A Guide to Hoist and Crane Training Requirements for Operators

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Ever consider being a hoist or crane operator? With many industries ranging from construction to manufacturing utilizing cranes and hoists, opportunity for becoming an operator is knocking. However, what kind of hoist and crane training is required? Sit back while we guide you through all the training and knowledge you need to become an operator.

Let’s Talk OSHA

OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) are the rule-makers when it comes to hoist and crane training requirements. They lay down the law, or standards, to which employers and employees must abide. In standard 1910.179(b)(8), it states that “only designated personnel shall be permitted to operate a crane [or hoist] covered by this section.” Standard 1910.179(a)(35) elaborates on what “designated” entails, referring “to those individuals deemed to be qualified to operate an overhead crane for a specific application.”

So OSHA says anyone who is qualified to operate a crane or hoist shall be permitted to operate them. But how does someone “qualify?” What qualifications are required to operate overhead cranes and hoists? Where OSHA standards fail to spell out hoist and crane training, ASME picks up the slack.

crane hoist and lift operators training

Now Let’s Talk ASME

ASME is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. This organization creates codes and standards similar to OSHA, with certification, accreditation, learning, and development at its focus. Regarding hoist and crane training, more specific guidelines can be found in standard B30.2. It states that qualifications are limited to the “specific type of equipment for which the operator is [using].” Essentially, this means that training must be tailored to the specific equipment, task, or application of the operator.

In terms of what actual training looks like, ASME standard B30.2 offers a list of what training programs should cover. From being familiar with “hand signals” and “[opening] the magnet switch upon request” to “[passing] a written or oral examination” and completing a “practical operation examination,” this ASME standard features a selection of qualifications necessary to operate a crane or hoist.

It also states that a company’s management team is responsible to “provide training to persons who will operate a crane” ranging from “courses, seminars, and literature” to government training materials and equipment manuals. With that said, the specific training requirements for operating cranes and hoists depend on the company you’re working for.

Why Hoist and Crane Training is Important

Before you start considering which companies you’d like to work for, it is important to acknowledge the importance of proper training. Inexperienced or improperly trained operators are a liability to the company, themselves, and their coworkers. Incorrectly operating cranes and hoists can lead to serious consequences including fatal injury, property damage, and unnecessary costs to both time and the budget.

For this reason, training is imperative. When operating cranes and hoists, it is the operator and the employer’s responsibility to keep themselves, others, and products safe. All operators must be competent and qualified to complete the job at hand. By using OSHA and ASME standards as a jumping-off point to hoist and crane training, this becomes a possibility.

crane and hoist training

What You Can Do

The most important thing you can do is to make sure you are properly trained to responsibly complete your job. There are many training programs, agencies, and accredited certification tests available in order to prove your proper qualifications to operate a crane or hoist.

 Ultimately, make sure whichever hoist and crane training you receive meets OSHA and ASME standards. This way you will have legitimate experience regarding the varying aspects of operating the equipment, a successful examination of both written and practical knowledge, and the physical abilities that are legally required for operation.
Unsure where to start? Sissco Hoist is here to help. Our team of expert operators offers safety training to effectively educate you with the information you need to prevent accidents and product damage while increasing safety and productivity. Additionally, we provide safety inspections, 24/7 emergency services, and even preventative maintenance. Take the next step in your hoist and crane training, and contact us today.