Hand signal chart requirements

Hand signal charts must be posted either directly on the equipment or conspicuously in the vicinity of the hoisting operations, per 1926.1422.

• If posted on the equipment, place the chart where the operator and signal person can easily refer to it.
• If posted nearby, make sure it is visible from the area where signaling occurs and protected from damage or weather so it remains legible.

The chart may be on the crane itself or on a conspicuous nearby posting; either location meets the requirement in 1926.1422.

• Choose the location that provides the clearest, quickest access for the operator and signal person during operations.
• If using a nearby bulletin board, ensure it’s located where the signaling crew normally works and that nothing blocks the view.

“Conspicuously posted in the vicinity” means the hand signal chart must be placed where it is plainly visible and readable to the operator and signal person during hoisting operations, as required by 1926.1422.

• “Conspicuous” implies good lighting, unobstructed view, and a stable mounting so the chart isn’t obscured by equipment or materials.
• If visibility is reduced by distance, weather, or lighting, move the chart closer or provide a second chart in the working area.

1926.1422 requires that a hand signal chart be posted, but it does not prescribe a specific signal set; however, employers should use a clear, standardized chart that workers understand and can follow reliably, consistent with 1926.1422.

• Many employers adopt recognized standards (for example, signals in crane manufacturer manuals or industry consensus standards) to reduce confusion.
• Whichever chart is used, ensure all signal persons and operators are trained to the same signals and the chart is the one posted during operations.

The regulation requires a posted hand signal chart but does not specify language; nonetheless, to be effective you must post the chart in a language (or languages) that the operator and signal person can read and understand, consistent with the intent of 1926.1422.

• If your crew is multilingual, post charts in the relevant languages or use clear pictograms along with short text.
• Training should reinforce the posted chart so language differences do not cause unsafe signals.

Yes — while 1926.1422 requires the chart to be posted on the equipment or conspicuously in the area, the chart must remain legible and accessible during operations, so outdoor charts should be weatherproof or protected to meet the posting requirement in 1926.1422.

• Use laminated signs, metal signs, or weather-resistant enclosures to protect the chart from rain, sun fading, and wind.
• Replace or relocate charts that become damaged, faded, or unreadable.

No — a hand signal chart must be posted on the equipment or conspicuously in the vicinity of hoisting operations, not only stored in a manual; this is the posting requirement in 1926.1422.

• Storing a chart in a manual is a helpful supplement, but workers need a posted, visible chart they can quickly reference during operations.
• If the cab has a chart visibly mounted where the operator can quickly see it, that satisfies 1926.1422.

Yes — the posting requirement applies to hoisting operations; hand signal charts must be posted on the equipment or conspicuously in the work area for any hoisting operations covered by the construction crane rules, consistent with 1926.1422.

• Even for small mobile cranes or equipment used for lifting, ensure a clear hand signal chart is available where the operator and signal person can see it.
• If the lifting is supervised by the operator alone without a signal person, ensure operators still have access to and training on required signals.

Each crane or lifting operation should have a chart posted either on the individual equipment or conspicuously where that operation is performed, as required by 1926.1422.

• For multiple cranes, post a chart at each crane control station or at a centralized, highly visible location for that specific lift zone.
• Make sure the chart corresponds to the signals used by the crew handling that particular crane to avoid confusion between crews.

Yes — the chart must be posted where it is visible and legible during the hoisting operations, including night or low-light work, in order to meet 1926.1422.

• Provide adequate lighting near the posted chart or use reflective/illuminated signage so signals remain readable.
• If lighting is inadequate, relocate the chart or add supplemental lighting to maintain compliance and safety.

An electronic display can satisfy the posting requirement if it is reliably available and conspicuously located so the operator and signal person can readily see and use it during operations, fulfilling 1926.1422.

• Ensure the device is securely mounted or positioned, powered, readable in current lighting, and protected from weather or damage.
• Have a backup (printed/labeled chart) in case of electronic failure so the posted requirement is continuously met.

The employer is responsible for ensuring a hand signal chart is posted and kept legible and accessible, in accordance with 1926.1422.

• Supervisors and competent persons should check that charts remain readable and are located properly each day before hoisting operations begin.
• Replace faded or damaged charts immediately and document checks as part of site safety inspections.

Yes — 1926.1422 requires a posted hand signal chart for hoisting operations regardless of other communication methods; posting the chart remains necessary even if radio or voice communication is used, per 1926.1422.

• Radios and verbal commands are useful backups but do not replace the regulatory posting requirement.
• Maintain the posted chart and ensure all workers know when to use hand signals vs. radio/voice communications.

The rule requires that a hand signal chart be posted, and best practice is to include the signal motions and the operator’s responses so both parties clearly understand the meaning, consistent with 1926.1422.

• A clear chart should pair each signal illustration with a short description of the operator action (for example, “hoist” or “lower”).
• This reduces misunderstandings and improves safety during lifts.

While 1926.1422 requires a chart be posted, it does not set a specific inspection interval; however, employers should inspect posted charts regularly and replace them whenever they become unreadable, torn, or otherwise unusable to remain in compliance with 1926.1422.

• Incorporate chart checks into daily pre-lift or toolbox inspections.
• Replace charts immediately if they are faded, damaged, or illegible.

No — 1926.1422 specifically requires the hand signal chart to be posted on the equipment or conspicuously in the vicinity of hoisting operations, so a pocket card alone does not satisfy the posting requirement, per 1926.1422.

• Pocket cards are useful for quick reference but must be supplemented by a posted chart accessible to the crew during the lift.
• Ensure the posted chart is the definitive reference used at the jobsite.

Yes — if the crew uses nonstandard or employer-specific signals, the exact chart showing those signals must be posted either on the equipment or conspicuously in the work area to meet 1926.1422.

• Make sure everyone involved in the lift is trained on the employer-specific signals and that the posted chart reflects the signals in use.
• Posting reduces the risk of miscommunication when crews change or tasks shift.

Yes — whenever hoisting operations are performed, including equipment repositioning or maintenance lifts, a hand signal chart must be posted on the equipment or conspicuously in the vicinity, consistent with 1926.1422.

• Even short-duration or infrequent lifts should have a posted chart so all participants can reference the signals.
• For routine maintenance lifts, keep a chart in the maintenance area or on the equipment to ensure safe communications.

Yes — a diagram that combines clear pictograms with brief explanatory text is an effective way to meet the posting requirement of 1926.1422, provided it remains legible and accessible during hoisting operations.

• Use high-contrast, large images and short captions so the chart is easy to read at a glance.
• If pictograms are used, train workers on their meanings and consider multilingual captions if needed.

If the posted chart becomes illegible, you must stop operations until a legible chart is posted on the equipment or conspicuously in the work area to comply with 1926.1422.

• Replace the chart immediately with a clear, weatherproof version or move operations to an area with a legible chart.
• Use this opportunity to inspect other communication controls (radios, backup signals) and confirm all personnel understand how to proceed safely.