Crane Certification for Sign Installers

[HansonSigns]

Well, Washington State has decided that it's crane operators all need to be certified to operate the cranes. So, we sent our two operators to a class (we paid for it) for two days and one day for the practical test.

Has anyone else done this? What kind of comments did your installers have?

Here's the video link for part of the practical test.... comments, anyone?

http://washingtoncraneschool.com/crane_practical_test.asp

[Erik Sine]

Well, Washington State has decided that it's crane operators all need to be certified to operate the cranes. So, we sent our two operators to a class (we paid for it) for two days and one day for the practical test.

Has anyone else done this? What kind of comments did your installers have?

Here's the video link for part of the practical test.... comments, anyone?

http://washingtoncra...ctical_test.asp

What did you think of it? Useful? or just another cost the state thinks THEY should tax YOU for doing business?

Is this another annual charge you need to put up there with insurance, UL, contractors license,etc?

[HansonSigns]

I think it's a knee jerk reaction to the crane accidents that have happened within the last few years. And those were construction / tower cranes, not our teeny sign cranes. The written part of the course was all about safety - keep the load under control, don't hit anything with it, etc. The practical test was all about finishing the course fast. Hitting the cones and keeping the load under control was not the goal. This is the test from the NATIONAL Crane cert organization that has set the standards for crane usage.

Do I think it's necessary? Yes and no - training is essential before you use a crane, but this is ridiculous. It cost us $1700 for two guys to go thru this course, and they have to be recertified every five years.

But my boss just found out if your crane is listed (and marked) as not lifting anything under 2000 lbs, you only have to have some safety training for operating the crane. I'm not sure of the full details yet, but that makes more sense than a speed test which does not promote safety for personnel (not to mention neon signs!!).

Just MHO