From the National Precast Concrete Association … The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) will develop two boom truck-specific certifications in response to requests from stakeholder groups. NCCCO envisions a certification subtype addressing the vehicles’ unique characteristics based on recommendations from a working group that included NPCA producer members and technical staff, plus other industry representatives.
The new program will cover boom trucks with fixed or swing controls— most vehicles in the precast industry falling under the latter category. The NCCCO programs will meet all OSHA and ANSI requirements and establish the highest standard for certification of boom truck operators. An OSHA rule requiring crane operator certification is set to take effect in 2014, but is expected to be delayed until 2017. Regardless of implementation date, producers can ensure their boom truck operators are certified to meet both federal regulations and any site-specific requirements they may be facing now by taking the certification.
NCCCO’s Boom Truck-Fixed Control exam is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2014, the Boom Truck-Swing Control exam in the third quarter. The certifications will include written and practical components, but will be designed specifically to address the knowledge and skill required of boom truck operators. Information on the OSHA operator rule and extension status can be obtained at the Rule Reopening Resource
Center, posted at www.nccco.org. Information on certification is also available at the site, or from NCCCO Manager of Program and Development Joel Oliva, 703/560-2391; [email protected].