Hand Signals for Vehicle Safety for Trainers and Supervisors

Objective: Identify and use the correct hand signals when working under noisy conditions.

Background

Hand signals are ideal for communication around noise. Hand signals provide a way to communicate needed information effectively in a noisy environment. All workers should learn and use these signals.

Why Use Hand Signals?

• Hand signals save time.
• Hand signals prevent incidents.
• Hand signals reduce severity of injuries.
• Hand signals lower the risk of fatality.
• Hand signals communicate well in noisy environments.

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has adopted 11 uniform hand signals for safety. The signals help workers communicate in the same “language.” The chart below shows the 11 signals. With each hand signal there are detailed instructions for performing the signal.

Come to Me	Move Toward Me	This Far to Go	Stop
Raise the arm vertically overhead, palm to the front, and rotate in large horizontal circles.	Point toward person(s), vehicle(s), unit(s); beckon by holding the arm horizontally to the front, palm up, and motioning toward the body.	Place palms at ear level, facing head, and move laterally inward to indicate remaining distance to go.	Raise the hand upward to the full extent of the arm, palm to the front. Hold that position until the signal is understood.
Lower Equipment	Raise Equipment	Start Engine	Stop Engine
Make circular motion with either hand pointing to the ground.	Make circular motion with either hand at head level.	Simulate cranking of vehicles by moving arm in circular motion at waist level.	Draw either hand, palm down across the neck in a “throat-cutting motion.”
Slow Down	Speed Up	Move out	Hand Signals for Vehicle Safety
Extend the arm horizontally sideward, palm down, and wave arm downward 45 degree minimum several times, keeping the arm straight. Do not move arm above horizontal.	Raise the hand to the shoulder, fist closed; thrust the fist upward to the full extent of the arm and back to the shoulder rapidly several times.	Face the desired direction of movement; hold the arm extended to the rear; then swing it overhead and forward in the direction of desired movement until it is horizontal palm down.

Review These Important Points

• Hand signals are an ideal communication tool for noisy situations.
• There are 11 ASABE uniform hand signals.
• Hand signals help save time and prevent incidents.
• Using hand signals could save a life.
• Review each signal with employees.

About These Modules
The author team for the training modules in the landscape and horticultural tailgate training series includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension; Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education; Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist; and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist. Modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3-HT09.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Answer Key

Quiz: Hand Signals for Vehicle Safety

Name____________________________________

True or False?

1. To signal to stop, you should raise your hand upward to the full extent of the arm, palm to the front.     T     F

2. Only the owner needs to know the hand signals.     T     F

3. There are 11 uniform ASABE hand signals.     T     F

4. Using the standard hand signals can save time and prevent incidents.     T     F

5. To indicate that the equipment needs to be lowered, make a circular motion with either hand pointing to the ground.     T     F