New USA certification programme

A national crane inspection programme has been launched in the USA to provide separate certifications for mobile, tower and overhead cranes.

The CCO national inspector certification programme was jointly set up by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) and the Crane Certification Association of America (CCAA).

"NCCCO and CCAA mutually recognise the importance of safe crane operations and the role of certification in ensuring that personnel have the knowledge necessary to inspect and certify cranes," said Ed Shapiro, CCAA president.

"This latest CCO certification will effectively close the loop on jobsite lift safety by providing a way for crane inspectors to show that they are qualified to inspect cranes and be sure that cranes are safe for use."

The programme provides those with at least five years of crane-related experience to earn a professional credential. Experience may include being a crane inspector, crane operator, crane mechanic/technician or crane foreman.

Before candidates take the rigorous written exams they must prove their experience using detailed work history, education, and reference forms. The tests include pre-inspection survey, records review, visual inspection, operational testing, load testing and load charts and post inspection.

Candidates will also be required to pass the written portion of the respective CCO crane operator exam, although those who are currently CCO-certified operators will not need to retake those tests. There are no practical exams, but some elements are pictorially based to test candidates on their observational skills.

"We expect this new crane inspector certification will be popular with owners and employers who understand the safety and cost benefits of a professionally developed assessment process and who recognise its place within a comprehensive risk management process, while also meeting their obligations under state and federal requirements," said Joel Oliva, NCCCO programme manager.

The certification will also show that inspectors are qualified to inspect cranes as required by OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, which states that cranes must be inspected after assembly, repair, jumping, and disassembly.