February 19, 2019—Crane Industry Services, LLC (CIS), Carrollton, Ga., now offers training for employers who need to qualify individuals to do crane operator evaluations, according to new OSHA requirements. In addition, CIS staff can provide third-party crane operator evaluations to assist companies who need extra help getting these done.
During the first 60 days of enforcement (until April 15, 2019), OSHA will evaluate good faith efforts taken by employers in their attempt to meet the new documentation requirements for operators of cranes used in construction.
“Crane operator certification is now the benchmark and employer evaluation of operator qualification is an ongoing process. We’re fielding a lot of questions from unions and employers about the confusion around the new OSHA language. While OSHA allows for crane operator certification to be by crane type, or crane type and capacity, the employer, or the employer’s representative must evaluate each operator’s qualifications on each crane he or she operates. If multiple cranes are used and the machines are the same make, model number and are configured alike, one qualification evaluation will suffice. However, if the employer has multiple crane made by different manufacturers, the employer must qualify each operator on every different machine the operator runs,” explains Cliff Dickinson, President of CIS.
“The evaluation process requires initial planning to determine how many different machines are in a given fleet, how many of them are the same make, model, configuration and whether they are used for the same type of work,” adds Dickinson.
A one-day Crane Site Safety class offered by CIS may now also include two additional days on-site devoted to instruction on how to evaluate an operator. On the second day of evaluation instruction, potential evaluators are observed performing the actual process.
The course reviews the OSHA documentation requirements, and includes a checklist that evaluators can apply to different crane types and configurations that are commonly used in the employer’s fleet. The course also provides guidance for evaluators to determine if an operator is qualified to run the machine. “There is a heavy focus in the class on new OSHA language for operators to be able to ‘recognize and avert risk,’” says Dickinson.
Online record-keeping
OSHA requires that operator evaluations be available on the jobsite, however, Dickinson says, “It does employers no good to lock the information away in a filing cabinet or save it to a electronic file without making the information searchable and dynamic.” Working with iReportSource Inc., Crane Industry Services, LLC (CIS) has customized an online reporting tool for crane users. iReportSource integrates all the pieces of project planning—resources and skills needed, schedules, and staffing capabilities—into a daily report. Crane operator evaluations are just one more piece of data that can be added to the overall big picture.
By inputting crane operator evaluations into iReportSource, managers can know what their workforce is able to do, in real time, from any location. It offers instant record-keeping, and is one of the most affordable and user-friendly programs on the market, believes Dickinson. From a computer or mobile device, the user can see identifiers tied to an employee ID number. Once the number is input, the system reports criteria for how to find that employee. The user can see all the different areas in which the operator has been trained and certified and his or her safety record. The crane operator evaluations can be done live on a mobile device and instantly become part of the system. “You can also input notes about a laborer’s productivity and whether he or she is working on time and on budget, and his or her role in the overall project,” says Dickinson.
“Three men qualified on two machines each,” reported John Brown, CIS Instructor, Mentor &
Examiner, who conducted crane operator evaluations on a cold day in February.
About Crane Industry Services
Crane Industry Services LLC, (CIS) based in the Atlanta, Ga. area, was established in 2008. CIS provides hands-on, classroom and technology-based training for the crane and rigging industry, nationally accredited NCCER certifications, equipment inspections, expert witness services, and consulting to the lifting industry. Crane Industry Services is WBE-certified and NCCER-accredited to train and provide OSHA-recognized, ANSI-accredited crane operator certification testing www.centeredonsafety.com or (770)-783-9292.
Crane Industry Services, LLC Adds Course to Help Employers with Crane Operator Evaluations
/in Company News, Employer Responsibility /by Tracy BennettFebruary 19, 2019—Crane Industry Services, LLC (CIS), Carrollton, Ga., now offers training for employers who need to qualify individuals to do crane operator evaluations, according to new OSHA requirements. In addition, CIS staff can provide third-party crane operator evaluations to assist companies who need extra help getting these done.
During the first 60 days of enforcement (until April 15, 2019), OSHA will evaluate good faith efforts taken by employers in their attempt to meet the new documentation requirements for operators of cranes used in construction.
“Crane operator certification is now the benchmark and employer evaluation of operator qualification is an ongoing process. We’re fielding a lot of questions from unions and employers about the confusion around the new OSHA language. While OSHA allows for crane operator certification to be by crane type, or crane type and capacity, the employer, or the employer’s representative must evaluate each operator’s qualifications on each crane he or she operates. If multiple cranes are used and the machines are the same make, model number and are configured alike, one qualification evaluation will suffice. However, if the employer has multiple crane made by different manufacturers, the employer must qualify each operator on every different machine the operator runs,” explains Cliff Dickinson, President of CIS.
“The evaluation process requires initial planning to determine how many different machines are in a given fleet, how many of them are the same make, model, configuration and whether they are used for the same type of work,” adds Dickinson.
A one-day Crane Site Safety class offered by CIS may now also include two additional days on-site devoted to instruction on how to evaluate an operator. On the second day of evaluation instruction, potential evaluators are observed performing the actual process.
The course reviews the OSHA documentation requirements, and includes a checklist that evaluators can apply to different crane types and configurations that are commonly used in the employer’s fleet. The course also provides guidance for evaluators to determine if an operator is qualified to run the machine. “There is a heavy focus in the class on new OSHA language for operators to be able to ‘recognize and avert risk,’” says Dickinson.
Online record-keeping
OSHA requires that operator evaluations be available on the jobsite, however, Dickinson says, “It does employers no good to lock the information away in a filing cabinet or save it to a electronic file without making the information searchable and dynamic.” Working with iReportSource Inc., Crane Industry Services, LLC (CIS) has customized an online reporting tool for crane users. iReportSource integrates all the pieces of project planning—resources and skills needed, schedules, and staffing capabilities—into a daily report. Crane operator evaluations are just one more piece of data that can be added to the overall big picture.
By inputting crane operator evaluations into iReportSource, managers can know what their workforce is able to do, in real time, from any location. It offers instant record-keeping, and is one of the most affordable and user-friendly programs on the market, believes Dickinson. From a computer or mobile device, the user can see identifiers tied to an employee ID number. Once the number is input, the system reports criteria for how to find that employee. The user can see all the different areas in which the operator has been trained and certified and his or her safety record. The crane operator evaluations can be done live on a mobile device and instantly become part of the system. “You can also input notes about a laborer’s productivity and whether he or she is working on time and on budget, and his or her role in the overall project,” says Dickinson.
“Three men qualified on two machines each,” reported John Brown, CIS Instructor, Mentor &
Examiner, who conducted crane operator evaluations on a cold day in February.
About Crane Industry Services
Crane Industry Services LLC, (CIS) based in the Atlanta, Ga. area, was established in 2008. CIS provides hands-on, classroom and technology-based training for the crane and rigging industry, nationally accredited NCCER certifications, equipment inspections, expert witness services, and consulting to the lifting industry. Crane Industry Services is WBE-certified and NCCER-accredited to train and provide OSHA-recognized, ANSI-accredited crane operator certification testing www.centeredonsafety.com or (770)-783-9292.
CIS Simulation Demo event with CM Labs on March 13 & 14
/in Company News /by AdminCIS Workforce Development Programs Recognized
/in Company News /by Tracy Bennett“CIS is truly appreciative and honored to be recognized,” said Debbie Dickinson, CEO of Crane Industry Services. The organization’s innovation in training and its expansion in the local area with the opening of new facilities earlier this year, were factors in the recognition for both awards.
The Small Business of the Month award recognizes Carroll County’s exceptional small businesses. Presented within a particular business sector it is given to a Chamber member business that employs 50 or fewer people and excels in the areas of business excellence, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit. The award is presented monthly at the winner’s business establishment. CIS was chosen among chamber Industrial members.
The Georgia Small Business Rock Star Award identifies people doing exceptional work in their small business area. Because of CIS’ commitment to workforce development and the company’s rapid expansion of their business scope, the community nominated them for the statewide award. The award winner will be recognized in a ceremony next spring, when the award will be presented by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Tips for Developing High Performing Teams
/1 Comment/in Skilled Labor Supply /by Tracy BennettHow Tower Cranes Work (Source: Maxim Cranes)
/in Company News, NCCER News /by AdminBuilding A Tower Crane
There are an abundance of tower cranes in cities. So much that you may be fooled into believing that they reach sky-scraping heights with ease. In reality, erecting a tower crane takes weeks of prior preparation.
To make the erection process as efficient as possible crew members typically stick to a predetermined set of sequences. Assembly procedures differ depending on the type of tower crane used. Broadly speaking, tower cranes typically fall into general categories of either Luffing Jib or Trolley Jib types. Luffing jib tower cranes have jib arms that “luff” or pivot up/down similar to ground based mobile cranes. Trolley jib tower cranes have a horizontal jib arm and a trolley assembly that positions the load along the length of the jib. We’ve outlined the assembly process for a freestanding, trolley jib tower crane as these are some of the most commonly used tower cranes nationally.
The Crane Base
The process of erecting a crane begins with creating a secure foundation from which the structure will be built upon. The integrity of the base is crucial in supporting the crane’s structure and balance for assembly and operation.
Prior to the crane’s arrival on site, the first piece of the vertical mast is secured to a concrete foundation using heavy duty anchor bolts or embedded stools. The exact quantity of concrete needed will depend on various factors including the configuration of the tower crane and the local code requirements, but the entire weight of the base usually exceeds 400,000 lbs.
Crane Transportation
The next order of business is the transportation of the equipment to the worksite, this may sound simple enough, but for the crew many factors have will need to be taken into account.
Transportation considerations include:
Erecting a Crane
The tower crane will arrive on site in multiple parts. First, the vertical mast is erected by adding additional mast sections on top of the base using other types of lifting equipment such as mobile or crawler cranes.
Once the desired mast height has been reached, the operator’s cab and a turntable, which provides rotation, will be placed and secured atop the lengthy mast, this section is usually the heaviest element of a tower crane. The apex of the crane is then attached – aptly named the tower top.
A working arm or jib is connected to the turntable and extends horizontally. Attached to the jib is a trolley mechanism, hoist & hook. These provide the various functions needed for lifting. Behind the cab and in alignment with the working jib is the counter-jib. This section contains counterweights, motors, and electronics. For the tower crane to become functional, ropes must be attached and connected to the working elements.
Operating a Tower Crane
The majority of cranes are designed to be operated from the cabin at the top of the crane. For efficiency and safety, a team of skilled individuals are employed to oversee the operation of the crane.
Each member of the team resumes responsibility for various processes. For example, ‘the appointed person’ has a range of duties including assessing risk and managing the overall planning of the lift. A ‘crane coordinator’ will take on the responsibility of scheduling the lifts, managing the sequencing the lifts and ensuring clashes do not occur. A “Signal person” is responsible for acting as the operator’s second set of eyes and communicating to the operator which direction(s) to move the load. The ‘crane operator’, obviously, is responsible for operating the crane and lifting/positioning loads as required and directed by others.
Dismantling Tower Cranes
The basic steps to dismantle a tower crane are the same as assembly, just in reverse order. However, it must be consider that when a tower crane is erected, typically the jobsite is mostly empty as the primary structure hasn’t started without the tower crane. When it comes down, the opposite is true as the completed structure usually occupies most of the available space on the site. Hence, with limited room to setup a mobile crane or set the tower crane components down, dismantlement is often a far more complicated task.
Maxim Crane is a coast-to-coast provider of crane rental and lifting services. As specialists within our field, we offer innovative solutions to meet your project’s needs. Situated in over 50 locations, each branch is able to provide management services, including transportation, risk management, safety and insurance programs that are unparalleled in the industry. To find out more about Maxim Crane and to see the original article, click here.
CIS Announces New NCCER Admin Staff
/in Company News, NCCER News /by Tracy BennettJean Robinson
With a goal of strengthening its customer service program, CIS added two employees to its office staff. Their primary duties are administrative support in the CIS office and the NCCER credentialing process. Jean Robinson serves as secondary administrator for NCCER, and Joy Tansill is a NCCER coordinator and an office administrator.
Jean Robinson, Program Administrator, brings more than 20 years of administrative experience to CIS. As a certified NCCER Administrator, Coordinator, and Proctor she provides consistent and vital support to the team of CIS trainers and to customers needing NCCER qualification and certification. She is responsible for conducting assessment activities for CIS’ crane and rigging programs as a secondary administrator. “Customers love working with her,” says Debbie Dickinson, CEO of CIS. “She makes sure people have the right credentials and skills, as well as the right job description.”
Robinson registers candidates for training classes and certification exams, providing follow-up through training prescriptions and certification score reports. She also works closely with CIS’ national partners and customers to provide an outstanding and successful training and certification process.
Joy Tansill
Joy Tansill, Program Coordinator, is a certified NCCER Coordinator and Proctor. She also schedules and provides quotes for inspections, training, and special programs, and provides general administrative support to CIS inspectors and trainers. “She has excellent creative talents and organizational skills, which she immediately put to work in the administrative office,” said Dickinson
Dickinson adds that CIS plans to add another inspector / trainer to the staff.