California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders
Group 13 - Cranes and Other Hoisting Equipment
Article 98 - Operating Rules
Section 5001 - Signals - General Requirements

Universal Citation: 8 CA Code of Regs 5001

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) A signal person shall be provided when the point of operation is not in full and direct view of the operator unless a signaling or control device is provided for safe direction of the operator.

(1) Supplemental requirements for mobile cranes in construction. A signal person shall be provided if:

(A) when the equipment is traveling, the view in the direction of travel is obstructed.

(B) due to site specific safety concerns, either the operator or the person handling the load determines that it is necessary.

(b) Only qualified persons shall be permitted to give signals.

EXCEPTION: A stop signal may be given by any person.

(d) Hand Signals.

(1) A uniform signal system shall be used on all operations and if hand signals are used, they shall be clearly understood by the operator. (NOTE: For recommended hand signals, see Plate I.)

EXCEPTION: Where an operation or use of an attachment is not covered in the Standard Method, non-standard hand signals may be used in accordance with subsection (d)(2).

(2) Non-standard hand signals. When using non-standard hand signals, the signal person, operator, and lift director (where there is one) shall contact each other prior to the operation and agree on the non-standard hand signals that will be used.

(e) There shall be conspicuously posted in the vicinity of the hoisting operations, a legible chart depicting and explaining the system of signals used.

(f) Suitability. The signals used (hand, voice, or audible), and means of transmitting the signals to the operator (such as direct line of sight, video, radio, etc.), shall be appropriate for the site conditions.

(g) During operations requiring signals, the ability to transmit signals between the operator and signal person shall be maintained. If that ability is interrupted at any time, the operator shall safely stop operations requiring signals until it is reestablished and a proper signal is given and understood.

(1) Signal systems other than manual shall be protected against unauthorized use, breakage, weather or obstruction which will interfere with safe operation. In the event of any known malfunction, an alternate signal system shall be used or all motion shall be stopped.

(h) If the operator becomes aware of a safety problem and needs to communicate with the signal person, the operator shall safely stop operations. Operations shall not resume until the operator and signal person agree that the problem has been resolved.

(i) All directions given to the operator by the signal person shall be given from the operator's direction perspective.

(j) Communication with multiple cranes/derricks. Where a signal person(s) is in communication with more than one crane/derrick, a system shall be used for identifying the crane/derrick each signal is for, as follows:

(1) for each signal, prior to giving the function/direction, the signal person shall identify the crane/derrick the signal is for, or

(2) shall use an equally effective method of identifying which crane/derrick the signal is for.

1. Amendment of subsection (c) filed 2-13-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 7).
2. Amendment of subsection (d) filed 7-6-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 27).
3. Amendment of subsection (c) filed 1-17-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80, No. 3).
4. Amendment filed 8-29-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 39).
5. Amendment of subsection (b) filed 5-20-2004; operative 6-19-2004 (Register 2004, No. 21).
6. New subsections (f)(1)-(2) filed 5-23-2007; operative 6-22-2007 (Register 2007, No. 21).
7. Repealer of subsections (f)(1) and (f)(2) and reservation of subsection (f) filed 1-28-2013; operative 4-1-2013 (Register 2013, No. 5).
8. Amendment of section heading and section filed 7-26-2022; operative 7-26-2022 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2022, No. 30). Filing deadline specified in Government Code section 11349.3(a) extended 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-40-20 and an additional 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-71-20.

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. California may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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