Hot take: I used to think the old school hand signals were enough

Last week on a site in Cleveland, we were setting a heavy HVAC unit in a tight spot with a new spotter. He was using the radio, calling out clearances in inches as I swung. Three years ago, I would have waved him off and just used the basic signals. But hearing 'you're clear by two' over the headset while I was focused on the load line made the whole lift smoother and safer. Anyone else switch to using radios for complex picks?

3 comments

3 Comments

evand652mo agoMost Upvoted

Honestly, that sounds like a game changer for tight spaces. I always figured the old way was fine until you see a real pro use the tech right. Makes you wonder how many close calls we had just relying on hand signals from a distance. That kind of clear talk in your ear has to cut down on the guesswork big time. Maybe the old school way is okay for simple lifts, but why take the chance when it gets tricky?

ninam862mo ago

Clear by two" INCHES? That is a crazy tight margin, I would be sweating bullets. I can't even picture swinging something that big with that little room.

reese55124d ago

I read somewhere that some of those big crane operators train in simulators now to get a feel for those tight clearances before they ever step on site... It's wild how much prep goes into it. Two inches might sound nuts but with the right tech and a steady hand it's almost routine for those guys. Still, I'd be holding my breath the whole time watching that... That kind of margin leaves zero room for a mistake.