Tower Crane Training

Course start dates are highlighted in yellow. Please click on start date for course details.

(Approximately 10% of the test)

Know how to assess suitability of the supporting surface. *
Know how to determine if there is adequate room for outriggers and tail swing.
Know how to locate and identify site hazards and restrictions such as electric power lines, air-rights, or other hazardous systems and public access areas.
Be familiar with basic requirements for power sources, fusing, disconnects, lighting protection and grounding.
Be familiar with the necessity to protect the crane’s foundation.

* 1 and 2 only refer to Self-Erecting Cranes

ERECTION, CLIMBING AND DISMANTLING
(Approximately 25% of the test)

Know proper erection, climbing and dismantling procedures specified by the manufacture in the operator’s manual.
Know general notes and warnings to be applied during climbing procedures.
Know the maximum allowable wind speeds during erection, climbing, dismantling and operation.
Understand the proper procedures for bolting and/or pinning connections.
Understand the maximum freestanding height allowed.
Understand the proper counterweight configurations and/or central ballast requirements.
Understand proper crane configuration.
Be familiar with standard minimum and maximum tower height above tie-ins
Be familiar with proper installation of internal climbing collars, support beams, wedges and climbing apparatus.
Be familiar with proper installation of top climbing units and tie-in collars, struts and lower braces.
Know proper position of top climbing unit after climbing procedures in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
Be familiar with proper travel rail installation and maintenance.

OPERATIONS
(Approximately 50% of the test)

Know how to inspect the crane for proper condition and complete required records.
Know how and when to communicate with management, crew and signal person.
Know standard hand signals as specified in ASME B30.3.
Know how to shutdown and secure the crane properly when leaving it unattended.
Know the manufacture’s recommendations for operating in various weather conditions.
Know how to verify the weight of the load and the rigging.
Understand basic load rigging procedures.
Know how to perform the basic maintenance.
Know the crane operator responsibilities contained in ASME B30.3.
Know how to use operator aids and limiting devices.
Know the proper procedures for operating safely under special conditions: i.e., traveling with suspended loads; approaching two-blocking; operating near electric power lines; lifting loads from beneath the surface of the water; handling loads out of the operator’s vision (“in the blind”), and suspended personnel platforms.
Know the proper procedures for load control during the use of hand held tag lines.
Know emergency response procedures: i.e., fire control, electric power line contact and control malfunction.
Understand federal, state and local regulations and ASME B30.3 regulations pertaining to the operation of the crane.
Know how to review planned crane operations and requirements with site supervision.
Understand tower crane load charts.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
(Approximately 15% of the test)

Understand the function, limitations and characteristics of the crane.
Know the basic maintenance, inspection and replacement criteria for tower crane wire ropes.
Know basic tower crane nomenclature.
Understand basic machine power flow systems: i.e., mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, combination.
Understand boom, jib, counter jib and counter weight configurations.
Know the “out of plumb” tolerance for the tower crane.
Basic understanding of metric units/US customary units.
Understand basic safety procedures: e.g. lock out, tag out, fall protection.