Initial Mobile Crane Operator
Training Program

The Crane School provides initial training programs designed to prepare candidates to be a safe, conscientious and smooth mobile crane operator. We have two initial program durations; a 3 week program and a 5 week program.

The 3-week program is specifically for telescopic boom cranes with a fixed operating cab/station and telescopic boom cranes with a swing cab. The 5-week program includes the 3-week program plus two additional weeks to include lattice boom cranes.

These programs provide the complete package to become a competent and certified crane operator, from pre-use inspection, crane set-up, driving the crane, lifting loads, up-ending loads, tandem lifting and practicing the various obstacles similar to the practical exams. There is a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on instruction in a professional setting. Both programs are scheduled from Monday to Friday on consecutive weeks and the hours each day are from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

During the 3 week program you will take the following written and practical exams for NCCCO certification:

· Telescopic Boom Cranes with a Swing Cab “TLL”

· Telescopic Boom Cranes with a Fixed Cab “TSS”

During the 5 week program you will take the following written and practical exams for NCCCO certification:

· Telescopic Boom Cranes with a Swing Cab “TLL”

· Telescopic Boom Cranes with a Fixed Cab “TSS”

· Lattice Boom Cranes (includes crawler and truck) “LAT”

Topics Covered in this Class

· Terminology

· Crane types

· Component identification

· Crane application

· Safe operating procedures

· Accident case studies

· Preparing for a lift

· Hand signal chart

· Principles of leverage and stability

· Concepts of structural competence or strength of materials

· Load capacity charts

· Pre-lift considerations

· Pick and carry operations

· Operator responsibilities.

Practical Exams

The practical exams are comprised of six main tasks that increase progressively in the skill level tested. Skills tested are: inspecting the equipment, hoisting, booming, swinging, following hand signals, and combination (multifunction) operations. Crane operation with load and without load is required.. The NCCCO adapts the practical exam site layout for each crane certification category to ensure the examination remains standardized for all candidates wherever and whenever they may test.

The following sections describe the specific tasks candidates will be performing when taking the practical exam.

Tasks

The Six practical exam tasks are:

· Task: Pre-Operational (Shift) Inspection – not timed

· Task 1: Place Chain in Stop Circle – 1 minute and 30 seconds

· Task 2: Follow Hand Signals – not timed

· Task 3: Place Ball in Barrels – between 3 minutes and 30 seconds and 4 minutes

· Task 4a: Negotiate Zigzag Corridor with Test Weight forward – between 3 to 4 minutes

· Task 4b: Negotiate Zigzag Corridor with Test Weight reverse – between 3 to 4 minutes

· Task 5: Safe Shutdown and Securing Procedures

You are required to bring personal protective equipment to wear during the test including as a minimum: hard hat, work boots, and suitable work clothing.