Earlier this year, Tiffin Loader Crane in Tiffin, Ohio, one of Palfinger’s largest U.S. crane dealers, hosted a National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) workshop to train examiners. This workshop served to not only certify them as operators, but also to accredit them for ABC (Articulating Boom Cranes) and ABL (Articulating Boom Loaders) class cranes so that they are able to administer the practical section of the certification as well. Matt Drosky, production manager, and John Kosta, service operations specialist, both of Tiffin Loader Crane, took part in the training.

Tiffin Loader Crane also recently conducted its first session of NCCCO exams. This first round of certification included 16 individuals scheduled for the testing.

Putting his newly acquired skills to the test, Kosta administered the “hands-on,” or practical, portion of the test. He explained that the examination also consists of a written section that is taken first and is administered by representatives from the NCCCO.

What the NCCCO represents is the development of standards for the required skills to safely operate cranes and establish an impartial and credible examination for crane operators. In December 2008, Palfinger North America hosted the first meeting of the new NCCCO-ACTF and has been an active participant since.

There is a lot of information covered in this program and it can seem daunting, however the end result will be improved safety at jobsites. Not only will accidents, injuries and loss of life be significantly reduced by this program, but the implementation of it also translates to cost savings.

Another benefit to having certified crane operators will be that their expertise increases their ability to work more efficiently. This means that projects are more likely to be completed in a timely manner. The law for this certification is mandated in many U.S. states already but numerous companies have taken the initiative to start the process.

“Many guys are surprised by the practical exam. It’s not that it’s difficult, but it’s a matter of completing the course in time” said Kosta. During the practical portion of the testing, operators need to navigate a load through an obstacle course while maintaining certain factors such as avoiding poles set up as boundaries for the course.

When asked what his advice was to people who need to take the certification, Kosta stated “As far as the written part is concerned, the best thing you could do is to go to the NCCCO website and download the study guides.”

When it comes to the practical side, Kosta encourages everyone to practice. “That’s the key, get in as much time on the machine as you can” he said.

To register for the certification, visit www.nccco.org. CQ

This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.

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