Crane certification program launched

A new national crane inspection program in the USA offers certifications for mobile, tower and overhead cranes.

The CCO national inspector certification program 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 recognize 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."

Those with at least five years of crane-related experience can earn a professional credential. Experience may include being a crane inspector, crane operator, crane mechanic or technician or crane foreman.

Before candidates take the 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.

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.