Unlike renting a trailer or a skid loader, a crane rental isn’t a job for the inexperienced. Crane companies in Maine often handle heavy loads at dizzying heights; it requires extensive training and skill to prevent minor accidents or major catastrophe. Suffice to say, it’s not as easy as the crane operators of American Aerial Services make it look. If you’re a builder or contractor and you need crane rental you can trust, the many certifications we hold — from AISC, NCCCO, and especially OSHA — will put your mind at ease.
Why OSHA?
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, was established by an act of Congress in 1970. It establishes rules, regulations, and certifications for training, equipment, construction standards, and much more. Nearly fifty years on, it reaches into nearly every American workplace, perhaps none as thoroughly as construction.OSHA for Crane Operation
A major update to 1926.1427, the section of OSHA code that governs crane operation, took effect in 2018. The amendment adjusts licensing requirements to account for either crane type or capacity. The rules are extensive, but the key requirements for certification include both written and practical evaluations. Once issued, the certification is valid for five years. Criteria include:- Demonstration of literacy relevant to the work, including the ability to understand written manuals and procedures
- Ability to calculate load capacity in various equipment configurations
- Proper equipment configuration and operation, including counterweight setup
- Technical knowledge of surface support, site access, and site hazards
- Risk evaluation and eversion
- The ability to perform key hoisting duties
- Operational and maneuvering skills
- Application of load chart information, safe shut down, and securing procedures
- Performance is to be audited periodically, with any deficiencies corrected and documented
Other Certifications Held
In addition to OSHA certification, American Aerial Services’ crane operators hold certifications from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) and American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). This adds further layers of training on quality assurance and safety procedures, ethics, and more — indeed, everything from PPE lock outs, tag outs, and randomized drug testing. These are viewed as the industry standard, developed by those working in the industry and continually reevaluated to ensure they keep pace with the latest developments in equipment and safety.How You Benefit
Up to now, all of these agencies, certifications, and acronyms probably seem arcane. If you’re asking, “What’s in it for me?”, here’s why it matters.Compliance
If your contractors and subcontractors don’t carry the proper certifications, the State of Maine and OSHA could bring the proceedings to a grinding halt. Since time is money (and both are tighter than you’d like, in any event), it’s best to have your papers in order.Safety
Workplace accidents are costly for all involved. Employers pay about $1 billion per week in workman’s comp costs alone; factor in other issues, like liability exposure or significant property damage caused by careless operation, and it’s clear why these certifications matter.Cost Controls
Besides the direct cost of accidents and other mishaps, indirect costs can come from a variety of directions. Dealing with legal issues, implementing corrective measures, retraining employees, replacement of equipment, property, and other assets… it all adds up.Our licensure is more than a selling point for American Aerial Services. It’s our promise to our employees that we’ll always do right by them, and our promise to our clients that you’ll always get our best. Questions? Get in touch today!
