Toolbox talk, Procedures, about 6 minutes
Hand signals and radio communication
Date
Site or job
Led by
Why this one
Noise, distance and ear protection make it hard to hear on a busy site. When a signal is unclear, an operator guesses. A short agreement before the job removes the guessing.
Say this
- 1.Agree on the signals before the job starts. Everyone involved should know them, including the operator.
- 2.One signaler per lift or move. If two people signal, the operator stops.
- 3.Stop means stop, from anyone. The operator stops first and asks questions after.
- 4.Keep signals big, clear and in the operator's line of sight. If you lose sight, the move pauses.
- 5.On radio, say who you're calling, who you are and what you need. Short and plain, no slang.
- 6.Repeat back any instruction that could hurt someone if misheard. Confirm before you move.
- 7.Check radios at the start of the shift. Batteries, channel and a quick test call, and agree on a backup if the radio fails.
Ask the crew
- – What signals do we use on this job, and does everyone know them?
- – Where on this site is it hard to hear or hard to see?
- – What's the backup if a radio dies in the middle of a lift?
Watch for today
- Two people signaling an operator at the same time.
- Signals given from where the operator can't see.
- Radio traffic that's long, unclear or crowded with chatter during a critical move.
Close with: One voice, clear signal, and anyone can say stop.
Notes and questions raised
Name (print)
Signature
Initials
A starting point. Adapt it to your job, your procedures and the rules that apply to you. portalbaseai.com/toolbox-talks