What must a qualified signal person understand in addition to hand and voice signals?

A qualified signal person must have a thorough understanding of the limitations associated with the crane operations they are involved in, which includes understanding the crane's capacity, the weight of the loads being lifted, and the working environment. Recognizing these limitations is crucial to ensuring safety and effectiveness during crane operations. This knowledge helps the signal person communicate effectively with the operator and the crew, ensuring that everyone is aware of potential hazards and operational boundaries.

While knowledge of crane models, load calculations, and sling types are all beneficial aspects of a signal person's training, the most critical element is having a firm grasp of the limitations. This understanding serves as the foundation for safe crane operation, helping to prevent overloading, accidents, and possible malfunctions. Therefore, emphasizing a keen awareness of limitations is a key component of a signal person’s responsibilities.