Which gesture signals the operator to raise the hoist?

• A. holding the palm of your hand up with your fingers closed, pointing your thumb in the direction of motion, and jerking your hand horizontally
• B. extending your arm forward with your hand open and slightly raised, and making a pushing motion in the direction of travel
• C. extending your arm with the palm of your hand down, and moving your arm back and forth horizontally
• D. holding your forearm vertical with your forefinger pointing up and moving your hand in a small horizontal circle

Answer: (D)

Hand signals on a hoist are standardized so the operator can clearly understand actions when voice commands can’t be heard. The gesture described—holding the forearm vertical, with the forefinger pointing upward, and making a small circular motion with the hand—clearly communicates a vertical lifting action. The vertical orientation signals upward movement, and the circular motion is the cue used to start or continue the hoist. Other gestures shown don’t indicate lifting; they’re used for actions like traveling, pushing, or lowering, which is why they aren’t the correct signal to raise the hoist.