For the first time since 1971 the federal government is updating crane regulations. Triggered by various lethal crane accidents around the country this past year, the U.S. Department of Labor is set to release drafts of the new regulations, which focus mainly on crane operator standards.
New Standards
The new regulations will require crane operators to pass both written and practical tests in all 50 states and complete more training. Currently only 15 states and 6 cities require tests. Crane operators will have various options to become certified/qualified under the new rules:
- Certification through accredited third-party testing organizations
- Qualification through audited employer testing programs
- U.S. military-issued qualification
- Qualification by state/local licensing authorities
In addition to the certification and training of crane operators the new rules also hone in on inspecting ground conditions, crane assembly and disassembly, operating near power lines, and the use of safety devices and crane inspections.
It is expected that the final approval of all of the regulations will “likely take more than a year.”
Sources:
(1) Devlin, Barrett. The Associated Press. September 18, 2008.
NAHETS Crane Operator Training & Certification
Member schools of the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools (NAHETS) across the country offer mobile crane operator training and certification programs. Each of the member schools are authorized to administer the NCCCO Mobile Crane Certification tests. They also offer training from instructors, all holding NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Certifications, to prepare for the tests. Visit the NAHETS Crane Site for more information.
Oklahoma College of Construction Blog 