JOB DESCRIPTION of CRANE OPERATOR

1. Observes company rules and procedures including action to be taken in event for
fire and operates the crane in accordance with instructions. Wears protecting
clothing and helmet if conditions require them.
2. Decides if the load is within the lifting capacity and range of operation of the
crane.
3. Ensures that he has received clear and concise instruction signals from the person
in charge of the slinging operation.
4. Checks that no action to be taken would endanger personnel.
5. Moves the crane and its loads safely.
6. Co-operates with slingers and supervisors to ensure efficient crane operation.
7. Checks, cleans and lubricates the crane to company instructions and reports all
defects to the supervisor.

NOTE: Reference should be made to the notes on recruitment, selection and medical
standards.
Any approved person operating a Mobile Crane shall
a) not engage in any practice or maneuver which is not in accordance with safe and
sound practice

b) ascertain whether the ground conditions, in particular the ground surface on which
the crane is to be operated, are safe for any lifting operation, and if he is of the
opinion that it is not safe any lifting operation, he shall report this to the lifting
supervisor
c) not use the crane for any operation for which is not intended, including pulling or
dragging a load
d) not maneuver, or hold any suspended load over any road or public area unless that
road or area has been cordoned off
e) ensure that all outriggers when it is required is fully extended and secured
f) before the start of every shift, carry out operational tests on all limit switches
under no load conditions before any lifting operation, and shall enter the results of
such tests in a log book
g) not hoist nay object if he is unable to ascertain the actual weight of the object or if
there is any obstruction, he shall report this to the lifting supervisor at the site, and
report any failure or malfunction of the crane to the supervisor and shall make an
appropriate entry in the log book of the crane
h) ensure that any parked wheel mounted crane on a slope has its tires adequately
and securely blocked
Questionnaires
1. When should the crane operator follow hand signals?
A crane operator should always move loads according to the established code of
signals, and use a signaler. Hand signals are preferred and commonly used.
2. Who can give the hand signals? or Who can be a signaler?
a. a person qualified to give crane signals to the operator,
b. there should be only one designated signaler at a time,
c. if signalers are changing between each other, the one in charge should wear a
clearly visible badge of authority,
d. a crane operator should move loads only on signals from one signaler,
e. a crane operator must obey STOP signals no matter who gives it.
3. What should you do when in charge of signaling?
The signaler must:
a. be in clear view of the crane operator,
b. have a clear view of the load and the equipment,
c. keep persons outside the crane's operating area,
d. never direct a load over a person.

4. What are examples of some common hand signals?

Hoist
a. Hoist: With forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, moves the hand in a small horizontal circle.
b. Lower: With an arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down, move the hand in small horizontal circles. Lower
Multiple Trolleys
c. Multiple Trolleys: Hold up one finger for block marked "1" and two fingers for a block marked "2." Regular signals follow.
d. Bridge Travel: Arm extended forward, hand open and slightly raised, make a pushing motion in direction of travel.

Bridge Travel
Trolley Travel
e. Trolley Travel: Palm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing in direction of motion, jerk the hand horizontally.
f. Stop: Arm extended, palm down, hold the position rigidly.

Stop
Emergency Stop
g. Emergency Stop: Arm extended, palm down, move the hand rapidly right and left.
h. Magnet Is Disconnected! : Crane operator spreads both hands apart, palms up.

Magnet is Disconnected!
5. What are some common hand signals for crawler, truck and locomotive cranes?
a. Use Main Hoist: Tap fists on head; then use regular signals. Use Main Hoist Use Whip Line
b. Use Whip Line (Auxiliary Hoist): Tap elbows with one hand; then use regular signals.
c. Raise Boom: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward.
d. Lower Boom: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward.
e. Swing: Point with a finger in direction of swing of a boom. Raise Boom; Lower Boom; Swing
f. Raise the Boom and Lower the Load: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing upward, other arm bent slightly with forefinger pointing down and rotate hand in horizontal circles. Raise the Boom and Lower the Load

Lower the Boom and Raise the Load
g. Lower the Boom and Raise the Load: Arm extended, fingers closed, thumb pointing downward, other arm with forearm vertical, forefinger pointing upward and rotate the hand in horizontal circles.
h. Move Slowly: Use one hand to give any motion signal and place the other hand motionless in front of the hand giving the motion signal. (Hoist Slowly.)

Move Slowly
i. Retract Boom (Telescoping Booms): Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing toward each other.

j. Extend Boom (Telescoping Booms): Both fists in front of body with thumbs pointing outward.

Extend Boom
6. What are some signals for crawler cranes only?
a. Lock Track: this side as indicated by raised fist.
b. Turn Travel Track: this side in direction shown by revolving fist.

Lock Track Turn Travel Track
Travel Both Tracks
c. Travel Both Tracks: forward or backward by revolving fists.