Quite often communication on the farm cannot be accomplished vocally due to noise or distance. For this reason, the American Society of Agricultural Engineers developed standardized hand signals for agricultural activities.

The following hand signals were developed to provide an easy means of communication, particularly in the interest of safety. Often times a farmer may only have the use of one arm. All but one of the hand signals require only one arm.

The standardized hand signals are very effective if one arm is incapacitated by machinery or used for grasping.

Hand signals can save time and prevent mistakes. Use hand signals and teach them to others. Help make farming a safer occupation. EL

Click here or image at top right to download a PDF of the hand signals in a new window.

—Excerpts from Penn State University Agricultural and Safety and Health Program safety fact sheet. For more information on agricultural safety, click here.