If signals are not clearly understood during a lift, what should be done?

In any lifting operation, clear communication is critical for safety. When signals are not clearly understood, the best course of action is to stop the lift until communication is restored. This ensures that all personnel involved in the lifting operation are on the same page about the actions that need to be taken and helps prevent accidents or injuries due to miscommunication.

Continuing the lift cautiously can lead to uncontrolled movements or misinterpretations of the signals, potentially creating hazardous situations. Changing the signals being used might lead to further confusion if all operators and crew members are not immediately aware of the new signals. Consulting the load chart does not address the immediate issue of unclear communication among the crew. Therefore, halting the lift and re-establishing clear communication is the most effective and safest approach in uncertain situations during a lift.