Can you flesh out this Hoisting & Rigging Communication SWP?

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this SOP is to properly define how T. Musselman Excavating workers will communicate while performing hoisting and rigging activities. It will also seek to standardize methods of communication and reinforce training requirements.
SCOPE:
1. This SOP is intended for all T. Musselman Excavating Crews.
2. This SOP is also intended to be reviewed by T. Musselman Excavating jobsite team prior to beginning work on a project, and as often as necessary thereafter.
3. This SOP is to be made available to all staff via SiteDocs.
DEFINITIONS:
Rigging The act of using equipment or gear set up to lift and support a load.
Hoisting The act of lifting a load and moving it from one area to another
Designated Person A person who is selected or assigned by the employer or the employer’s representative as being qualified to perform specific duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Superintendent:
• Responsible for ensuring this SOP is reviewed with the site foreman prior to the start of a project, or when a new foreman arrives on site for the first time.
• Will ensure that any subcontractors on site performing work on behalf of T. Musselman Excavating have a copy of the SOP available.
• Will review and sign off on the SOP via SiteDocs.
• Responsible for ensuring that the foremen and workers are adhering to the SWP via observational practices.
• Responsible for reviewing Workers qualifications for rigging and hoisting prior to assigning them to a task that requires it.

Foreman:
• Responsible for ensuring Workers involved in hoisting and rigging activities have reviewed the SWP as required.
• Will ensure the SWP is being followed via observation.
• Will ensure time is taken to facilitate communication between the Operator and Rigger prior to lifts occurring.
Riggers/Equipment Operators:
• Will work in adherence with this SWP.
• Will wear the appropriate PPE when engaged in this activity.
• When working with a new Rigger/Operator, will ensure this SWP is reviewed and then followed appropriately.

1. BASIC RULES
1.1. Signaling is required in the following situations:
1.1.1. When the Operator cannot see the load.
1.1.2. When the Operator cannot see the load landing area.
1.1.3. When the Operator cannot see the path of travel of either the load or the lifting equipment.
1.1.4. When the Operator is too far from the load to judge distances accurately.
1.1.5. When the hoisting device is working close to live powerlines, other equipment or nearby workers.
1.2. The first line of communication should be the use of a 2-way radio. If this option can not be exercised, hand signals shall be used.
1.3. The Signaler /Rigger must be a competent worker, meaning they are qualified due to knowledge, experience or training.
1.4. Only one person should signal the Operator. However, anyone can give the “Stop” signal and it must be obeyed immediately.
1.5. Signals should be clear and wherever possible, barehanded.
1.6. Loads should be directed so that they never pass over anyone.
1.7. Operators should not make a move until they receive and understand the Signaler/Riggers signal. If contact between the Signaler/Rigger at anytime is broken, the Operator must stop.
1.8. Some situations may call for two signalers (E.g. Dropping pipe into a deep trench.) In this case, seek to utilize two-way radios instead of hand signals.
1.9. Where a difficult lift, or conditions make hand signals difficult we should seek to use two-way radios.
1.10. The Operator should always wait for the Signalers/Riggers signal prior to engaging in any lift.

2. COMMUNCIATION - HAND SIGNALS

2.1. When an Emergency Stop signal is issued, the Operator will place the load down in a safe position and shut the machine down until further instructions are given from the foreman.
2.2. When the Stop signal is issued, this means that the activities requiring signaling have stopped, and the Operator can resume normal operations.
2.3. The Dog Everything signal means the Operator is to pause and not touch or adjust any controls until given the signal by the Signaler/Rigger.
2.4. If at any time the Operator does not understand the instructions or the signals from the signaler/rigger they will Dog Everything and request a re-signal.

3. COMMUNICATION - VERBAL
3.1. All verbal communication is to be said clearly and concisely.
3.2. All verbal communication is to follow the same language as listed in the signal chart.
3.2.1. If there is an emergency requiring total stoppage of work, the foreman or individual at the scene will announce “Mayday-Mayday-Mayday” into the radio.
3.3. All T. Musselman Excavator Operators and Signalers/Riggers, as well as Pipelayers will be required to keep and maintain a 2-way radio on their person during the workday.
3.4. If at any time the Operator does not understand the instructions or the signals from the signaler/rigger they will Dog Everything until clarification.

Question

Can you flesh out this Hoisting & Rigging Communication SWP?

PURPOSE: 
The purpose of this SOP is to properly define how T. Musselman Excavating workers will communicate while performing hoisting and rigging activities. It will also seek to standardize methods of communication and reinforce training requirements. 
SCOPE: 
1.	This SOP is intended for all T. Musselman Excavating Crews.
2.	This SOP is also intended to be reviewed by T. Musselman Excavating jobsite team prior to beginning work on a project, and as often as necessary thereafter. 
3.	This SOP is to be made available to all staff via SiteDocs.
DEFINITIONS:
Rigging	The act of using equipment or gear set up to lift and support a load.
Hoisting	The act of lifting a load and moving it from one area to another 
Designated Person	A person who is selected or assigned by the employer or the employer’s representative as being qualified to perform specific duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Superintendent: 
•	Responsible for ensuring this SOP is reviewed with the site foreman prior to the start of a project, or when a new foreman arrives on site for the first time. 
•	Will ensure that any subcontractors on site performing work on behalf of T. Musselman Excavating have a copy of the SOP available. 
•	Will review and sign off on the SOP via SiteDocs.
•	Responsible for ensuring that the foremen and workers are adhering to the SWP via observational practices. 
•	Responsible for reviewing Workers qualifications for rigging and hoisting prior to assigning them to a task that requires it.

Foreman: 
•	Responsible for ensuring Workers involved in hoisting and rigging activities have reviewed the SWP as required. 
•	Will ensure the SWP is being followed via observation. 
•	Will ensure time is taken to facilitate communication between the Operator and Rigger prior to lifts occurring. 
Riggers/Equipment Operators:
•	Will work in adherence with this SWP.  
•	Will wear the appropriate PPE when engaged in this activity.
•	When working with a new Rigger/Operator, will ensure this SWP is reviewed and then followed appropriately.

1.	BASIC RULES
1.1.	Signaling is required in the following situations:
1.1.1.	 When the Operator cannot see the load.
1.1.2.	 When the Operator cannot see the load landing area. 
1.1.3.	 When the Operator cannot see the path of travel of either the load or the lifting equipment. 
1.1.4.	 When the Operator is too far from the load to judge distances accurately. 
1.1.5.	 When the hoisting device is working close to live powerlines, other equipment or nearby workers. 
1.2.	The first line of communication should be the use of a 2-way radio. If this option can not be exercised, hand signals shall be used.
1.3.	The Signaler /Rigger must be a competent worker, meaning they are qualified due to knowledge, experience or training. 
1.4.	Only one person should signal the Operator. However, anyone can give the “Stop” signal and it must be obeyed immediately. 
1.5.	Signals should be clear and wherever possible, barehanded. 
1.6.	Loads should be directed so that they never pass over anyone. 
1.7.	Operators should not make a move until they receive and understand the Signaler/Riggers signal. If contact between the Signaler/Rigger at anytime is broken, the Operator must stop. 
1.8.	Some situations may call for two signalers (E.g. Dropping pipe into a deep trench.) In this case, seek to utilize two-way radios instead of hand signals. 
1.9.	Where a difficult lift, or conditions make hand signals difficult we should seek to use two-way radios. 
1.10.	 The Operator should always wait for the Signalers/Riggers signal prior to engaging in any lift.

2.	COMMUNCIATION - HAND SIGNALS

2.1.	When an Emergency Stop signal is issued, the Operator will place the load down in a safe position and shut the machine down until further instructions are given from the foreman. 
2.2.	When the Stop signal is issued, this means that the activities requiring signaling have stopped, and the Operator can resume normal operations. 
2.3.	The Dog Everything signal means the Operator is to pause and not touch or adjust any controls until given the signal by the Signaler/Rigger.
2.4.	If at any time the Operator does not understand the instructions or the signals from the signaler/rigger they will Dog Everything and request a re-signal.

3.	COMMUNICATION - VERBAL
3.1.	All verbal communication is to be said clearly and concisely. 
3.2.	All verbal communication is to follow the same language as listed in the signal chart. 
3.2.1.	If there is an emergency requiring total stoppage of work, the foreman or individual at the scene will announce “Mayday-Mayday-Mayday” into the radio. 
3.3.	All T. Musselman Excavator Operators and Signalers/Riggers, as well as Pipelayers will be required to keep and maintain a 2-way radio on their person during the workday. 
3.4.	If at any time the Operator does not understand the instructions or the signals from the signaler/rigger they will Dog Everything until clarification.

Accepted Answer

Safe Work Procedure: Hoisting and Rigging Communication and Signaling ===================================================================== Document Number: \[SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: \[DATE] Next Review Date: \[NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: \[DEPARTMENT NAME] 1\. Scope This safe work procedure outlines the required communication, signaling, and verbal protocols to prevent incidents and ensure regulatory compliance during hoisting and rigging operations. It applies to all lifting operations where clear communication is essential for safe load handling. This procedure aims to establish a standardized approach to signaling and communication, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation and promoting a safe working environment. 2\. Definitions Competent Person An individual qualified by knowledge, training, and experience to perform a specific task. [1] Qualified Rigger A rigger who is also a qualified person, possessing the necessary certifications and expertise to inspect and manage rigging operations. [2] Fall Zone The area in which it is reasonably foreseeable that partially or completely suspended materials could fall in the event of an accident. [4] 3\. Responsibilities 3\.1 Supervisors Ensure that all workers involved in hoisting and rigging operations are competent and trained in the correct signaling techniques and communication protocols. Verify that a pre-shift inspection of the crane is completed by a competent person, including all control mechanisms, safety devices, and structural components. Ensure ground conditions around the hoisting equipment provide proper support. Provide and maintain suitable communication equipment, such as two-way radios, especially when hand signals are not practical. 3\.2 Workers Use the correct hand signals and communication protocols during hoisting operations. [1] Immediately obey a STOP...

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Miscommunication between signaller and operator [1] [1]	Injuries, fatalities, and property damage	Use standardized hand signals and communication protocols. Ensure the signaller is competent and clearly visible. Use two-way radios when necessary.
Load swinging or uncontrolled movement [4]	Impact injuries, damage to equipment	Use taglines to control the load. Ensure the load is properly balanced and secured. Avoid sudden movements.
Falling load due to rigging failure [4]	Severe injuries or fatalities	Inspect rigging equipment before each use. Use the correct rigging for the load weight. Ensure rigging is attached to the load's center of gravity.
Working near power lines [1]	Electrocution	Maintain safe clearance distances from power lines. Use a spotter to monitor proximity to power lines. De-energize power lines if possible.
Crane malfunction [2]	Load dropping, crane collapse	Conduct regular crane inspections. Ensure the crane is operated by a certified operator. Follow manufacturer's specifications.
Unstable ground conditions [2]	Crane tipping, load instability	Assess ground conditions before setup. Use outriggers and crane mats as needed. Ensure the crane is level.
Pinch points during rigging [4]	Hand and finger injuries	Keep hands and fingers clear of pinch points. Use hand protection. Ensure proper lighting.

Safe Work Procedure: Hoisting and Rigging Communication and Signaling

1. Scope

2. Definitions

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

3.2 Workers

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

6. Equipment and Tools

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Important Safety Note:

References

IHSA Safety Tool Box talks

WAC 296-155-704 - Hoisting and rigging

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Toolbox Talk: Rigging Safety

Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926.753 - Hoisting and rigging

Toolbox Talk: General Crane Safety

Materials Handling - Crane and Hoist Hand Signals

FATALITY NARRATIVE: Crane Rigger Killed When Struck by Falling Crane Load