Why a Signal Person Matters to Crane Safety

A significant part of the work done by American Aerial Services isn’t obvious to the untrained observer. Crane rentals are easy to understand, and the benefits of our steel erecting services last long after our work is done. But when it comes to the details of our work, there’s a lot that you might’ve overlooked — even though we certainly don’t. Case in point: the crane signal person, or spotter, who’s a vital part of much of our work. Here’s what they do, how they’re certified, and why it matters to us and to you alike when you’re looking for local crane services in Portland ME.

When a Crane Signal Person is Needed

When they’re using a 90-ton crane to move and place a heavy load, a crane operator can’t afford to be distracted. Unfortunately, visibility on many job sites isn’t all it should be. When you’re working in a tight space, or when the crane operator’s job is just one of a dozen or more being performed on site that day, situational awareness is crucial. But what do you do when lines of sight are compromised, or when you’re trying to navigate all of those obstacles? That’s where the crane signal person comes in.

What a Crane Signal Person Needs to Know

Like much of the rest of our work, our crane signal person is governed by OSHA regulations, and must meet or exceed the qualifications laid out in Subpart CC (specifically 1926.1419 through 1926.1422, and 1926.1428). They must know the signals used on worksites, and be fluent in their use. 

A crane signal person needs to know more than signals. Since they’re often providing an extra set of eyes and ears in circumstances where a crane operator might otherwise be operating blind, their understanding of crane mechanics (crane swing, tail swing, raising, lowering, and stopping rates for loads), and the dynamics of the load itself, including boom deflection, are also needed. And they need to prove all of the above via written and practical tests. 

A number of signals — hand, voice, and audible — can be used. Every so often, situations come up that don’t conform to the usual signals; when that’s the case, the signal person, operator, and anyone else who needs to be alerted will agree on appropriate non-standard signals. 

Why it Matters

At the end of the day, we’re working toward the same goal that you are: a job that’s completed on time, on budget, and safely. Given the nature of our work and the loads we’re handling, there’s a very low margin of error, and having a crane signal person on site is for your safety as much as ours.

Working with American Aerial Services

We’ve had a lot to say about safety up to this point, but it’s not just words; we walk the talk. Our teams carry crane operator certifications from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) in addition to OSHA. That’s required thousands of combined hours of training, written examinations, practicums, and refining our procedures and processes to ensure we’re always ready to give our best. So if you’re looking for the best local crane services in Portland ME, reach out to American Aerial Services.