operations begin. This agreement must cover every non-standard signal that will be used during the lift.
Safety managers should document any non-standard signal agreements and retain them in the project file.
Signal Person Qualification Requirements
Per OSHA 1926.1428, a qualified signal person must demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge and understanding of the signal types used at the worksite
- Competency in giving those signals
- Understanding of crane operations and limitations, including dynamics involved in swinging, raising, lowering, stopping loads, and boom deflection
- Knowledge of the relevant OSHA signal person requirements (1926.1419 through 1926.1422, and 1926.1428)
Qualification requires passing both an oral or written test and a practical test.
Two Qualification Pathways
| Pathway | Evaluator | Portability |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party qualified evaluator | An accredited organization such as NCCCO | Portable across employers |
| Employer’s qualified evaluator | The employer designates an evaluator | Not portable to other employers |
As stated in the NCCCO Signalperson Candidate Handbook: OSHA requires signal persons to be qualified rather than certified. NCCCO certification meets this qualification requirement as a third-party pathway.
For workers who move between employers or job sites, third-party certification through NCCCO is the practical choice because it transfers with the individual.
How NCCCO Signal Person Certification Fits
NCCCO Signal Person certification satisfies the third-party qualification pathway. The certification process includes:
- Written Examination: Covers hand signals, voice communication, basic crane operations knowledge, situational awareness, and safety standards/regulations.
- Practical Examination: Tests the candidate’s ability to give signals correctly in field conditions.
Key details:
- Certification is valid for five years.
- Recertification requires passing the Practical Examination.
- NCCCO certification is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17024.
- NCCCO does not conduct training. Third-party training providers prepare candidates for the exams.
The Certified Crane Signal Person Course from American Crane & Safety prepares candidates for both the NCCCO written and practical examinations. The course covers all 19 standard hand signals, voice signal protocols, crane operations awareness, and the OSHA regulatory framework.
Training Options for Signal Persons, Operators, and Riggers
American Crane & Safety offers courses that cover signal communication, crane operations, and rigging for both construction and entertainment sectors. All courses are available online through the full course catalog or as on-site instruction at your location.
Courses Related to Crane Signals and Rigging
- Certified Crane Signal Person Course: Prepares candidates for NCCCO Signal Person certification. Covers all standard and voice signal protocols, crane operations awareness, and qualification requirements.
- Crane Awareness Course: For operators, riggers, and site personnel who need to understand crane operations, signal communication, and safe work practices around cranes.
- NCCCO Prep Course: For candidates pursuing NCCCO crane operator certification. Includes signal communication as part of the broader exam preparation.
- Entertainment Rigging Courses: For riggers working in live events and production. Standard hand signals from ASME B30.5 apply in entertainment rigging contexts, and these courses cover communication protocols for that sector.
Delivery Options
| Format | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Self-paced courses available through the American Crane & Safety course catalog on TalentLMS. Accessible on your schedule. |
| On-site | Instructor-led training at your location. Suitable for team-wide training and practical signal exercises. |
For group training, on-site delivery allows crews to practice signal communication in conditions that match their actual work environment. Contact American Crane & Safety for on-site scheduling and pricing.
Applying These Signals in Entertainment Rigging
OSHA Subpart CC applies specifically to construction, but the standard hand signals from ASME B30.5 are the accepted communication method across the entertainment rigging sector as well. Arena rigging, concert production, and theatrical fly systems all rely on clear visual signals between riggers and equipment operators.
American Crane & Safety offers Entertainment Rigging Courses for riggers working in live events who need training on signal communication, load handling, and rigging safety specific to that environment.
Summary: What to Do Next
If you are a safety manager or training coordinator, verify these items on your sites:
- A hand signal chart is posted on every crane or in the immediate vicinity of hoisting operations per 1926.1422.
- Every designated signal person has documentation of qualification through either a third-party evaluator or your employer’s qualified evaluator per 1926.1428.
- Signal type (hand, voice, or audible) is established before operations begin, and all parties are using the same signals.
For workers who need signal person qualification, the Certified Crane Signal Person Course from American Crane & Safety provides the training needed to pass the NCCCO written and practical examinations. Browse the full course catalog or contact American Crane & Safety to schedule on-site training for your crew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many standard hand signals does OSHA require for crane operations?
OSHA Subpart CC Appendix A defines 19 standard hand signals covering stop and safety, hoist and load, boom, telescoping boom, and travel operations. These signals originate from ASME B30.5 and apply to all construction crane work.
When is a signal person required on a crane site?
Per OSHA 1926.1419(a), a signal person is required when the point of operation is not in full view of the operator, when the operator’s view is obstructed in the direction of travel, or when the operator or the person handling the load determines one is needed for site-specific safety concerns.
What is the difference between signal person qualification and certification?
OSHA requires signal persons to be qualified, not certified. However, NCCCO certification satisfies the qualification requirement as a third-party evaluation pathway. Employer-based qualification is the other pathway, but it is not portable to other employers.
Can anyone give a stop signal to a crane operator?
Yes. Per OSHA 1926.1419(j), anyone who becomes aware of a safety problem must alert the operator or signal person by giving the stop or emergency stop signal, regardless of whether they are the designated signal person.
Do standard hand signals apply to entertainment rigging?
OSHA Subpart CC applies to construction, but the standard hand signals from ASME B30.5 are the accepted communication method in entertainment rigging as well. American Crane & Safety offers Entertainment Rigging Courses that cover signal communication for the live events sector.