Cranes - Hand signals used with cranes

ISO 6715:2014 gives requirements for hand signals to be used in lifting operations.

Appareil de levage à charge suspendue — Signaux de la main utilisés avec les grues

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
07-Aug-2014
Current Stage
9093 - International Standard confirmed
Start Date
10-Jun-2025
Completion Date
13-Dec-2025

Overview

ISO 16715:2014 - Cranes - Hand signals used with cranes specifies requirements for standard hand signals used in lifting operations. Its objective is to achieve uniform, unambiguous hand signals-particularly important on projects where personnel from multiple countries or organizations work together. The standard covers general signalling principles and defined signals for vertical and horizontal movements, equipment-related actions and lifting-attachment control.

Key Topics and Requirements

  • Scope: Requirements for hand signals used during crane lifting operations.
  • Signal categories:
    • General signals (start, stop, emergency stop, cease operation, inching)
    • Vertical movements (raise, lower, raise/lower slowly, indicate vertical distance)
    • Horizontal movements (travel/slew directions, crawler track travel, turnover)
    • Equipment-related movements (main/auxiliary hoist, boom/trolley raise, extend, retract)
    • Lifting-attachment control (e.g., clamshell bucket open/close)
  • Core requirements:
    • Signals must be clear, concise and fully understood by crane operators.
    • The signaller must be in a safe position, clearly visible to the operator, and have a clear view of the load or equipment.
    • Only one person shall give signals to the operator (exception: emergency stop).
    • Non‑specific one‑arm signals may use either arm; specific left/right indications are distinct.
    • Signals may be combined where applicable; after some equipment-specific signals other signals apply only to that hoist or attachment.
  • Terminology: Uses and references definitions such as slewing (radial horizontal movement with crane base stationary) and travel (movement of the whole crane), referencing ISO 4306-1.

Applications and Who Uses It

ISO 16715:2014 is used to improve safety, communication and interoperability on construction sites, ports, industrial plants and any location using cranes for lifting. Typical users include:

  • Crane operators and signallers
  • Site managers and lift planners
  • Health & safety officers and trainers
  • Crane manufacturers and equipment suppliers
  • Training providers and competency assessors

Implementing ISO 16715 helps reduce miscommunication during lifts, supports training and competency programs, and facilitates international crew cooperation.

Related Standards

  • ISO 4306-1 - Cranes - Vocabulary (referenced normative definitions)
  • ISO 15513 - Competency requirements for crane drivers, slingers, signallers and assessors (bibliographic reference)

Keywords: ISO 16715:2014, crane hand signals, hand signals for cranes, lifting operations, crane signaller, crane operation safety, crane signalling standard.

Standard

ISO 16715:2014 - Cranes -- Hand signals used with cranes

English language
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO 16715:2014 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Cranes - Hand signals used with cranes". This standard covers: ISO 6715:2014 gives requirements for hand signals to be used in lifting operations.

ISO 6715:2014 gives requirements for hand signals to be used in lifting operations.

ISO 16715:2014 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 53.020.20 - Cranes. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

You can purchase ISO 16715:2014 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of ISO standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 16715
First edition
2014-08-15
Cranes — Hand signals used with
cranes
Appareil de levage à charge suspendue — Signaux de la main utilisés
avec les grues
Reference number
©
ISO 2014
© ISO 2014
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements for hand signals . 1
4.1 General . 1
4.2 General hand signals . 2
4.3 Vertical movements . 3
4.4 Horizontal movements . 4
4.5 Equipment-related movements . 5
Annex A (informative) Lifting attachment control . 7
Bibliography . 8
Foreword
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electrotechnical standardization.
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described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
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Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
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to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 96, Cranes, Subcommittee SC 5, Use, operation
and maintenance.
iv © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

Introduction
The objective of this International Standard is to achieve uniform hand signals on projects where more
than one country having unique hand signals is involved.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 16715:2014(E)
Cranes — Hand signals used with cranes
1 Scope
This International Standard gives requirements for hand signals to be used in lifting operations.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 4306-1, Cranes — Vocabulary — Part 1: General
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the te
...

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