Cranes are machines that play an essential role in the construction sector since they take care of the lifting, moving, and placing of heavy loads and objects around the job site, facilitating and streamlining the completion of a project.

These operations require qualified and certified crane operators who can follow safety protocols most strictly. Accidents on the work site due to the incorrect and irresponsible operation of these machines are common all over the world.

A well-trained operator is capable of operating different or specific types of cranes professionally, efficiently, and safely. Among the primary capabilities, a qualified crane operator must possess are identifying malfunctions to prevent accidents and working with the correct weight capacity.

There exist a wide range of options for training in crane operations, going from 3-week courses to 5-month programs. However, there are no established standards internationally that unify specific criteria that can be applied worldwide.

Each country works with its particular set of rules when it comes to certifying individuals in crane operations but always centered around the safety of all workers and the prevention of accidents on-site.

What are the practice standards to train crane operators?

Even though practice standards vary by country the focal point in all of them is to enforce safety protocols by providing crane operators with accurate guidelines and knowledge regarding the operations carried out by these machines.

So, what are the practice standards commonly taught to prepare students for crane operations around the world? They explain and teach the following:

• Types of cranes and key parts such as the hoist, the hook, counterweights, etc.
• Operating modes: manual and automatic.
• Rigging processes
• Calculation of the crane’s weight capacity is essential to identify when the weight of the load changes.
• Interpretation of load charts
• Crane setup and how it should be configured depending on different factors like the type of task, and the load weight, among others.
• Duties and responsibilities of an operator and how it directly impacts the rest of the workers
• Communication with the personnel on the work site through hand and voice signals.
• Safety procedures. This is crucial to avoid hazards that might be detrimental to everyone involved in any project.
• Inspection and maintenance. Operators are trained to inspect cranes and guarantee their correct functioning.
• Manual guidelines. Each crane has its own operator’s manual which must be followed rigorously.
• Safe hoisting of people and objects.

Safety comes first

A crane operator has tremendous responsibilities. Without proper training, the potential for accidents increases, affecting the lives of millions of people and property. Fortunately, there are different training programs, and even though they differ in some respects, the goal is the same: the protection of everyone involved on the work site.

At AME, Inc. we can’t wait to give you more information about this topic and others. Contact us for more details.