Visual Signals

TB 600-2

gas or chemical attack.

c. Do not stand close to open moving cables.

c. Light signals indicating action expected or

d. Always lower tractor dozer blade and drawn

direction of movement are used in night exercises to

attachments when equipment is standing.

control the column and move individual equipment.

e. Keep moldboards of graders angled well under

d. The use of signals is taught best by illustrations,

the machine when not in use.

demonstration, and application. Signal drills must be

f. Do not raise crane boom too high as it may snap

repeated until all students are thoroughly familiar with all

back over the cab should the load be suddenly released.

signals and can recognize them instantly, demonstrate

g. Always shut engine OFF before filling fuel tank.

them properly, and comply with them promptly. Signals

h. Do not permit persons to ride trailers of tractor

(when applicable), should be used throughout the course

trailer trains.

of instruction.

i. Always lower forks and set parking brake on

forklift trucks when left unattended. Report accidents in

4-18. Operation of the Equipment. This phase of

accordance with AR 385-40.

instruction is designed to give the student operator

sufficient operating experience to enable him to

4-16.

Fire Prevention and Firefighting.

All

habitually follow the proper procedures and techniques

prospective operators must be made aware of fire on or

in performing operator maintenance services, starting

within the equipment to be operated. Rags, spilled oil,

the equipment, manipulating the controls, and moving

gasoline, diesel fuel and cleaning fluids in open

the equipment, if applicable. During this phase of

containers must be removed from the equipment prior to

instructions, the student learns to apply the knowledge

working on electrical components, or starting the engine.

gained during his preliminary training.

TARCOM

Emphasis must be placed on fire prevention and proper

construction equipment and materiel handling equipment

use of fire extinguishers.

includes a wide variety of vehicles; no single operating

course is outlined to make qualified personnel proficient

4-17. Visual Signals. Signals, when applicable, must

in all phases of operation. As a general rule, the training

be taught thoroughly to insure adequate control,

areas where this phase of instruction is given should be

understanding of orders, and cooperative action. They

simple, on level terrain, away from congested areas, and

provide flexibility of maneuver in tactical situations, allow

free from obstructions and distractions.

for fine adjustments of positions in congested areas, and

a. The student operator must complete with each

permit commanders to control a group of motor vehicular

phase satisfactorily before going to the next phase.

equipments

without

resorting

less

secure

Supervision must be rigid to prevent any trial and-error-

communication measures. FM 21-60 illustrates and

type operation.

To attain maximum progress, the

explains these signals.

assignment of one instructor or assistant to each five

a. Hand and arm signals can be used to prescribe

students is desirable.

direction, speed, caution, formation desired, and action

b. On each new exercise and before the student

expected. These signals may be augmented as need

attempts the problem, the assistant instructor

arises; however, care must be taken to avoid confusion

demonstrates the correct operating technique for the

and to keep everyone concerned informed on the

equipment.

meaning and use of additional signals.

c. During all phases of student operation, each

b. Flag signals are limited by the colors and

student maintains separate logbooks for his equipment,

numbers of flags available. Green, orange and red flags

which is handed to the senior instructor after each day of

are available through normal supply channels. Green

operation. These logbooks can serve as a valuable aid

normally means everything is operational and equipment

in determining the effectiveness of the inspections and

and crew are ready for orders. Red means danger and

services the equipment received.

warrants investigation.

Orange usually indicates

d. Emphasis on proper instruction and supervision

equipment out of action but no help needed.

will prevent much equipment abuse during all phases of

prearrangement, combinations of two or all three colors

equipment training.

can be used to indicate action expected or serve as a

warning of

4-3