Source: National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), Fairfax, Va.
The first phase of a new program, CCO Boom Truck—Fixed Cab (BTF) operator certification is now available for businesses operating fleets with truck-mounted cranes. The CCO Boom Truck—Fixed Cab (BTF) written exam is a modified version of the CCO Telescopic Boom—Fixed Cab (TSS) written exam.
Boom truck users and equipment manufacturers approached NCCCO on the CCO Boom Truck—a subcategory of CCO Telescopic Boom—in early 2013, eyeing safety, insurance, and risk management benefits that other CCO operator certification programs have delivered over the past 18 years, according NCCCO Manager, Program Development and Administration, Joel Oliva. He also points out that the new OSHA crane rule (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC) requires operators to be certified when using cranes with capacities exceeding 2,000 lb. in construction applications.
“While there is a wide variety of users and applications of boom trucks, many machines don’t operate in typical construction applications, but are engaged in activities such as delivering materials and equipment,” says Oliva. “This new program is designed specifically to address the unique needs of boom truck operations in all their variety.”
“We anticipate this new program being highly popular with boom truck users keen to protect their employees and manage the risks inherent in any lifting activity,” notes NCCCO Work Group member and Practical Exam Management Committee Chairman Kenny Shinn (Shinn Cranes, Lakewood, N.J.). “The boom truck industry will be keen to take advantage of this powerful new tool for assessing operators’ knowledge and skills necessary for safe operation in their specific applications.”
More information about the new BTF certification is available on NCCCO’s website; the Mobile Crane Operator Candidate Handbook with exam applications and other BTF program information can be downloaded here.