Signal Person Training & Certification - CANADA Hard Hat Training

Three Different Types of Trainings

Whether you want training and certification in as little as two hours with our online training or a more robust, customizable option like you get with our DIY training kits or on-site training, we can help you get the training certificate you need in the way you want it and at a price you can afford.

Online Training

Online is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores. Online training is also eligible for bulk pricing discounts for groups of 16+ trainees.

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Training Kits

The kit is for those who want to do the training themselves. It’s a reusable training presentation that is used to train groups of people all at one time in one location. If you need to train a trainer to use the kit we offer a train the trainer online course.

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Train the Trainer

Train the trainer courses are online and meant to certify a single individual to use the training kit to train others. The kit is included with the train the trainer online course for no additional cost and is reusable. The result is a lifetime certification.

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What's in the Training?

Our Signal Person training course is regulation compliant, and our online version fulfills classroom training requirements. Each class contains sections on general information, site setup, crane operations, hand signals, and case studies.

During this training, we will be taking a look at what is required to become a signal person. We will talk about how to work safely around common signaling hazards and some basic safety principles. Finally, we will look at some case studies to help you apply your new knowledge. They will highlight some common hazards and mistakes that happen every day on the worksite.

This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam.

Canada Standards

ISO 16715:2014 – Hand Signals Used with Cranes
CAN/CSA-Z150-11 – Safety Code on Mobile Cranes

Why Do I Need Training?

In line with regulations, anyone who acts as a signal person must receive training prior to working on their own. While requirements for refresher training are very specific, most safety trainings don’t have such specific requirements. However it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.. Most other equipment doesn’t have such specific requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.

When it comes to refresher training, the standards in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.

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Stay Informed On All Things

Did You Know?

From 2011 to 2017, there were 297 total crane-related deaths reported — that’s an average of 42 per year. (Source: BLS)

Nearly 50% of all fatal crane injuries were caused by an employee being struck by an object or equipment. (Source: BLS)

Cranes were invented in Ancient Greece. (Source: Hevi-Haul)

Safety Videos

Basic Crane Hand Signals Crane Rigging Basic Safety

In the News

Construction worker dies in crane accident at SoFi Stadium’s retail district development Crane accident in Austin injures at least 20 people

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a signal person required?

Signalers or signal persons are required whenever the operator cannot see the load or point of operation; the load’s landing area; or the path of travel of either the load or the crane. Also, a signal person must also be used when the operator is far enough away from the load that judging distance is difficult. Finally, if the crane is working within a boom’s length of the approach limits to power lines or electrical equipment, a signal person is required.

Who can give a stop or emergency stop signal?

The stop signal should only be given by a signal person. It is given by extending your arm and bringing it across your body in one quick motion. Although a signal person should be the only one making the stop signal, the operator should obey it no matter who gives it. Conversely, the emergency stop signal can be given by anyone who notices something amiss at any given time. It is given by crossing your arms in front of you then bringing them out to your sides, and then back in front of you again repetitively.

What are the crane signals?

In the case that verbal communication cannot be accomplished for whatever reason, a crane hand signal system can and should be used. And no matter what, a standard hand signal chart should always be posted in the area of operation. It is not enough just to post it; it must be legible.

What is the difference between a rigger and signal person?

The duties of a rigger and signal person may overlap, but some worksites designate employees to strictly act as a signal person without any rigging responsibilities.

What is the most common misuse of rigging?

Failing to inspect rigging equipment is the most common misuse of rigging. As a rigger or signal person, you should perform thorough pre-shift inspections of all slings, lifting hardware, and below-the-hook lifting devices. A damaged piece of equipment can lead to load failure and serious accidents.

Who can be a signal person?

Anyone wishing to be a signal person must be trained and evaluated through a written and practical test. This can be done through a qualified third party, or the employer can have a qualified evaluator (in their employ) do the assessment. However, we should note here that if you are certified by your employer, this certification cannot follow you to another job as a third-party assessment would.