If you would like to have a career as an overhead crane operator, you will need to undergo the proper training to be certified. All overhead crane operators, according to OSHA guidelines, must have a thorough understanding of rigging, signaling, operating, and maintaining overhead cranes. The training requirements indicate that the overhead crane operator receives training from a qualified trainer.

The leading cause of overhead crane and hoist accidents is improper rigging and/or crane operator errors. With proper training, the risks of these accidents are decreased greatly. The operator of the crane must be certified, and the rigger and signalperson must be qualified, but certification isn’t required but it is recommended.

Your crane certification is good for 5 years. Every 5 years the crane operator must go through the testing process to be recertified. Overhead cranes are used for manipulating and handling loads that are suspended. To operate an overhead crane, the individual must be at least 18 years of age, meet the physical requirements, and in some states, a CDL is required in addition to the certification.

To learn more about overhead crane training and certification and the programs offered at Associated Training Services (ATS) call (800) 383-7364. Financial aid is available. If you are interested in becoming an overhead crane operator, we have a team of experienced professionals available that will help you come up with the best plan for your financial situation and career goals.

Bridge Inspections are a priority! Millions of people cross bridges daily. These bridges are inspected by trained engineers, but sometimes damages occur, or problems are unnoticed leading to bridge collapses. Over the last 50 years, there have been several U.S. bridges collapsed. Some of these were caused by accidents or collisions while others are structural deficiencies. Here are some examples of major U.S. bridge disasters:

• As an example, the Hyatt Regency Walkway in Kansas City, Missouri, collapsed on July 17, 1981, killing 114 people. The weight of the guests caused the fourth and second-floor walkways to collapse. They both fell onto a crowded dance floor in the hotel lobby.
• Just outside Mobile, Alabama, on September 22, 1993, a section of an Amtrak passenger train fell from a trestle into the bayou and caught fire. A barge hit the railroad bridge just before the Amtrak train hit the bent tracks and then fell into the bayou. There were 47 deaths in the Big Bayou Canot accident.

• On December 15, 1967, the Silver Bridge collapse led to 46 deaths. The bridge reached from Point Pleasant, West Virginia, to Gallipolis, Ohio. Witnesses said the 1,460-foot bridge that was suspended fell into the river in less than 20 seconds. Investigators determined a bridge fracture caused the structure to fall like a “deck of cards.”
• In more recent years, in 2007, the I-35 W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapsed into the Mississippi River and killed 13 people. Investigators believe the bridge fell because the support plates were about half as thick as they needed to be.

Bridge Inspections

Bridge inspectors must undergo extensive training. There are guidelines regarding the frequency of bridge inspections, which depend on state and federal guidelines. The regulations establish the requirements for a bridge inspector, the required frequency of inspections, and the kinds of bridges that must be inspected. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) usually adhere to the federal inspection regulations, which are found under the National Bridge Inventory Standards (NBIS) and will add to them. States usually require more frequent inspections than the NBIS calls for. To become employed as a bridge inspector, you must undergo specialized hands-on training and become familiar with NBIS and the state requirements.

Lattice cranes, also called lattice boom cranes, are transported by trucks and then assembled on site. Lattice cranes have high capacities and long boom lengths, making them perfect for various applications. There are many configurations of lattice cranes, and their modular design gives them the flexibility to adapt the crane to the specific needs of the project for which it is being used. ATS offers lattice crane training and certifications.

Not all lattice boom cranes are the same. There are three different kinds of these cranes. Here are the options:

• Crawler cranes – These cranes have the advantage of moving with heavy loads for short distances. It has a maximum capacity of 1.600 tons. Because of its compact design, it is an excellent choice if there is a project where there is a limited workspace.
• Outrigger cranes – These cranes consist of a truck crane and the pedestal crane. The pedestal crane is used for projects that are stationary and are capable of transporting up to 2.000 tons. It can be set up rather quickly, providing a lower cost for operation. The truck crane is a substructure made up of a multi-axle truck. This is a highly mobile crane and is drivable on public roadways while carrying up to 750 tons.
• Ring cranes – These are versatile and innovative cranes capable of heavy lifting, which can be used to accommodate the needs of the mining, oil and gas, refinery, nuclear power plants, and offshore platforms.

Crane operators must undergo extensive training and have the proper knowledge to operate a crane safely. Associated Training Services (ATS) offers crane training and has a new lattice crane to help students learn everything they need to know about crane assembly and operation.

Mobile Crane Operator Training

ATS has three different levels of mobile crane operator training. Here are the three levels are broken down for students:

• The first level focuses on hydraulic cranes and large hydraulic cranes.
• The second level focuses on lattice boom cranes and articulated boom cranes.
• The third level focuses on tower cranes and digger derricks.

During the programs, students learn to safely operate the cranes and obtain crane operator certification through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). To learn more about the programs, call ATS at (800) 383-7364.

As you should be aware, OSHA’s new crane requirement rule became effective on November 10, 2018. Part of that rule involves the requirement for the employer to train and evaluate its crane operators in addition to those operators being certified. 

• To be a “Qualified Operator” under the new OSHA rule, the operator must be certified and evaluated.
• Operators who have not been certified and evaluated are considered “Operators-in-Training.”
• Operators-in-Training cannot operate without supervision.
• Operators-in-Training must be monitored at all times by a trainer who meets established criteria.

Associated Training Services (ATS) and ATS Specialized can help you meet both of these requirements. ATS has been training, certifying and evaluating equipment operators since 1959. Let ATS help you develop your operator certification and evaluation programs to ensure you are in compliance with all of the requirements of the new OSHA crane rule.

For more information, please contact Peter at 608-354-0723 or peter.k@atsdigs.com.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

The Average Crane Operator Wages?

There is a high demand for crane operators in the construction industry. Crane operators must undergo extensive training to safely operate these large pieces of machinery. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2014, there were 44,540 people employed as crane and tower operators in the United States. The average hourly crane operator wages are $25.75 per hour, which comes out to $53,500 annually. According to the study, other construction equipment operators average $48,020 per year, or $23.09 an hour. To fill any of these positions, you will need to undergo specialized training. In some states, crane operators must have OSHA certification as well.

The Sky is the Limit

When it comes to operating cranes, the sky is the limit and that is in more than one way. While cranes are towering over buildings, many crane operators have salaries that tower over the salaries of their fellow construction workers. An article in the Wall Street Journal reported that crane operators in New York sometimes make $500,000 annually when pay, benefits, and overtime are figured in. That is a half million dollars every year for working in the construction industry and operating equipment. The Real Estate Board of New York, which represents the construction industry, reported that those employees earning the highest salaries are union members, and some of them are relief crane operators, which are required by the union contract for specific projects.

What Future Do Crane Operator Wages Hold?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several states that require more crane operators. Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Maine, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, and Oregon have the highest concentration of jobs for crane and tower operators. Arizona has the lowest need for these workers. Crane operators are paid the most in New York, New Hampshire, Alaska, Hawaii, and New Jersey. When it comes to future job openings, the demand for crane operators will stay steady. With an increase in construction projects, the need for crane operators will climb. The retirement rate for crane operators is expected to be higher than average over the next few years, so the high number of retiring workers will contribute to the number of job openings that are available. Therefore, the number of job openings will be greater than the number of those seeking jobs in the field.

Get the Proper Training

To become a crane operator, training is needed. ATS offers mobile crane training. ATS offers a variety of programs to train crane operators, including programs to prepare for NCCCO Mobile Crane Certification. Some of the different crane programs include:

• Large Telescopic Boom Cranes
• Small Telescopic Boom Cranes
• Lattice Boom Cranes
• Articulated Cranes
• Tower Cranes
• Digger Derricks

To learn more, call (800) 383-7364 today.

When most people think about cranes, they think of the enormous tower cranes adjacent to skyscrapers under construction. Of course, there are other types of cranes that people don’t consider as easily. For example, if you’ve ever seen an electrician working on a telephone pole, you’ve probably seen a telescopic crane and truck. These cranes and trucks have several purposes but on a much smaller scale. Continue reading as we discuss telescopic trucks.

Telescopic Cranes and Trucks

Telescopic cranes are made of a boom that consists of a series of cross-sectional segments that are either trapezoidal or triangular. Once fully retracted, these pieces fit into each other. In several occurrences, telescopic cranes are mobilized by being secured onto trucks.

Once the crane is ready to be used, the tubes extend to the desired length with the help of a powered device. Integrated Publishing discusses telescopic booms and their three types: full-powered, pinned, and a combination of the two. Full-powered booms have segments that are retracted and extended using hydraulics (excluding the base section). Pinned booms have segments that are pinned in retracted and extended positions.

The crane system and telescopic truck can be used for many jobs together. TEREX and Elpers Truck Equipment disclose some typical uses, such as:

• Mining
• Installing cable TV
• Erecting steel
• Maintaining equipment
• Field service and installation
• Park and roadside highway maintenance
• Concrete work

The telescopic handler, another kind of telescopic truck, has the benefits of a forklift. Thackray does a good job describing this piece of machinery. Otherwise known as a telescopic forklift or telehandler, this machine consists of a truck with a boom that can fit several attachments. The ability of the boom to extend allows the attachments, like pallet forks, to attain heights that would be impossible with standard forklifts. Keep in mind that this truck can become unstable as the load is lifted higher. Be sure to use the correct load charts and follow other guidelines in order to comprehend the proper limits.

About TEREX

TEREX, which stands for “Deutsche Maschinenbau AG,” is a crane manufacturer based in Germany. This brand has made history with its legendary crane achievements, including:

• 1950: The first telescopic boom crane with a lifting capacity of 2.5t
• 1990: The most powerful telescopic truck on Earth with a 500t lifting capacity
• 2007: The strongest crawler crane with a lifting capacity of 3,200

TEREX Telescopic Cranes

TEREX cranes are all about delivering success and powerful mobility. Trucks are constructed to demand minimum rigging and positioning, and with a maximum speed of 65 mph on the highway, it is very easy for cranes to move between job sites. The powerful engine and hydraulic system that powers these cranes is built to take on any Jobsite condition, which further decreases downtime. The crane truck itself is made to last so that customers can serve endless clients.

TEREX has various telescopic truck crane models to suit your needs. The T 780 has a 169-foot max height and a 72.6t nominal lifting capacity for the biggest projects around. On the other hand, the T 340- 1 model has a 147-foot max height and 36.3t nominal lifting capacity to take on small jobs.

Homes are becoming more expensive, and ways of reducing costs, for the builder and the buyer, have been in demand for some time. One of the most popular ways to reduce both cost and site construction time has been the Modular Homes approach.

Modular homes, also known as factory-built, system-built, or even prefabs (short for prefabricated), are not new. In fact, after WW2, thousands of prefabs were used to rebuild the housing stock in the UK, it’s a tried and tested approach that has now been completely refined.

The Difference in Modular Homes

What set these modern modular homes apart from the standard constructed homes we are used to, is that they are built in parts in factories, and then shipped to the site to be assembled on permanent foundations. To ensure strength and longevity, building regulations for modular homes are very precise, and often exceed the requirements of traditionally built homes.

This approach does two things, first, it reduces overall construction costs, with only the final installation being done on-site, they are not affected by weather or other delays as can happen on-site. The production line nature of the component pieces of the home means that they can be produced much more quickly without sacrificing any quality, benefiting everyone.

Secondly, on-site, construction is simple. First, the new foundations are laid, as there would be for any new home, after that, the components are shipped to the site and then put together. With the bulk of the work done in the factory, a new home can be completed in just a few weeks, much faster than the traditional approach. However, many people think that this comes at a cost, with modular homes all looking exactly the same, you have to take what is on offer. That used to be the case, but today, modular homes are customizable, and you really can create the home of your dreams with the modular approach, and also save a lot of money in the process.

One of the biggest challenges on any site is the delays due to weather issues, and for all-year-round construction projects such as home building, this can be a particular issue. For anyone working on-site, that causes a lot of issues, and a faster process that avoids such delays is beneficial to everyone. The modular home sections arrive complete, and they are lifted into position using a crane. Each section is added in turn until the house is finished, a little like putting Lego bricks together to make a structure.

Modular homes are growing in popularity thanks to fast construction and cheaper costs when compared with traditional homes, this is not only good for home buyers but represents a valuable, year-round opportunity for crane operators. Home construction is changing, and modular homes are definitely the homes of the future.

Crane operators are some of the most skilled people operating on any site, being able to maneuver such large equipment and their loads with such precision can be awe-inspiring to watch. It’s why so many people love cranes, but there is also an inherent danger in crane work, and the potential for accidents is greater than with most other site equipment.

While modern technology, new construction techniques, and increasingly skilled operators mean that accidents today are much rarer than even 30 years ago, every accident is still one too many, and as such, we should never stop looking for ways to eliminate them. Accidents come in all shapes and sizes of course, tipping over in extreme weather is one type of accident that has been seen in recent years, a consequence of the increase in the size of cranes in general. However, many accidents can be attributed to human error, whether that is an operational or communication failure, maintenance deficiencies, or even a failure to follow safe practices by site workers.

The issue of extreme weather is one that can be dealt with through more closely monitoring weather reports, allowing preparation for the conditions, however for others where human error is responsible, then education is the solution. Specific, professional crane operation training is proven to give operators the confidence and knowledge to operate these ever more complex, large cranes more safely. However, it is not just the physical operation of a crane that training can improve, although, with such heavy loads today, that aspect is crucial for onsite safety. For operators, increased training can also help them spot potential safety issues on-site before they occur.

This could be potential communication issues that a specific site brings, it could be worker positioning during the movement of a load or when checking over equipment before the operation to recognize maintenance issues. It is the ability to see a problem before it becomes one, through understanding where the risk is and what it looks like, in every aspect of the crane operator’s job, that makes regular crane operation training so important.

Crane Operator Training

As every year cranes are becoming larger and more complex, so the need for training on these new machines becomes more important, the need to understand all aspects of operation, including safety being critical. With larger loads, larger cranes, tighter deadlines, and tighter budgets ensuring that crane operation remains as safe as possible increases the responsibility placed on operators and site management. While errors can never be completely eliminated, having the required training provides operators with the skills and knowledge to operate a crane safely, and just as importantly, recognize where issues for the safety of the crane and those around it could be compromised before an accident occurs. Crane operator training today is not just important, it is essential.

It’s probably crossed your mind already, just what is it like to be a crane operator? If there is one job that everyone sees being done that makes us think, it is the crane operator. But what is the job actually like for those that take on the training and go out and do it?

The first task of the day, no matter what kind of crane is being operated, is safety. Whether a mobile crane or a tower crane, giving things a check over is important. For mobile cranes, this means a once-over before setting off to the site, for a tower crane, operators check the crane at each stage as they climb to the cab. Responsibility, as shown by the safety checks, is a big part of being a crane operator, and that is why it can be so appealing. You are responsible for your crane, yourself, and the loads you move.

For mobile cranes, finding today’s site is the next challenge, moving large cranes around is itself a skill, but with each new site is a new work environment, and those ever-changing surroundings mean that life for a crane operator is never routine, never dull.

Operating the crane itself is, of course, the main part of the day, and is an exercise in precision and teamwork. Crane operators take responsibility, but they also need a team to guide them as loads are moved. Hand signals, radios, and even flags are all tools that allow the team to work seamlessly and safely to get the job done. Many people think a crane operator’s day is a lonely one, but the truth is that it takes a team to make it work. Operators may be alone in a cab, but they are never on their own on a site.

It can be long days, sometimes 12 hours on big projects, but that combination of responsibility, skill, and teamwork makes crane operators something unique. It also makes the work day for crane operators unique as well, which is why we see those cranes and wonder what it would be like. If you like the idea of something different every day, working as a team and taking on responsibility for yourself and others, it’s time to think about that crane operator training for yourself.

When you see a mobile crane operator doing amazing things like precisely placing a steel beam, you actually see teamwork. Without riggers, spotters, and signalers that crane operator would be working blind. The team that a mobile crane operator is a part of is a group of highly trained specialists. That’s why ATS offers a variety of specialties in our Mobile Crane Operator Certification Training:

• NCCCO Certification including preparation & testing
• Fixed and Swing Cab Mobile Hydraulic Cranes
• Lattice Boom Cranes
• Articulated Boom (knuckleboom) Cranes
• Rigging / Signalperson Training and Certification

It isn’t just classroom lectures, either, because in order to know what to do on this team you have to get in-the-seat training. Set-up, load dynamics, lift planning, rigging, and signaling are explained and then they are done. Doing it gives every team member the experience that helps them remember the lessons on the job.

The NCCCO certification is nationally recognized as a mark of excellence. A team made up of this level of professionalism is a team that earns top wages for a job well done. Each member of the team knows what to do, from the rigger who safely attaches the load to the crane and guides it to the spotter who watches for hazards like power lines.

The crane operator keeps an eye on both to get up-to-the-second information about the process. These extra eyes keep everyone safe in a dangerous work environment. Signals are used to communicate clearly despite the noise of the machinery.

Associated Training Services provides the training that each team member needs to do the job well. The Mobile Crane Operator Certification Training you get at ATS equips you with a career in this lucrative field.