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Changes in Crane Operator Standards
As of February 2014, OSHA has extended its deadline for crane operator certification to every 3 years. As with other heavy machinery operated on the worksite, all employers are responsible to verify that their employees are competent and able to safely operate cranes during this 3-year period. It is important to note that OSHA will still require certifiable confirmation. The following is everything you need to know about crane certification requirements.
Crane Operator Certification Process
The process of becoming a certified crane operator (CCO) includes completing safety training, a written exam, and a practical exam. The written exam will be proctored live by an approved organization. Two organizations that are accredited as such are:
- The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
- The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
Currently, you can find information on how to locate upcoming approved exam administrations on NCCCO’s homepage, with additional information on exam locations near you, computer exams, and test fees under their “Get CCO Certified” tab.
Certification Requirements
Crane Certification According to OSHA
According to OSHA regulations, a crane operator must acquire federal certification from a recognized crane operator testing organization. As a result, all crane operators in the construction industry must be nationally certified to start and must then be recertified every three years.
It is important to remember that certain cities and states have more strict crane operator license standards than OSHA. In such cases, only the state or city license is required. It is your job to know and comprehend the laws that apply to your workplace and to follow them accordingly.
Exceptions: Boom Cranes & Derricks
Operators of derricks, side-boom cranes, or equipment with a maximum manufacturer-rated hoisting/lifting capability of 2,000 pounds or less do not need a federal crane operator license.
Crane Certification According to the NCCCO
The NCCCO’s requirements for certified crane operators are similar to OSHA. The NCCCO, however, has more specific qualifications regarding the eligibility to become a CCO. These requirements say you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Comply with NCCCO’s substance abuse policy
- Be able to take and pass the written exams
- Be able to take and pass the practical exams
- Comply with NCCCO’s code of ethics
What Is the Difference Between Cranes in General Industry vs. Construction?
If crane work does not fall under one of the particular standards, such as Construction or Maritime, OSHA will normally classify it as general industrial. OSHA defines construction as the building, changing, or repairing of new or existing structures. Demolition and deconstruction of a structure are also examples of construction work. Depending on the intricacy and breadth, maintenance may also be considered building.
Refresher Certification Program
As stated on OSHA’s Crane Operator Certification page:
Please note that in addition to the practical exam, the recertification process must include a written exam that meets the standard requirements, be for the same crane type and capacity for which the operator was previously certified, be for an operator who has not otherwise demonstrated during the previous certification period that he or she lacks the required knowledge or ability to operate the equipment safely; and satisfy all of the other applicable requirements of the cranes standard.
Additionally, “OSHA requires employers to ensure that their crane operators are certified, which mandates that the operator demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skill through both written and practical tests.”
Our Certified Crane Operator Training Prep Courses
Here at Hard Hat Training, we offer a variety of crane operator preparation training courses. For the sake of this article we will only be briefly discussing each as an overview of what each course entails.
Before going through each individual crane training we offer, it is important to know that each of these courses include intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the course’s final written exam. In addition to the written exam, these courses also offer a checklist for employers to utilize when giving an OSHA-mandated practical exam.
All-Terrain Crane Certification Prep Training
Our OSHA Aligned All-Terrain Crane Safety Training Course, as well as our online version, meet OSHA’s classroom training requirement. Each course covers anatomy and components, stability concepts, rigging considerations, safe operations, common risks, and other topics.
Certified Boom Truck Prep Course
Our Boom Truck Safety Training Course complies with regulations, and our online version meets standardized training requirements. Each class covers anatomy, stability, rigging, safe operations, common risks, and other topics.
Knuckle Boom Crane Certifications Prep Training
Our Knuckle Boom Safety Training Course adheres to the relevant regulations, and covers the following safety topics:
- Anatomy and components
- Stability
- Rigging considerations
- Safe operations
- Hazards in the worksite
Carry Deck Crane Certification Prep Training Course
Our Carry Deck Crane Certification Courses are updated to meet the most recent changes in safety regulations. Anatomy, stability, rigging, safe operations, and typical worksite hazards are all covered in each of the individual training formats.
Lattice Boom Crane Prep Training
Our Lattice Boom truck Safety Training Course is in accordance with regulations, and our online version meets the relevant classroom training requirement. Each course covers anatomy, stability, rigging, safe operations, common risks, and other topics.
Certified Overhead Crane Prep Training Course
Our Overhead Crane Safety Training Course adheres with OSHA Requirements, and our online version meets OSHA’s requirement for classroom instruction. This course’s objectives are to assist employees in the following areas:
- Understand the significance of pre-shift inspections and how to properly conduct them.
- Learn the most prevalent overhead crane hazards and how to avoid or mitigate them.
- Learn how to operate in a variety of onsite situations safely.
Pedestal Crane Prep Training For Certification
Anybody who works heavy equipment must obtain training before running the machine on their own, according to laws. Our Pedestal Crane Safety Training Course complies with regulations, and our online version meets OSHA’s requirement for hands-on instruction. Each course covers the following safety topics:
- Crane anatomy
- Rigging operations
- Safe operations
- Common worksite hazards
Rough Terrain Crane Prep Course
Our Rough Terrain Crane Safety Training Course is OSHA Aligned, and our online version meets OSHA’s need for classroom instruction. This course’s sections will cover the following topics:
- Anatomy
- Interior inspections
- Exterior inspections
- Stability
- Principles
- Safe operations
- Know yourself
- Know your machine
- Know your worksite
Certified Utility Crane Prep Course
Our Utility Crane Safety Training Course is OSHA Aligned, and our online version meets OSHA’s requirement for classroom instruction. This course covers anatomy and components, stability concepts, rigging considerations, safe operations, and common risks.
In summary, crane safety training is important. Taking shortcuts may save time, but not your life.