STANDARD HAND SIGNALS 
FOR CONTROLLING CRANE OPERATIONS
SWING.  Arm extended, point with 
finger in direction of swing of 
boom.
STOP.  Arm extended, palm 
down, move arm back and forth 
horizontally.
EMERGENCY STOP. Both arms 
extended, palms down, move 
arms back and forth horizontally.
HOIST.  With forearm vertical, 
forefinger pointing up, move hand 
in small horizontal circle.
LOWER.  With arm extended 
downward, forefinger pointing 
down, move hand in small 
horizontal circle.
USE MAIN HOIST.  Tap fist on 
head; then use regular signals.
TRAVEL. Arm extended forward, 
hand open and slightly raised, 
making pushing motion in 
direction of travel.
DOG EVERYTHING. Clasp 
hands in front of body.
TRAVEL (Both Tracks). Use 
both fists in front of body, making 
a circular motion about each 
other, indicating direction of travel, 
forward or backward. (For land 
cranes only.)
USE WHIPLINE (Auxiliary 
Hoist).  Tap elbow with one hand; 
then use regular signals,
RAISE BOOM. Arm extended, 
fingers closed, thumb pointing 
upward.
LOWER BOOM. Arm extended, 
fingers closed, thumb pointing 
downward.
TRAVEL (One Track). Lock the 
track on side indicated by raised 
fist. Travel opposite track in 
direction indicated by circular 
motion of other fist, rotated 
vertically in front of body. (For land 
cranes only)
RETRACT BOOM (Telescoping 
Booms).  Both fists in front of 
body with thumbs pointing toward 
each other.
EXTEND BOOM (Telescoping 
Booms).  Both fists in front of 
body with thumbs pointing 
outward,
MOVE SLOWLY.  Use one hand 
to give any motion signal and 
place other hand motionless in 
front of hand giving the motion 
signal. (Hoist slowly shown as 
example.)
RAISE THE BOOM AND LOWER 
THE LOAD.  With arm extended, 
thumb pointing up, flex fingers in 
and out as long as load movement 
is desired.
LOWER THE BOOM AND RAISE 
THE LOAD.  With arm extended, 
thumb pointing down, flex fingers 
in and out as long as load 
movement is desired.
EXTRACTED FROM ANSI 
STANDARD ASME B30.5 - 2000 
THIS COMPLIES WITH OSHA 
STANDARDS
9371
9372
9373
9374