A spotter is a competent person specifically assigned the duty of observing and warning both operators of plant and ground personnel of nearby hazards.  In some jurisdictions, the spotter will be required to have successfully completed an endorsed training course.

Spotters must be aware of the risks associated with their role and have a comprehensive understanding of what the spotter duties are for that specific task. Spotter Duties Awareness Presentation (linked below) can be used to educate spotters.

Duties of a spotter include:

• Provide clear and effective communication to operators and ground personnel
• Maintaining delineation and exclusion zones
• Prevent unauthroised access into exclusion zones
• Position themselves out of the impact zone
• Stop the works if a risk is unable to be controlled
• Raise the alarm or initiate an emergency response when required

Spotters and operators must agree on an effective means of communication prior to working.

Spotter must maintain visual contact with the operator at all times.

Communication techniques and responsibilities must be agreed to and included in the risk assessment.

For a definition of “effective communication” see the guidance for GMR 1.E.

In regard to communication between spotters and plant/vehicles operators, preference must be given to verbal/two way radio communication in combination with hand signals.

If hand signals are being used, spotters and operators must agree on the hand signals before commencing.

Spotters must be 100% dedicated to their role as a spotter and can not perform any other duties whilst performing spotter duties.

Examples of spotting signals:

https://www.osha.gov/doc/topics/backover/spotter.html