Say this
- Signallers and banksmen must be trained and must understand the risks they face (WSH Council traffic guidelines).
- Stay visible to the driver at all times and wear a high-visibility vest. If the driver loses sight of you, he must stop.
- Use one clear set of signals that you and the driver agreed before the job (WSH Council). One signaller gives signals at a time.
- Stand in a safe place. Never stand behind a reversing vehicle or between it and a wall. Keep out from under any load.
- For crane lifts, the signalman checks the load is rigged before signalling the lift and keeps sight of the load. He does not handle the load or rigging while giving signals (WSH Council, Safe Lifting CoP).
- If the driver cannot see one signaller, use two signallers or radios (WSH Council).
- Keep everyone else clear of the path and the lifting zone.
Ask the crew
- Where should you stand when guiding a reversing truck?
- What does the driver do if he loses sight of you?
- Why must the signalman not handle the load?
Show them
- Go through the standard hand signals for stop, slow, reverse and lift.
- Show the safe position for guiding a vehicle into the loading bay.
- Show the vest or marking that identifies the signalman on site.
Sign-off
| Name | Company | Signature |
|---|---|---|
Sources
- WSH Guidelines: Workplace Traffic Safety Management, WSH Council.
- Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplaces, WSH Council.
This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.
