NCCCO responds to industry calls for new CCO certification for smaller truck cranes
November 2012 - Users and manufacturers of service truck cranes will soon have a new credential tailored to meet their specific needs, following a request that the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) develop a CCO certification program that addresses the knowledge and skills required to operate these smaller cranes mounted on trucks.
The 17 members of the Service Truck Crane Operator Work Group that NCCCO formed earlier this year in response to this industry request represent not only seven service truck crane manufacturers, but also other stakeholders, including users, training companies, and labor organizations. The Work Group has met four times so far and is on target to launch the new program during the second quarter of 2013.
“We’re very pleased that NCCCO is responding to our request and is developing a certification program to meet our needs,” said Tim Worman, product manager for commercial vehicles at Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc. (IMT), Garner, IA. “We anticipate this new program being highly popular among users of these cranes keen to protect their employees and manage the risks inherent in any lifting activity.”
Although relatively small, these cranes are still engaged in lifting operations covered by OSHA 1926 Subpart CC, which requires operators to be certified if they are involved with material delivery at construction sites. These specialized machines are also used in non-construction applications such as propane delivery, mining, and heavy equipment assembly and service.
“We recognize the unique characteristics of the service truck crane industry and we’re tailoring a program that meets the needs of the users in this niche market,” said Joel Oliva, NCCCO Program Manager, Test Development. “As a subset of NCCCO’s existing mobile crane operator certification, this won’t be an entirely new program, so it is being developed with the oversight of NCCCO’s mobile crane practical exam and written exam management committees.” Initial program development is leading towards a single written exam and a single practical exam to earn certification.
Participants in the NCCCO Service Truck Crane Work Group include:
- Cianbro Corp.
- ETS, LLC
- KJ Shinn Inc.
- Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc.
- IUOE Locals 18, 324 JATF and 542
- Liftmoore Inc.
- Maintainer
- Palfinger North America Group
- Propane Education & Research
- Stellar Industries
- Tiger Cranes
- Venco/Venturo