Hand Signals for Agricultural Safety

Objective:

To know and use the correct hand signals when working under noisy conditions.

Trainer's Note:

There are eleven uniform hand signals adopted by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers for agricultural safety. To help everyone communicate in the same "language," the eleven signals should be learned and used by the farm family, employees and farm visitors. The signals should be demonstrated during the tailgate presentation and practiced by the employees. It may be a good idea to post the hand signals in a place where employees will see them, for example, in the coffee room or near a water fountain. This will allow employees to become familiar with the signals on a daily basis.

Background

Hand signals are an ideal communication tool when working around noisy farm machinery. Many times the noise is so loud it is impossible to hear even if everyone is yelling. The hand signals provide a way to communicate the needed information effectively. These signals should be learned and used by the farm family, employees and farm visitors such as feed truck drivers, chemical salespeople and Extension agents.

Use the signals to:

• save time
• prevent accidents
• reduce severity of injuries
• lower the risk of accidental death.

To help everyone communicate in the same "language," the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) has adopted 11 uniform hand signals for agricultural safety. The following are the hand signals you should demonstrate to your employees during the tailgate safety training, and then have your employees practice the signals. Beside each hand signal there are detailed instructions for performing the signal. While you are demonstrating the hand signal, you may find it easier to have someone else discuss how to perform the signal.

Come to me	Move toward me	This far to go	Move out
Raise the arm vertically overhead, palm to the front, and rotate in large horizontal circles.	Point toward person(s), vehicle(s), unit(s); beckon by holding the arm horizontally to the front, palm up, and motioning toward the body.	Place palms at ear level, facing head, and move laterally inward to indicate remaining distance to go	Face the desired direction of movement; hold the arm extended to the rear; then swing it overhead and forward in the direction of desired movement until it is horizontal palm down.
Lower equipment	Raise equipment	Slow down	Start engine
Make circular motion with either hand pointing to the ground.	Make circular motion with either hand at head level.	Extend the arm horizontally sideward, palm down, and wave arm downward 45 degree minimum several times, keeping the arm straight. Do not move arm above horizontal.	Simulate cranking of vehicles by moving arm in circular motion at waist level.
Stop	Speed up	Stop engine
Raise the hand upward to the full extent of the arm, palm to the front. Hold that position until the signal is understood.	Raise the hand to the shoulder, fist closed; thrust the fist upward to the full extent of the arm and back to the shoulder rapidly several times.	Draw either hand, palm down across the neck in a "throat-cutting motion."

Review the Following Points

• Hand signals are an ideal communication tool for noisy situations.
• There are 11 ASAE uniform agricultural hand signals.
• Standard signals help save time and prevent accidents.
• Using hand signals could save a life.
• Review each signal with employees.

Hand Signals for Agricultural Safety Quiz

True or False

1. To signal to stop, one should raise their hand upward to the full extent of the arm, palm to the front.	T	F
2. Only the farm owner needs to know the hand signals.	T	F
3. There are 11 uniform ASAE hand signals.	T	F
4. Using the standard hand signals can save time and prevent accidents.	T	F
5. To indicate that the equipment needs to be lowered, make a circular motion with either hand pointing to the ground.	T	F

Answer Key
1. T, 2. F, 3. T, 4. T, 5. T

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