Crane Safety and Signals

Cranes are involved in some of the most serious and fatal incidents on UK construction sites each year.
All crane operations must comply with LOLER 1998 and be planned by an appointed person for lifting operations.
Crane operators must hold valid competency cards such as CPCS or NPORS for the specific crane type being operated.
Standard hand signals for crane operations are defined in BS 7121 and must be used by trained slingers and signallers.
The crane must never be loaded beyond its rated capacity — load charts must be consulted for every configuration.
Outriggers must be fully extended and set on firm ground with spreader plates before any lifting begins.
Exclusion zones must be established and maintained beneath and around every crane lift to protect workers.
Wind speed must be monitored continuously — most mobile cranes must cease operations above 38 mph wind speed.
Only one person may give signals to the crane operator during a lift — multiple signallers cause confusion.
A pre-lift briefing involving the operator, slinger, signaller, and lift supervisor must take place before every lift.

Prevent dropped loads	An overloaded crane drops its load without warning — strict adherence to load charts prevents catastrophic failures.
Prevent crane overturn	Incorrect setup, overloading, or operating on soft ground causes cranes to overturn, crushing anyone in the fall zone.
Clear communication	Miscommunication during lifting operations leads to collisions, dropped loads, and crush injuries — standard signals prevent confusion.

Do

Don't

Check the crane's thorough examination certificate is current before any lift begins.
Consult the load chart for the specific configuration, radius, and boom length being used.
Extend all outriggers fully and set them on spreader plates on firm, level ground.
Conduct a pre-lift briefing with the operator, slinger, signaller, and lift supervisor.
Use only BS 7121 standard hand signals and ensure only one person signals at a time.
Establish and maintain exclusion zones beneath and around the lift at all times.
Monitor wind speed continuously and cease operations when limits are exceeded.
Attach tag lines to the load to control rotation and prevent uncontrolled swinging.
Carry out daily pre-use checks on the crane before the first lift of the shift.
Report any unusual crane behaviour, alarms, or concerns to the lift supervisor immediately.

DON'T lift any load without a current thorough examination certificate for the crane.
DON'T exceed the rated capacity shown on the load chart for the current configuration.
DON'T operate a crane with outriggers partially extended or on soft, unprepared ground.
DON'T begin a lift without completing the pre-lift briefing with all involved personnel.
DON'T use non-standard signals or allow multiple people to signal the operator.
DON'T walk or stand beneath a suspended load or within the crane's exclusion zone.
DON'T continue lifting in wind speeds above the stated limit for the crane type.
DON'T guide loads by hand — always use tag lines to control load movement.
DON'T skip the daily pre-use inspection — defects found early prevent serious incidents.
DON'T override crane safety systems such as rated capacity indicators or limit switches.

See also: Lift Plan Requirements | Exclusion Zones During Lifting

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