Slinger/signallers are the eyes of the crane operator. They guide crane operators on where to move the crane and load, by giving clear instructions throughout lifting operations. This is especially important when the operator can’t clearly see the load, landing area or surrounding hazards.
Instructions are often given by two-way radio, but hand signals are still used where needed. They should only be used when the crane operator has a clear view of the slinger/signaller.
Slinger/signaller hand signals should follow recognised guidance, including BS 7121 and the Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. This helps keep lifting communication clear and recognisable across UK construction sites.
However, there may be situations where the standard signals are not enough on their own. Where additional signals are needed, they should be discussed and agreed between the slinger/signaller and crane operator before the lift begins.
Below is a full guide to slinger/signaller hand signals, including a downloadable poster and individual images for each signal.
Slinger Signaller Hand Signals Poster
Here is the full hand signals reference sheet. You can use this as a quick visual guide, then scroll down for each signal with a written explanation.
Download the free slinger/signaller hand signals PDF poster and keep it handy for quick reference.
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General Slinger Signaller Hand Signals
Start Operations
Raise one arm up and place the other forearm across your body, with the palm facing down.
Stop
Raise your right arm up with your palm facing forwards.
Emergency Stop
Raise both arms upwards, with palms facing forwards.
End
With palms facing down, swing both arms outwards across the body.
Important note on left and right signals
When a slinger/signaller is giving directional hand signals, they should ideally be facing the crane operator. This means left and right should be understood from the crane operator’s point of view.
For example, if the instruction is to slew right, the slinger/signaller may use the opposite arm because they are facing the operator. The important point is that the instruction must be clear, agreed and understood by both the slinger/signaller and the crane operator.
Slew Left
With your right arm horizontal, hinged at the elbow, repeatedly swing the arm across the body to the right.
Slew Right
With your left arm horizontal, hinged at elbow, repeatedly swing the arm across the body to the left.
Raise the Load
Point upwards, making a circling motion.
Lower the Load
Point downwards, making a circling motion.
Inch Up Slowly
With your arm raised and palm facing forwards, open and close the fist.
Inch Down Slowly
Point both hands to the ground and make slow circling motions.
Jib/Boom Up
Touch your head, then hold your arm out, with the fist closed and thumb up.
Jib/Boom Down
Touch your head, then hold your arm out, with the fist closed and thumb down.
Float Out (Lower jib/boom while raising load)
Touch your head, then hold your arm out. Open and close the fist, with the thumb pointing down.
Float In (Raise jib/boom while lowering load)
Touch your head, then hold your arm out. Open and close the fist, with the thumb up.
Saddle-jib and telescopic crane section
Some signals are used differently depending on the crane type. On a saddle-jib tower crane, these signals are commonly used for trolley movement. On telescopic cranes, the same movements can be used for extending or retracting the jib or boom.
Trolley In
With one and on the head, the other hand gestures away.
Trolley Out
With one hand on head, the other hand gestures towards you.
Pick and carry section
For pick and carry crane movements, the slinger/signaller may use travel signals to guide the crane forwards, backwards or into a specific direction. These signals should only be used when the operator can clearly see the slinger/signaller.
Travel Forwards
Both arms in front with elbows bent, palms facing body. Forearms make slow upwards movements towards head, gesturing toward you.
Travel Backwards
Both arms in front with elbows bent, palms facing away from body. Forearms make slow downwards movements away from the body, gesturing away from you.
Travel Forwards Right
Right arm bent in front, gesturing towards you. Left arm held out left.
Travel Backwards Right
Right arm bent in front, gesturing away from you. Left arm held out left.
Travel Backwards Left
Left arm bent in front, gesturing away from you. Right arm held out right.
End
Clasp your hands together in front of you, with one on top of the other, and fingers clutching.
Commonly used
Here are examples of signals that are not BS7121 recognised, but that are commonly used signals.
They are labelled for saddle-jib use but often get used for both saddle-jib and telescopic cranes.
Trolly In
Arms in front with elbows bent. Fists closed, thumbs pointing to each other and repeatedly moving towards each other.
Trolley Out
Arms in front. elbows bent. Fists closed, thumbs pointing outwards and repeatedly moving outwards.
Remember, although these signals are commonly used, much like any non-BS7121 signal, they’re to be agreed by the crane operator prior to lifting.
Crane Hand Signals YouTube Video
Here is a video showing the signals being demonstrated by an experienced slinger/signaller.
It includes the recognised hand signals, along with some common site signals that may be used when they have been agreed between the slinger/signaller and crane operator.
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