http://www.cicb.com/This is the CICB BlogCopyright (c) 2013 Tue, 21 May 2013 08:33:19 ESTTue, 21 May 2013 08:33:19 EST5  The New Crane Rule and Operator Certification The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employer to ensure that their crane operators are certified.  Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926, Cranes and Derricks in Construction mandates that the operator demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skill through both written and practical tests (§ 1926.1427(a)). There have been many discussions in the industry recently about the new crane rule and the effect it might have on how operators are certified.  The primary issue that has generated the most concern seems to be OSHA’s position on certifying “capacity and type”....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-operator-certification.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-operator-certification.htmlFri, 14 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST Clarifying Pending Crane Operator Certification Rules The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), Small Business Administration (SBA), The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) have been working together to provide clarification to OSHA’s interpretation of the pending crane operator certification requirements. In November 2010, OSHA adopted Regulation 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC requiring all crane operators in the United States be certified according to the new standard effective November 10, 2014....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/clarification-of-crane-operator-rules.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/clarification-of-crane-operator-rules.htmlFri, 31 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST  CRANE AND RIGGING WORKSHOP   CICB, who is a world leader in providing training, certifications and inspections, will be attending SC&RA Crane & Rigging Workshop on September 19-21, 2012 in Louisville, KY.  The opening speaker will be Jim Maddux, the director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) directorate of construction, who will discuss his agency’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard along with the impact these rulings have on the crane and rigging industry....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-and-rigging-workshop.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-and-rigging-workshop.htmlMon, 27 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST  NCCCO Announces New Separate Color-Coded CCO Certification Cards Crane Operators, Riggers, Signalpersons, Crane Inspectors, Practical Examiners, and Auditors will now be issued separate color-coded CCO cards, according to the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).  Previously, all certifications were listed on one card.   The new cards will also reflect the full five-year certification period for each category.   Previously, all certifications had a common expiration date, regardless of when the candidates passed the test(s)....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/color-coded-cco-certification-cards.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/color-coded-cco-certification-cards.htmlFri, 27 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST  Log Book for Documenting Crane Experience The NCCCO is giving all newly CCO-certified crane operators a Crane Operator Experience Log Book.   The book, which is free, is designed to provide operators with a convenient place to record their seat time and details of their crane experience. The use of this book is optional, but it may assist the operators in recording the 1,000 hours of crane experience required for recertification.     The pocket-sized log book is helpful in the tracking of jobs, locations, cranes used, daily hours and other information for a 12-month period....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/free-log-book-for-cco-certified-crane-operators.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/free-log-book-for-cco-certified-crane-operators.htmlFri, 27 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST  Overwhelming Response from Certified Crane Operators - More Training is Needed The construction industry is a better place to work than it was a generation ago, with greater emphasis on crane safety, but there is still room for further improvement, according to a poll of several hundred CCO-certified operators, asked by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). These operators were also asked what still needs to be done to make the industry safer, their response was more training, not just operators, but for everyone on the job site to understand cranes better....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/cco-crane-operators-polled.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/cco-crane-operators-polled.htmlFri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 EST  Is a CCO Certification Mandatory for Crane Operators? The NCCCO was initially developed as a voluntary certification program. However, in 2010, Federal OSHA published new construction regulations requiring crane operator certification/qualification nationwide by November 10, 2014.  Although the new rule does provide options, third-party certification, such as that provided by NCCCO, is likely to be the most cost-effective and accessible method used to meet the new requirements. Additionally, many employers have made CCO certification mandatory for employment....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/cco-certification.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/cco-certification.htmlFri, 20 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST  NCCCO Rigger Level I     The written exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, in which the candidate has 60 minutes to complete. During the practical examination, the candidate must demonstrate a basic rigging competency....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/an-insight-into-nccco-rigger-level-i-and-ii.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/an-insight-into-nccco-rigger-level-i-and-ii.htmlWed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST   Calculators on the CCO Exams?   Basic electronic calculators will be permitted for use on certain CCO written exams, the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) has announced.   Previously, calculators have been prohibited on all CCO tests.    Effective July, 2, 2012, calculators can be used for CCO Specialty Exams.  The NCCCO has concluded that “a calculator would not help a candidate deduce the correct answer on the load chart questions since there are multiple problem solving steps required for a correct answer.”   Calculator use during the Core Exams will still be prohibited....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/the-nccco-approves-the-use-of-calculators-on-cco-exams.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/the-nccco-approves-the-use-of-calculators-on-cco-exams.htmlFri, 24 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST    There is a strong correlation between the economy and the level of investment made in safety and the amount of accidents that occur. When the economy was booming, more money was available to spend on crane safety training and safety programs. However, the chance of accidents occurring also increases with the increase of the work schedule. During a recession, less work may mean fewer opportunities for accidents, but often investment in  crane safety training and risk management is scaled back to cut costs. Upgrades to aging equipment are delayed, payrolls are streamlined putting more responsibility on fewer employees, and there is an increased risk of accidents....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/lack-of-crane-safety-training-the-hidden-costs-and-the-5-major-challenges-in-the-crane-industry.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/lack-of-crane-safety-training-the-hidden-costs-and-the-5-major-challenges-in-the-crane-industry.htmlFri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST  Crane and Rigging Inspectors are responsible for inspecting the crane based on their knowledge, training, experience, the manufacturer’s guidelines, and the regulations applicable to the specific type of crane. According to OSHA Regulations a crane inspector must be a “Competent” and “Qualified Person”. These two definitions are important to understand. OSHA defines a “Competent Person” as one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards which may be hazardous or dangers to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt correct measures....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-and-rigging-inspector-training.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-and-rigging-inspector-training.htmlFri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST  Tips from the Experts at CICB on Passing the NCCCO Crane Operator Certification Written and Practical Exams   Due to the recently enacted OSHA crane standards, crane operators involved in construction will be required to be certified by November 10, 2014. Despite the 2014 crane operator certification deadline, both employers and operators should be pursuing certification now - early compliance with OSHA regulations is always the best choice....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/tips-from-cicb-on-passing-the-nccco-crane-operator-certification-written-and-practical-exams.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/tips-from-cicb-on-passing-the-nccco-crane-operator-certification-written-and-practical-exams.htmlThu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST  Crane Operator Signal Person - What are the Requirements  Signal persons are a crane operator’s eyes and ears on the ground and have a major responsibility in guiding operations. Correctly signaling and communicating with crane operators is vital to preventing crane accidents.  A crane operator should move loads according to the established code of signals, and should use a trained and qualified signal person. A signal person is required when the point of operation is not in full view of the operator, or the crane operator’s view is obstructed in the direction of where the equipment or load is traveling....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-operator-signal-person-what-are-the-requirements.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-operator-signal-person-what-are-the-requirements.htmlFri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST  With Crane Related Injuries on the Rise Don’t Become Another Statistic Crane accidents are often the direct result of negligence of the crane-related professional or the lack of adequate operator training or experience....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/with-crane-related-injuries-on-the-rise-don-t-become-another-statistic.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/with-crane-related-injuries-on-the-rise-don-t-become-another-statistic.htmlFri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST  Power Line Clearance OSHA 1926 CFR Subpart CC Cranes and Derricks in Construction has updated requirements for power line clearance. Until now, there was little to no discussion until personnel or equipment got within 10 feet of  overhead power lines. Now, before assembly or disassembly of a crane, the employer must determine if it could come within 20 feet of a power line. If so, the employer must either confirm with the power company that the line is de-energized and visibly grounded at the worksite, make sure no part gets within 20 feet of the power line or follow the requirements of Table A, which has minimum distances based on voltage....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/power-line-clearance.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/power-line-clearance.htmlFri, 04 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/what-are-the-four-main-reasons-for-auditsinspections.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/what-are-the-four-main-reasons-for-auditsinspections.htmlFri, 07 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST  Can a radio be used to transmit signals to a crane operator? OSHA states: §1926.1420 Signal – radio, telephone or other electronic transmission of signals   (b)  Signal transmission must be through a dedicated channel, except:        (1)     Multiple cranes/derricks and one or more signal persons may share dedicated channel for the purpose of coordinating operations....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/transmitting-signals-to-a-crane-operator.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/transmitting-signals-to-a-crane-operator.htmlFri, 23 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST  Refresher Training One of the biggest changes that came with the new crane law has virtually gone unnoticed. OSHA, for the first time, says that refresher must be provided.   Of course there are conditions.   OSHA 1926.430(g)(2) states such that if the conduct or an evaluation of the employee’s knowledge indicates that training is necessary it MUST be provided.     If that is the case, conducting performance evaluations is a good idea to integrate into your business routine. For operators, they must perform proper crane set up, check for soil integrity, crane level, etc....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/refresher-training.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/refresher-training.htmlFri, 16 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST  Question:  When performing an inspection on a crane, does the crane inspector/inspection company need to maintain the documentation? Answer:  OSHA Regulation 1926 Subpart CC   1926.1412 (xiv) e 3 (i)  The following information must be documented and maintained by the employer that conducts the inspection:         (A)  The items checked and the results of the inspection.       (B)  The name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date.    (ii)  This document must be retained for a minimum of three months....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-inspections.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/crane-inspections.htmlFri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST  Question:  When performing an annual inspection on a crane, is disassembly required to complete the inspection?  Answer:  OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926 §1926.1412 (f) (2)  In addition, at least every 12 months, the equipment must be inspected by a qualified person.  Disassembly is required, as necessary, to complete the inspection....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/annual-inspections.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/annual-inspections.htmlThu, 25 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST  Training Versus Familiarization Many companies believe that operator training is simply teaching an employee by using the machine’s controls and their functions is effective training. They further believe that it can be accomplished in one to two hours. Teaching the controls and their functions is important, however, it is not all there is to be safe and effective training. That short process can be described as equipment familiarization....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/training-versus-familiarization.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/training-versus-familiarization.htmlThu, 18 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST  Join us on a free webinar!   John Cole, General Manager/Senior Training Instructor/Inspector, will make a presentation to over 200 safety professionals via the web on Wednesday August 31, 2011 at 2pm Central time for the Occupational, Health & Safety Online University Safety Day. Occupational Health & Safety is the industry-leading news magazine, eNewsletter, and website for occupational health and safety professionals focusing on problem-solving solutions, latest news, webinars, and products for the industry....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/join-us-on-a-free-webinar.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/join-us-on-a-free-webinar.htmlFri, 12 Aug 2011 12:00:00 ESTQualified Riggers     The following describes the qualified rigger requirements of subpart CC - Cranes and Derricks in Construction, as specified in 29 CFR 1926.1401, 1926.1404, and 1926.1425.  These provisions became effective November 8, 2010. - OSHA When is a qualified rigger required? Employers must use qualified riggers during hoisting activities for assembly and disassembly work (1926.1404(r)(1)).  Additionally, qualified riggers are required whenever works are within the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, or guiding a load, or doing the initial connection of a load to a component or structure (1926.1425(c))....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/qualified-riggers.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/qualified-riggers.htmlFri, 05 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST  “Construction” Versus “Maintenance” As It Pertains To the New OSHA Crane Law By Larry Kime, Senior Instructor On August 9, 2010 OSHA released the final rule on Cranes and Derrick in Construction. Included in this rule are major requirements for qualification of crane operators. Since the Construction requirements are more specific for operator qualifications than the General Industry requirements, it seems appropriate to discuss the difference between Construction and General Industry (e.g. maintenance activities).  In OSHA 29CFR1926....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/construction-versus-maintenance-as-it-pertains-to-the-new-osha-crane-law.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/construction-versus-maintenance-as-it-pertains-to-the-new-osha-crane-law.htmlThu, 28 Jul 2011 12:00:00 ESTNew OSHA Inspections Targets Southern Powered Industrial Truck Owners    OSHA has launched a new four-month program focused on reducing fatalities and injuries caused by powered industrial trucks operating in the State of Mississippi. Powered industrial trucks (PITs) - defined by OSHA as any mobile power-propelled truck used to carry, push, pull, lift, stack or tier materials - were listed as number eight on OSHA’s top ten list of frequently cited standards for 2010....

]]> http://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/osha-inspections-targets-southern-powered-industrial-truck.htmlhttp://www.cicb.com/blog/posts/osha-inspections-targets-southern-powered-industrial-truck.htmlFri, 22 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST