A new Crane Operator Certification Preparation Class is now being offered on the Red Wing campus of Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical. Due to recent OSHA regulations regarding crane safety, crane operators in the State of Minnesota are required to pass written and practical exams.

According to the new law, no individual may operate a crane with the lifting capacity of five tons or more on a construction site unless that person has a valid crane-operator certificate. The certificate must be issued by a nationally recognized and accredited certification program.

Certified examiners, Brent Miller and Jim Falbo, of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin, will conduct a four-day session covering rules, regulations, operations, conditions, related information and “hands on” practice that is completed with practical testing and a written exam on days five and six. Instructors guide operators through the program to ensure they are prepared for final exams. Written and practical test fees are included in the cost.

Specialty areas include: lattice boom crawler, lattice boom truck, large telescopic (swing cab), and small telescopic (fixed cab). Cranes are set up on site at Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical for the test process.

Certification Preparation Classes are offered throughout the year.

For more information, call 877-853-TECH (8324) ext. 7706. or visit www.southeastmn.edu/cranes.

For more information on this new regulation visit the OSHA’s web site at http://www.doli.state.mn.us/crane_certification.html.