In order to ensure that individuals who inspect their cranes are fully qualified for the job, increasing numbers of crane owners are requesting to see their certification. Many inspectors today are relying on what is known as “Specification 78.” It is a Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) publication and has become the most widely accepted guideline and standard in the industry today. Even veteran crane technicians can benefit from this publication in the following ways:
- Continued and enhanced education – certification promotes continuing education throughout a technician’s career. This results in an employee that is considerably more productive than one without certification. In turn, this leads to greater cost-effectiveness and more efficiency.
- Industry update awareness – technicians must re-certify every time their certification expires. This typically involves some degree of education and training in order for the person to prepare for re-certification. In so doing, they are brought up to date about changes in manufacturers’ recommendations, safety standards, and other technical issues that may apply to them specifically.
- Reduced oversight risk – certification can dramatically reduce the risk of missing something when conducting an inspection. It also helps create and nurture a much safer working environment for those involved in operating a crane.
While there may be other benefits of crane inspection certification, the 3 listed above are the most important. However, customized requirements are equally important and businesses need to consider their budget and safety criteria, before investing in it.
What does Inspection Certification training entail?
Crane inspection certification training can be very comprehensive depending on the company that is instructing you. Most training courses that are currently available in the industry apply to all brands and models of cranes and hoists as well. The length of the course may vary as well but most average a total of 24 hours for re-certification. These courses usually encompass all crane and hoist operational aspects including brakes, controls, gears, motors, structure, suspension, testing, wheels, and much more.
By the time you have completed your training course, you should be familiar with all pertinent industry standards, knowledgeable of all applicable OSHA regulations, and passed your written exam. Certified inspectors usually meet and may even exceed CMAA Specification 78 requirements. Additionally, training is available for inspection certification of for hoists and support systems, mobile cranes, and overhead cranes as well as rigging.
It’s important to understand what a critical role inspection plays in crane operation and the safety of the operator as well as the equipment. More information regarding crane inspection certification is available online.
