Crane Certifications Are The Law of The Land

Crane certifications are now required for operators if their machine has a capacity greater than 2,000 pounds. OSHA’s crane rule was hotly debated for years, but it’s been put into full effect now. Safety directors and operations managers across the country are trying to get their operators certified. The same is true for single person operations that use cranes, every operator needs crane operator certification. OSHA can fine companies that are found to be circumventing this regulation. Fines related to OSHA’s crane rule can be avoided by obtaining crane certification from an accredited agency.

When Did OSHA’s Crane Rule Go Into Effect?

Beginning in December of 2018 the new 1926.1427 standard was officially enforced. At this very moment, OSHA can pull up on a job site and fine businesses utilizing uncertified crane operators. This standard officially states, “General requirements for operators. The employer must ensure that each operator is trained, certified/ licensed, and evaluated in accordance with this section before operating any equipment covered under subpart CC, except for the equipment listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.” Avoid OSHA fines by obtaining crane operator certification as an individual operator, or as the owner of a business that uses cranes you should get your team certified.

Do I Need Crane Certification?

Most likely, yes. The exception to this includes the following: “Operators of derricks (see §1926.1436), sideboom cranes (see §1926.1440), or equipment with a maximum manufacturer-rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less (see §1926.1441) are not required to comply with §1926.1427.” To make the industry safer overall, every operator should get certification regardless of the capacity of the machine they run.

Where Can Someone Get Crane Certifications?

There are a few different routes to get crane operator certification and work within compliance of OSHA’s crane rule. Crane certifications from NCCCO are the gold standard of the industry. We fully endorse their program as the safest, most comprehensive form of certification for the crane industry. Once an NCCCO written exam and NCCCO practical exam are passed, certification will be granted. With an NCCCO Certification, crane operators are ready to get to work.

Is Training Necessary Before Crane Certification Exams?

There’s no requirement to sit through a crane training session prior to taking the written or practical exams. The likelihood of passing either an NCCCO written exam or NCCCO practical exam without training isn’t high. The written exam tests knowledge on a range of topics related to the crane industry, and the practical exam course is enough to make seasoned operators shake. Taking part in a comprehensive crane training program prior to testing sets operators up for higher pass rates. If someone is determined to take the exam without training, then at least visit these resources prior to testing: Everything You Should Know For Practical Exams and NCCCO Test-Taking Tips.

How Long Is Crane Certification Good For?

An NCCCO crane certification lasts for five years. Before a certification expires, an operator can take a written recertification exam at a certified testing facility (find out why taking a computer-based exam is the best way here). Recertification exams are typically considered to be less intense than the initial exam. If the written recertification exam is passed prior to expiration then no practical exam is necessary. If certification expires then both the written and practical NCCCO crane certification exams must be passed.

What Can Be Done With Crane Certifications?

Certified crane operators can find work in the field immediately. With a crane certification, an operator can hit the field and make $30 an hour with benefits. That’s a great salary as a college graduate or someone with a high school degree. Within the crane industry, there’s plenty of jobs that don’t require a degree. There’s also the option of continuing to take NCCCO certification exams until the status of Certified Lift Director is achieved.

Where Do Certified Operators Work?

An operator with crane certification might work for a construction company, a roofing company, a tree company, or any place else that requires a skilled, certified crane operator. An individual with a taste for risk might want to start a company that offers crane services to many industries and become a successful business owner. How far crane certifications can lift someone depends on the ambition of the certified operator.

What To Tell Employers

If you work for a company that isn’t in compliance with the new OSHA crane rule then they’re just waiting until an OSHA fine comes down. Try to educate employers that think they aren’t impacted by the need to use operators with crane certifications. Place them in contact with a local training facility or a company that focuses on getting operators certified, like Train For The Crane. This new standard is meant to make the industry safer, and that only happens when everyone does their part. Keep yourself and your team safe by only utilizing certified crane operators.

Crane Certifications Are Here To Stay

This standard will most likely not be revoked or overturned. Companies that delay getting their operators certified are only putting themselves behind the eight ball. The companies that already have operators with crane certifications will win more work than the companies that don’t. The longer that a company waits to get operators crane certifications, the harder it will be to get in compliance with OSHA’s crane rule.

If you have questions about getting in the crane industry, or if you’re a business looking for training, you can contact us here. You can also keep up with us on our Instagram page, or visit our collection of blogs meant to be a resource for the industry.





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