Hand signal for tree work.

[blazer]

Interesting thread. Being in the Air force we have hand signals for all sorts, load/reversing vehicles, marshalling and/or loading aircraft.

 

With several arms thrown up in horror at NPTC modules/college training, would getting the AA or similar to push a list at HSE to produce an AFAG guide be an option?

 

I read these publications as guidelines and not mandatory practice. Perhaps a way of getting a common system published and visible across the trade without too much pain?

 

Sorry but couldn't help having the idea of students learning hand signals by using 'flash cards'.

 

I think it needs a practical group to get together and work it out in a wood not a meeting room, then you could try them out and discuss at the same time. Just an idea.

 

When I worked overseas I couldn't speak the language but given a practical crew we always worked out a signal code, the key part is for me the relationship between crane operator and loader.

[WoodED]

I am going to print out hand signals for tree work and put in truck for groundsman to learn.

 

This is what i've got so far - please feel free to add.

 

1/ Tap helmet - watch out, keep clear.

2/ slash throat - turn off chipper / chainsaws.

3/ Index finger only small circles - 1 wrap

5 peace sign ( 2 fingers ) small circles - 2 wraps.

6/ fist - circles- lock off rope , couple wraps and half hitches.

7/ arm fully extended above head - tie on chainsaw.

8/ 2 fists together - tie on rope.

9/ fingers in eyes - look out , wake up and pay attention.

 

 

feel free to add.

 

the fingers on eyes one shouldnt meen wake up,,, this could get confusing. is used to tell ur groundy to stand on the path n road n watch out for people or give an alll clear sign

[Mick Stockbridge]

I've developed a new hand signal......Cupped hand around ear and with a puzzled expression on face = "I've never heard so much clap trap in all my life"

[Xerxses]

Same goes for young uns in machines...

 

Had two different lads the last two days doing various aftercare after we have moved trees... none of them would understand ANY hand signs! I text them in the end...

[Edmond Dantes]

We do the funky chicken when you want a rake. Nobody knows why, we've just always done it.

[carlos]

never work with a deaf groundsman or do really big trees next to a motorway!!

done me fine so far.

[jaime bray]

Dear All,we will be holding an AWG (Arborists Working Group) meeting tommorrow.

 

One of the topics that we will be looking to do some work on, with the intention of producing a set system for industry adoption is this topic; for the benefit of new arborists, and new staff, and to try and create a code for our industry. We will be using the valuable information enclosed within this thread as a good starting point for the task, please feel free to add to the current contents to try and assist us if you would please.

 

Regards

 

Jaime Bray

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

Hand signals are a good idea but I think all tree climbers should do a decent time as a groundsperson to understand both sides of the work and not assume all are mindless.

 

There are times like when looking up into bright sunshine is difficult when radios should be used.

 

I have done both for a long time.

[jaime bray]

Dear All,we will be holding an AWG (Arborists Working Group) meeting tommorrow.

 

One of the topics that we will be looking to do some work on, with the intention of producing a set system for industry adoption is this topic; for the benefit of new arborists, and new staff, and to try and create a code for our industry. We will be using the valuable information enclosed within this thread as a good starting point for the task, please feel free to add to the current contents to try and assist us if you would please.

 

Regards

 

Jaime Bray

 

Bump,

 

The AWG now have a team working on this, this thread is going to be a significant contributor to the final document/guidance.

 

Please do contribute to this to assist us in making this come to fruition, we need your feedback, this may help your next college leaver quickly become up to speed with onsite communication.

 

Martin if you want to email me to become involved in a virtual manner ( do you live abroad?) then please feel free [email protected]

 

Thanks all!!!

 

Regards,

 

Jaime