The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) today confirmed that its substance abuse policy remains in full force and effect. The statement was issued in light of the recently passed initiatives in Colorado and Washington permitting the use of marijuana for so-called “recreational” purposes.

The NCCCO Substance Abuse Policy, as set forth in NCCCO’s candidate handbooks, prohibits the use of illegal drugs, prescriptions, and any controlled substances that would impair the ability of individuals to perform their duties safely. This includes marijuana, whether used recreationally or prescribed for medical use.

“We wanted to make it perfectly clear that state initiatives regarding marijuana will have no bearing on the requirement that CCO-certified personnel comply with NCCCO’s Substance Abuse Policy as well as the substance abuse testing provisions of the ASME B30 standard,” said NCCCO Executive Director, Graham Brent. “It is a condition of certification that lifting personnel certified by NCCCO attest to their compliance with its Substance Abuse Policy.”

Non-compliance with the policy automatically revokes a candidate’s certification status, he said.