If you are interested in becoming a crane operator, you need to go through the proper cranes training to secure safety and success in your profession. This training includes a number of different elements, such as practical training and written exams. In addition, it must meet federal, state, and local requirements, and be physically fit to operate a crane.
Operational Aids
Cranes require various types of operational aids to maintain safety and prevent accidents. In order to ensure that all cranes are safe to operate, cranes must be equipped with a variety of safety devices, including safety chains, hoist drums, and boom stops. Operational aids must be in proper working order to allow the crane to be operated, although it is possible to operate the equipment without them if other precautions are taken. Operators must always check these devices on their cranes during every shift to make sure they are in proper working order. However, these devices must never replace the professional judgment of the operator.
Operational aids are critical in the training process because these aids can help trainee operators work more safely. During training, students learn to operate various types of cranes and how to maintain them safely. They also learn to use various safety equipments and operational aids, such as the boom angle indicator. They learn how to examine cranes to determine wear and tear, and they practice using various types of booms, such as hydraulic/telescopic booms and lattice booms. Moreover, students practice operating a crane’s hoist system and lubricating its wire cables. If you are interested in learning more about logistics and the influence of the pallet mover check out the rest of our blog.
Timed written exams
Timed written exams in crane training are designed to test the knowledge and skills of crane operators. They consist of a general knowledge exam and a specialty exam. The general knowledge exam consists of 75 questions and an 85-minute time limit. The specialty exam, on the other hand, has only 35 questions and a 60-minute time limit. The exam will have an expiration date that is aligned with the date of the original certification.
Both the written and practical exam are required for mobile crane operator certification. Depending on the crane operator’s specialty, a single exam may qualify him or her for several types of certification. In addition to the written exam, the practical exam will consist of timed challenges to test hand-eye coordination, depth perception, load control, and hand signal recognition.
Hands-on practice
Hands-on practice is an important part of crane training. Operators must understand how different crane types work and how to safely operate them. They also must understand how to conduct proper inspections to ensure crane safety. The training process includes a variety of exercises, including operating hydraulic/telescopic booms, lattice booms, and hoist systems.
Hand signals used to communicate with crane operators must comply with OSHA standards. A crane simulator can teach the proper signals and how to use them. It also can simulate a load that is beyond the operator’s line of sight. Using voice signals can be difficult, so crane operators should be familiar with standard hand signals.
Monthly inspections
Monthly inspections of crane training are an important safety step. Every crane component should be checked for safety, and crane operators should perform these tests every shift. The crane operator is responsible for about 90 per cent of the inspections. He is doing his job to ensure the crane is safe and performing as it should. However, it is still recommended to have someone to help him with the monthly inspections. An in-house mechanic can be the perfect wingman for the crane operator.
While crane operators can perform inspections on their own, they can’t always perform all necessary checks. It is difficult for a single person to fully inspect a crane and its wire rope. Therefore, more companies are choosing to have monthly inspections performed by a third party.
