Electronic signal transmission requirements

The device(s) used to transmit signals must be tested on site before beginning operations to make sure they are effective, clear, and reliable, as required by 1926.1420(a).

• During the on‑site test, check signal clarity (no static or garbling), range (covers the working area and operator cab), battery or power levels, and susceptibility to interference.
• If the test shows poor reception, noise, or dropped signals, correct the problem (replace batteries, change placement, adjust antenna, switch channels) and re‑test before work continues.

(See 1926.1420(a).)

The employer is responsible for ensuring the device(s) used to transmit signals are tested on site before beginning operations so the transmission is effective, clear, and reliable, consistent with 1926.1420(a).

• Practically, the employer should assign a competent person or qualified worker to perform and document the on‑site test and to re‑test whenever problems are suspected.

(Requirement: 1926.1420(a).)

At a minimum, the device(s) must be tested on site before beginning operations; additional testing should be done whenever there is reason to believe the signal is no longer effective, clear, or reliable, per 1926.1420(a).

• Practical triggers for retesting include interference, range loss, equipment swaps, battery changes, or after environmental changes (new metal structures, moved equipment) that could affect transmission.

(See 1926.1420(a).)

When testing on site, you must verify the transmission is effective, clear, and reliable by checking audio clarity, range, power/battery, interference, and compatibility with the operator’s hands‑free system as required by 1926.1420(a) and 1926.1420(c).

• Test items: voice clarity/noise, distance coverage to operator cab, battery or power status, antenna placement, radio frequency interference, and whether the receiver integrates with a hands‑free system.
• If any item fails the check, fix the issue (e.g., change channel, replace battery, relocate antenna) and re‑test before operations begin.

(See 1926.1420(a) and 1926.1420(c).)

A "dedicated channel" means the electronic frequency or channel used for crane/derrick signals must be reserved for that signaling traffic and not used for unrelated communications, consistent with 1926.1420(b).

• Dedicated channel best practices: assign a single frequency for the lift area, limit access to authorized signal persons and operators, and prohibit casual or unrelated chatter on that channel.
• Exceptions to the dedicated‑channel rule are limited to the situations in 1926.1420(b)(1) and 1926.1420(b)(2).

(Requirement: 1926.1420(b).)

Yes. Multiple cranes/derricks and one or more signal persons may share a dedicated channel for the purpose of coordinating operations, as allowed by 1926.1420(b)(1).

• When sharing, use clear procedures (call signs, lifting sequence, agreed terminology) and pre‑shift testing to avoid cross‑talk and confusion.
• Share only for coordination of operations; maintain discipline to keep communications concise and safety‑focused.

(See 1926.1420(b)(1).)

Yes. The standard allows two exceptions to the dedicated channel requirement: (1) sharing for coordination among multiple cranes/derricks and signal persons, and (2) coordination with railroad equipment when a crane is on or adjacent to tracks, as described in 1926.1420(b).

• Exception references: 1926.1420(b)(1) and 1926.1420(b)(2).

(See 1926.1420(b).)

A crane may share a channel with railroad equipment only when the crane is being operated on or adjacent to railroad tracks and the operator's actions need to be coordinated with movement of other equipment or trains on the same or adjacent tracks, per 1926.1420(b)(2).

• Make sure the shared channel is used strictly for the coordination required and that all parties understand communication protocols to prevent misunderstandings.

(See 1926.1420(b)(2).)

It means the crane operator must be able to receive signals without holding the transmitting or receiving device in their hands; the operator's reception system must be hands‑free, as required by 1926.1420(c).

• Examples of acceptable hands‑free systems: full‑face or over‑the‑ear headsets that pick up voice commands automatically, cab‑mounted speakers with push‑to‑talk handled by signal persons only, or integrated intercoms that do not require the operator to handle a radio.
• Devices that require the operator to hold and manipulate a handset or radio are not consistent with the hands‑free reception requirement.

(See 1926.1420(c).)

Not usually; a hands‑free system must allow the operator to receive signals without using their hands, and a PTT button that the operator must hold or press would generally not meet the hands‑free reception requirement of 1926.1420(c).

• If the PTT is integrated into a footswitch or an automatic voice‑activated system where the operator does not use their hands, that can meet the hands‑free requirement.
• When in doubt, choose or configure equipment so the operator receives signals without manual operation.

(See 1926.1420(c).)

No. Holding or manipulating a radio—even if on a shoulder strap—does not satisfy the hands‑free reception requirement in 1926.1420(c).

• The operator must receive signals without using their hands, so use cab‑mounted speakers, headsets, or other systems that free the operator’s hands.

(See 1926.1420(c).)

Use pre‑shift testing and clear radio protocols so shared channels are reliable and unambiguous, in line with the on‑site testing requirement in 1926.1420(a) and the sharing allowance in 1926.1420(b)(1).

• Practical measures:
  • Assign unique call signs for each crane and signal person.
  • Use concise, standardized phraseology and confirm critical commands.
  • Limit non‑essential transmissions on the channel.
  • Re‑test radio clarity and range at the start of the shift and after changes.

(See 1926.1420(a) and 1926.1420(b)(1).)

Yes—cell phones or smartphone apps can be used if they are tested on site and proven effective, clear, and reliable for signal transmission before operations begin, per 1926.1420(a).

• Remember that the crane operator must receive signals hands‑free under 1926.1420(c), so if using a smartphone the operator must have a hands‑free setup (cab speaker, headset, Bluetooth earpiece that does not require holding the device).

(See 1926.1420(a) and 1926.1420(c).)

Stop crane operations until the transmission is restored and verified effective, clear, and reliable, in keeping with the requirement to test devices on site before and use only reliable transmissions under 1926.1420(a).

• Procedure: immediately secure the load in a safe position (per company procedures), discontinue movement, troubleshoot or switch to a pre‑approved backup signal method that meets the standard, and re‑test the system before resuming.

(See 1926.1420(a).)

No. The electronic signal transmission rules apply whenever signals are transmitted by radio, telephone, or other electronic means; they do not remove or replace hand signals or other signaling requirements that may also apply on the job. The electronic‑signal rules themselves are set out in 1926.1420.

• If you use electronic signals, you must meet the testing, channel, and hands‑free requirements in 1926.1420.
• If you also use hand signals, follow the applicable hand‑signal standards or employer procedures in addition to electronic rules.

(See 1926.1420.)

The standard requires that signal transmission be through a dedicated channel but does not specify whether the channel must be licensed or unlicensed; the key requirement is that the channel is reserved for signaling and provides effective, clear, and reliable transmission as stated in 1926.1420(b) and 1926.1420(a).

• Employers should select a channel (licensed or unlicensed) that meets site needs and avoid interference; if using licensed spectrum, comply with the licensing rules that apply.

(See 1926.1420(b) and 1926.1420(a).)

Yes, an operator may use noise‑canceling headphones to receive signals if they allow the operator to receive transmissions hands‑free and the system has been tested on site to be effective, clear, and reliable as required by 1926.1420(a) and the hands‑free requirement in 1926.1420(c).

• Ensure the headset provides clear incoming audio, does not block necessary ambient warning sounds (or is paired with supplemental visual/audible warnings), and is comfortable for the operator to wear for the shift.

(See 1926.1420(a) and 1926.1420(c).)

No—encryption or digital signaling is allowed provided the system is tested on site and proven effective, clear, and reliable and is used on a dedicated channel (subject to the exceptions in 1926.1420(b)), and the operator receives signals hands‑free per 1926.1420(c).

• Ensure digital systems do not introduce latency or dropouts that could compromise safety, and verify hands‑free reception for the operator during the on‑site test.

(See 1926.1420(a) and 1926.1420(b).)

Under 1926.1420(b)(1), multiple cranes or derricks and one or more signal persons may share a dedicated channel for coordination of operations.

• Sharing should be limited to coordination purposes and managed with clear procedures (unique IDs, call‑outs, and pre‑shift briefings) to prevent confusion.

(See 1926.1420(b)(1).)

Sharing a channel with railroad operations is justified only when the crane is being operated on or adjacent to railroad tracks and the crane operator’s actions must be coordinated with the movement of other equipment or trains on the same or adjacent tracks, as set out in 1926.1420(b)(2).

• Before sharing, establish clear protocols with the railroad and test the transmission on site to ensure clarity and reliability.

(See 1926.1420(b)(2).)

Yes. Using backup or redundant transmission systems (for example, a secondary radio or cab speaker backup) is a valid way to meet the requirement that transmission be effective, clear, and reliable under 1926.1420(a).

• Ensure backups are tested on site and that operators and signal persons know when and how to switch to backup systems safely.

(See 1926.1420(a).)

Employers should document that on‑site tests were performed and that the operator’s reception system is hands‑free and effective, clear, and reliable, consistent with the requirements of 1926.1420(a) and 1926.1420(c).

• Useful records: date/time of test, testers’ names, equipment tested (make/model), test results (coverage, clarity, interference), corrective actions taken, and re‑test confirmation.
• Records help demonstrate compliance and provide a reference if transmission problems arise during operations.

(See 1926.1420(a) and 1926.1420(c).)