Signalling and communication during lifting

The crane operator often cannot see the entire lift themselves — the load, the landing spot and the people nearby. Therefore, there is often a rigger or signaller who directs the lift. Communication between them is part of the safety: if a signal is misunderstood, the load can go the wrong way.

The rule is in the executive order on the use of technical equipment: If the crane operator cannot see the whole path of the load — neither directly nor with aids such as a camera — the operator must be assisted by a signaller (BEK no. 428 of 05/04/2022 § 53).

Agreed, fixed signals eliminate doubt. When both parties use the same signals, you don't need to guess what the other person means. The signals must be clear and visible or audible at a distance, and they must be the same every time so they become a routine you can rely on under pressure.

Hand signals are used when driver and signaller can see each other. They cover the basic movements the crane can perform and must be calm and unambiguous.

Hand signals require clear visual contact between slinger and crane operator in all phases — from attaching to detaching the load. Give the signals with large, clear movements of the whole arm (BFA Industri).

• 01Hoist up and hoist down — the load is lifted or lowered
• 02Drive forward, backward, right or left — the load moves horizontally
• 03Swing — the crane's arm or boom rotates
• 04Slow — the same movement, but performed at reduced speed
• 05Stop — the lift is stopped immediately

If you cannot see each other, radio is used. Always do a radio test before the work starts. BFA Industri lists these fixed words:

• 01«Hejs» (hoist) — the crane operator lifts the load.
• 02«Fir» (lower) — the crane operator lowers the load.
• 03«Kør» (travel) + direction — the crane moves in the direction said immediately afterwards, e.g. «Kør højre» (travel right). It helps to show the direction with your hand too.
• 04«Stands» (stop) — the movement stops, whether hoisting, lowering or travelling.
• 05«Nødstands» (emergency stop) — the crane stops because of sudden danger.

Only one person directs the lift at a time. If several give signals simultaneously, the operator doesn't know who to follow. The designated signaller is the only one who directs — except for the stop signal, which anyone may give. If the signaller needs to be changed while the load is suspended, it happens when the load is stationary and is clearly agreed.

When the operator and signal giver can't see each other—for example during high lifts or around corners—radio is used. The same principles apply: clear, uniform messages, confirmation that the message is understood, and an agreement about what happens if the connection drops. If you lose contact, the lift stops.

Operator and signal person agree on communication before the lift starts: who directs, are hand signals or radio used, and where is the signal person positioned so they can see both load and landing spot. A brief agreement before the lift avoids many misunderstandings along the way.