NEWS/PRESS

June 01, 2002
AmQuip Puts Crane Training First With New Facility

By Mark Hoffman

CEG CORRESPONDENT

AmQuip, the Bensalem, PA-based company referred to by many as “The Crane Training People,” is quickly living up to its reputation.

The company, a provider of crane rentals and related services throughout the northeastern United States, is now the home of a fixed-site permanent training facility for crane operators.

The new facility, featuring two dedicated classrooms, an expansive practical training area, as well as state-of the-art presentation equipment, including PowerPoint, formally opened in April with a special three-day workshop for Accredited Practical Examiners for the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (CCO).

The CCO is a non-profit organization made up of representatives from all segments of construction and general industry. Its certification program is an industry-led program, with crane operators themselves playing a central role in developing fair, objective, independent and standardized assessments of the skills and knowledge needed by crane operators.

The new site will have an impact on crane safety nationwide, according to Graham Brent, executive director of CCO, who came up from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators' headquarters in Virginia to review the first class.

“This is very good. It looks great. This is just what we’ve been hoping for. We need more sites like this around the country,” said Brent.

Brent watched as the first group of crane examiners were put through a battery of practical tests demonstrating their ability to evaluate crane operators as they safely and effectively maneuvered a crane through a wide variety of tasks.

Brent praised AmQuip for the commitment to excellence and crane operator safety. He noted that the facility has classrooms for up to 40 people as well as a large area for practical demonstrations.

“If every site was laid out like this, we’d have far less problems. AmQuip, as well as those who attend training sessions here, are clearly showing that they take safety and certification real seriously,” Brent added.

He said the standards used by AmQuip were developed by CCO. They are not arbitrary, but are designed with safety in mind.

Representatives from many different sectors helped determine what crane operators should know to safely operate a crane. A committee of volunteers from construction, steel erection and general industry, as well as training, manufacturing, insurance, OSHA and International Union of Operating Engineering (IUOE) helped establish the standards.

Brent said the training facility’s location is ideal.

“There is a high concentration of crane operators right here along the Eastern seaboard who could take advantage of the centralized location,” said Brent

AmQuip’s yard is filled with equipment available for hands-on training, including the latest model cranes from Grove, Liebherr, Terex, Broderson, Galion, American, Manitowoc, Pettibone, Loraine, Ohio, P&H, Krupp and Demag.

The first class of students from the new training center used the Grove RT 58 14 ton (12.6 t), the 22 ton (19.8 t) Grove RT 422 and the 50 ton (45 t) American 5299 for their exams.

Jeffrey Hammons, safety director for AmQuip, said the training center is an affirmation of the company's slogan to “take quality, service and safety to new heights.”

“This is the first center of its type, dedicated to providing training and certification — both written and practical. It is a huge endeavor and commitment,” said Hammons.

He said AmQuip’s training is truly national in scope. The first class, for example, included crane operators/examiners from throughout the Northeast as well as Illinois, Georgia, and Michigan.

“And, now, they will go out to other sites and put operators through their paces and help certify them,” Hammons explained. “We not only certify crane operators, but we have the faculty and facility so we can train and test those who do the certifying.”

One of the advantages of the training center will be regularly scheduled classes open to all qualified individuals and operators.

“It used to be that we would go on site and do training and certification. We still do that, but the addition of the training center means that a company doesn’t have to sponsor a class. You don’t have to wait for a group or an employer to host a seminar. They can send one or two operators. It will definitely speed up the training and certification process,” Hammons explained.

In addition, Hammons said that AmQuip plans on developing a more flexible training/certification schedule.

“Classes and workshops will not only be offered during regular work hours. We are considering expanding to after hours and weekends. Small operators cannot afford to send their crane operator to classes during work hours. If the need is there, we will try to meet it,” Hammons explained.

AmQuip’s crane safety training is a key course for all seeking to understand crane operations. Topics include: crane components and technology; understanding and using load charts; lift considerations and crane setup; operator responsibilities, such as inspection, unsafe conditions; multi-crane lifts; hand signals and signal person; OSHA and ANSI standards (record keeping) and lifting personnel.

OSHA requires documented training for crane operators and AmQuip helps meet the requirements by providing specialized crane operator training tailored to specific needs.

Classroom training includes: OSHA/ANSI requirements; safe operator procedures; crane configuration; pre-operational inspections; crane setup; quadrants of operation and load charts.

Hands-on training includes pre-operational inspection; crane setup; crane operation; using the load chart; lifting light loads at varying radii; capacity lifts and performance tests.

AmQuip also offers courses in safe crane rigging for personnel who rig the crane lifts and signal the operator. Rigger training includes: OSHA/ANSI requirements; crane configuration; crane operating modes; load charts; wire rope type/inspection; slings; rigging hardware; calculating rigging loading; reeving and safe rigging practices.

“Certification is not mandatory at this time. However, more and more employers, including state agencies, such as Penn-

DOT, are requiring operators to be certified through the NCCCO program as a condition of work,” Hammons said.

NCCCO certification is three-parts: a demonstration of skills and knowledge through a written examination for a specific type crane; a practical test on the equipment; and a medical confirmation of physical ability to perform on the job.

Currently, there are four different designations/categories of certification: lattice boom truck crane; lattice boom crawler crane; small telescopic boom crane, less than 17.5 tons (15.75 t); and large telescopic boom crane, greater than 17.5 tons (15.75 t).

CCO certification is beneficial to both employers and employees, Hammons said.

Employers know for sure that their crane operators possess the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for the safe operation of cranes, while operators can take professional and personal satisfaction in knowing that an independent professional authority has recognized their skills.

“Some crane operators will tell you they have been working cranes for 25 years. The question isn’t if they are experienced. The question is: Are they doing it correctly? Certification answers that question,” Hammons explained.

It pays off for employers, too, when it comes time to pay insurance premiums .

“Today’s hard insurance market looks at safety real close. Insurers demand safe performance if they are going to insure you against risk,” said Hammons. “The simple fact is, trained skilled operators make for a safer work environment.”

The CCO certification is above and beyond any state or municipal licensing. It is a supplement to current licensing programs and is increasingly being accepted or recognized by others.

For more information, visit www.nccco.org or www.amquip.com. CEG

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