NEWS/PRESS

December 01, 2001
Reaching new heights with crane safety training

AmQuip, referred to by many as “The Crane People,” also wants to be known as “The Training People.”

The Bensalem, PA-based company is a provider of crane rentals and related services in the northeastern United States, so it only seemed natural to branch out into safety and training, said Stuart Sadler, AmQuip’s safety director.

“We have had the training in place for a decade. Initially, it was designed as safety training for AmQuip staff, but we have since branched out and become a full-fledged training center,” said Sadler.

Sadler said he and his team are qualified to train individuals in the operation of a wide variety of equipment and procedures, including:

- Mobile cranes (both wheeled and crawler)

- Other cranes, such as boom trucks, knuckle boom cranes, and overhead cranes

- Lift trucks (industrial and construction)

- Aerial lifts

- Bucket trucks

- Straddle carriers

- Front-end loaders

- Backhoe (wheeled and tracked)

- Dump trucks

- Graders

- Bulldozers

- Agricultural tractors

“We offer on-site training programs at the client’s facility using the exact equipment the operators use everyday,” Sadler explained.

“AmQuip’s programs can be tailored to suit both novice and experienced personnel as well as topics specific to the facility or industry.”

Training That Sticks

AmQuip pre-tests students to help them see their level of proficiency.

Students are tested for results to ensure that they fully understand the material being covered. On-the-spot remedial assistance is offered to help strengthen weak spots.

AmQuip prides itself that it offers a program that engages students, motivates students and delivers on-the-job results. They call it training that sticks.

“Classroom training is important, but we want to be sure that all our operators have hands-on training with equipment they will be using regularly,” said Sadler.

This past summer, AmQuip set aside offices solely for training purposes. The demand has increased and now Sadler and his team have modular units that serve as offices with classroom space for 20 students.

They will be moving to new offices in a new building that boasts two classrooms capable of holding a total of 40 students.

Sadler said his staff includes instructor/inspectors Stan Schoenwald, George Hughes, Tony Smith, Jack Wilson as well as Jim Metcalf, training coordinator; Kathy Metcalf, administrative/ marketing, and himself.

“All told, the AmQuip team has about 170 years of training and operating experience. All of our trainers were operators,” Sadler said.

Smith, for example, has 30 years of experience in rigging, while Sadler has more than 35 years of experience in operating, instructing and training.

Sadler has trained individuals around the world, including England, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Botswana and Australia.

“We know what happens and what operators are up against because we have done it all — good and bad,” Sadler said.

Helping to Meet OSHA Standards, and More

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 crane safety training, which is designed for managers, supervisors, operators, riggers and any personnel who need to have an understanding of 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.

A key component to crane safety is a thoroughly trained and qualified rigger. Most crane-related accidents occur from the hook down. It is extremely important that personnel who rig the crane lifts and signal the operator know how to work with cranes. Rigger training topics include: 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.

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.

Sadler said that Amquip is not limited to the mid-Atlantic states. It has sponsored training classes across the nation, including California, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York and Connecticut.

AmQuip recently concluded a two-day seminar for local fire companies on using cranes during rescues.

The company conducts the training at its training center on-site. It recently conducted on-site training at Sun Oil, Philadelphia; the North Dakota Safety Council, Kavaerner Co. Ship Yard, Philadelphia; General Electric Co., Philadelphia, and BP Oil, Toledo and Lima, OH.

Lowering Costs by Increasing Safety

One of the benefits of training, certification and crane inspection is increased safety and lower costs.

Most employers who go through training have lower Experience Modification Ratings (EMR), which result in lower insurance costs.

“You really need to keep the EMR below 1. More companies and states will do work with you if you have a rating below 1,” explained Sadler.

AmQuip believes safety starts at home. The company was recently re-awarded the crane contract for Sun Oil because of its own safety and training record.

Proper training has many rewards such as:

- Reduced accident rates

- Fewer job stoppages

- Less down time because equipment is used, not abused

- Less guesswork

- Improved customer relations

- Improved employee morale

- Reduced workers compensation

- Pride and performance in a job well done.

Getting NCCCO Certified

AmQuip is able to help heavy equipment operators with the latest in training and skills, including the standards of the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

Reducing accidents is the number one goal of NCCCO and there is clear evidence that certification helps increase safety awareness. Safety is paramount and proficiency of crane operators is key.

The NCCCO, which is made up of representatives from all segments of construction and general industry, has developed a fair, objective, independent and standardized assessment of the skills and knowledge needed by crane operators.

NCCCO is an industry-led program, with crane operators themselves playing a central role. Representatives from many different sectors have 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.

Certification is not mandatory at this time. However, more and more employers, including state agencies, such as PennDOT, are requiring operators to be certified through the NCCCO program as a condition of work.

To be NCCCO certified, operators must demonstrate 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)

- Large telescopic boom crane (more than 17.5 tons)

NCCCO Certification is reassuring to both employers and employees.

Employers can be assured that operators carrying certification have the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for the safe operation of cranes, without relying on subjective recommendation or judgement.

Operators who earn the distinction of NCCCO certification can take satisfaction that an independent professional authority has recognized their skills.

The NCCCO 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.

Written examinations are held on demand around the country when requested by employers, unions, employer organizations, testing companies or other groups. Tests generally require at least 15 candidates, although smaller groups can be accommodated.

Accredited practical examiners, such as those with AmQuip, administer practical examinations. Certification lasts only one to two years. Eight hours of refresher training must be taken annually.

For more information, visit www.nccco.org, or call 703/560-2391. CEG

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