When are hand signals not an option?

Hand signals are an essential method of communication between a signal person and a crane operator; however, their effectiveness relies heavily on visibility and direct line of sight. When the signal person is not in direct line of sight of the operator, the possibility of miscommunication increases significantly. The operator must be able to see the signals being given clearly to respond appropriately. If the signal person is out of sight, there is no way for the operator to receive or interpret the instructions that are being conveyed, which can lead to dangerous situations on the job site.

In contrast, the other options presented do not directly impede the use of hand signals in the same way. For instance, if the operator is on a break, they are not actively operating the crane, making hand signals unnecessary. Poor weather conditions may affect the clearness of signals but do not eliminate the ability to use them unless visibility is extremely compromised. Overloading the crane is a serious safety concern, but it does not inherently stop the use of hand signals, as the communication method may still be applicable to other signaling scenarios. Thus, the primary concern regarding hand signals lies in ensuring that there is a clear line of sight for effective communication.