Mobile Crane Operator Training

Get OSHA Compliant Mobile Crane Training

In reviewing the causes of crane accidents, most could have been avoided with the proper training. Accidents happen typically when a crane has not been set up properly, ground conditions were not considered adequately, unauthorized personnel in the work zone, proximity to electrical wires, weather conditions, and not using the load charts and range diagrams correctly when lifting a load.

Training your employees, or learning to operate a crane yourself, does not happen in a day or two. Just learning the foundation of the crane operator’s responsibilities before they even operate the crane takes time. At Total Equipment Training, we understand budgetary constraints, time off the job for training, etc. We will provide all the materials and the foundation to get your beginner operators off to a great start. For your more seasoned operators, our refresher programs provide the added assurance your operators are in compliance with OSHA and ASME Standards, as well as, any site-specific standards you may have.

Customized Crane Operator Training

Our customized crane operator training is designed to provide the information and testing to help ensure that your crane operators can operate your cranes safely and effectively in most situations. The tailored crane operator training consists of classroom training with written testing, and hands-on training with practical testing. Our crane operator training is divided based on the current skill level of the participants. Changes can be made to accommodate your needs. Below is a basic, starting point outline that will be adapted for your people and equipment.

Classroom for Mobile Crane Operator Training

• OSHA 1910 and/or 1926
• Causes of accidents and preventions
• Pre-operation inspection
• Knowing and understanding hand signals
• Mock critical lift meeting
• Capacity load charts (specific to your crane/equipment)
• Crane configuration and modes of operation
• Proper crane set up and blocking
• Reeving & operator and rigger responsibilities
• Wire rope construction, design factors, uses, and inspection
• Written tests (Load charts and general crane safety knowledge)

• ANSI B30.5 and PCSA rules and regulations
• Assessing site conditions
• When and how to make deductions
• Work areas and maintenance issues
• Modifications to the job site, if needed
• Rigging
• Working with the range diagram
• Working around power lines
• Understanding radius, boom angle, and boom length
• Gross and net capacity with factors that reduce capacity
• Review and written tests

Hands-on Mobile Crane Operator Training

• Assessing site conditions and obstructions
• Pre-operational inspection
• Proper crane set up & maintenance basics
• Operate to feel controls
• Erecting and stowing jibs and extensions
• Lifting light loads and heavy loads using the capacity load chart
• Lift problems using the capacity load charts
• Attachments

• Securing the crane
• Lifting on rubber and carrying loads
• Reeving blocks and balls
• Load charts
• Rigging
• Hooking and hitching
• Moving and driving

About OSHA’s General Industry Standard (29 CFR 1910)

Total Equipment Training provides your employees with the crane operator training and documentation to comply with OSHA’s General Industry regulations.

Regulations require that only qualified and authorized crane operators or crane operator trainees under the direct supervision of a qualified crane operator shall be permitted to operate mobile cranes. To ensure that only qualified personnel operate mobile cranes, regulations require that operators successfully complete a qualification process.

How to Become a Certified Mobile Crane Operator

Whether you fall under OSHA’s General Industry or Construction Industry Standards, employers must have proof of qualification from both a written and practical test on the type of crane being operated for every operator. Certifying agencies (CCO) issue licenses upon successful written and practical examinations.

Currently, there are four ways that a Mobile Crane operator can be qualified or certified and meet OSHA requirements:

• A certificate from an accredited crane operator testing organization (CCO)
• Qualification from the employer through an audited employer program
• Qualification by the US Military (only applies to employees of Department of Defense or Armed Forces and does not include private contractors)
• *Licensing by a state or local government (if that licensing meets the minimum requirements set forth by OSHA) *When a state or local government requires a crane operator license, the crane operator must be licensed accordingly to meet OSHA requirements.