Mobile Crane Safety and Hand Signals
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Mobile Crane Safety and Hand Signals
Mobile cranes are used extensively on construction sites for lifting heavy loads including steel, precast concrete, mechanical plant, and formwork. They are complex machines requiring competent operators, detailed lift planning, and clear communication using standard hand signals. Crane collapses, dropped loads, and contact with overhead power lines are all potential fatal hazards. Every lift must be planned, supervised, and carried out in strict accordance with the lift plan and BS 7121.
- Ensure the crane operator holds a current CPCS or equivalent competency card for the crane type.
- Position the crane on firm, level ground and deploy all outriggers onto spreader plates.
- Verify the load weight against the crane's load chart for the working radius before every lift.
- Use only the standard BS 7121 hand signals agreed at the pre-lift briefing.
- Appoint a trained signaller with clear line of sight to both the operator and the load.
- Establish and maintain exclusion zones with physical barriers around the entire lifting area.
- Check for overhead power lines and maintain the safe clearance distance agreed with the network operator.
- Inspect all lifting accessories and ensure they have current thorough examination certificates.
- Stop lifting operations when wind speed exceeds the limit stated in the lift plan.
If the crane shows signs of instability or a load becomes uncontrollable, the operator should lower the load immediately or set it down safely. Clear the exclusion zone. If the crane tips, everyone must move away from the fall zone immediately.
- The crane operator must hold a valid competency card for the specific crane category being used.
- Every lift must be planned with the load weight verified against the crane's load chart at the radius.
- Standard BS 7121 hand signals must be agreed and used consistently for every lifting operation.
- Ground conditions must support the crane weight at full load — outriggers on spreader plates are essential.
- Overhead power lines must be identified and safe clearance distances maintained throughout the lift.
- If wind speed exceeds the lift plan limit, all lifting operations must stop immediately.
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