Signals for construction

Scope

This applies to all sites where construction work is done on the roadway or near the roadway and also to the use of cranes used in construction.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1926.201 — Signaling
• 29 CFR 1926.1428 — [Crane] Signal person qualifications

Key definitions

• Signals: Moving signs, provided by workers, such as flagmen, or by devices, such as flashing lights, to warn of possible or existing hazards.

Summary of requirements

In general, the standards require covered employers to:

• When signs, automated signals, and barricades do not provide the necessary protection on or adjacent to a highway or street, flaggers or other appropriate traffic controls must be provided.
• Ensure the signaling directions used by flaggers and the use of flaggers, including the warning garments they are required to wear, must conform to Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (1988 Edition, Revision 3, or the Millennium Edition), incorporated by reference in 1926.6.
• Ensure a crane signal person meets the qualification requirements established by OSHA prior to giving any signals. This requirement must be met by using either Option (1) or Option (2).
  • Option (1) — Third party qualified evaluator. The signal person has documentation from a third party qualified evaluator showing that the signal person meets the qualification requirements.
  • Option (2) — Employer’s qualified evaluator. The employer’s qualified evaluator assesses the individual and determines that the individual meets the qualification requirements and provides documentation of that determination. An assessment by an employer’s qualified evaluator under this option is not portable —other employers are not permitted to use it to meet the requirements of 1926.1428.
• Require each crane signal person must:
  • Know and understand the type of signals used. If hand signals are used, the signal person must know and understand the Standard Method for hand signals.
  • Be competent in the application of the type of signals used.
  • Have a basic understanding of equipment operation and limitations, including the crane dynamics involved in swinging and stopping loads and boom deflection from hoisting loads
  • Know and understand the relevant requirements of 1926.1419 through 1926.1422 and 1926.1428.
  • Demonstrate that he/she meets the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this section through an oral or written test, and through a practical test.