CAWP News 11-10

State Crane Licensing Regulation

The state of Pennsylvania has passed a requirement that crane operators must obtain a license. The application forms to apply for crane operator licensure are now available and applications should be submitted as soon as possible.

This applies to: Power-operated hoisting machines that have a power-operated winch, load line and boom moving laterally by the rotation of the machine on a carrier or base which has a manufacturer’s rated maximum lifting capacity of 15 tons or more as specified in ASME B30.5 and includes a derrick, crawler crane, and wheel-mounted crane of both truck & self-propelled wheel type; (includes tower crane).

This does not apply to: Forklifts, digger derrick trucks, bucket trucks, vehicles or machines not having a power-operated winch, and cranes used in manufacturing applications.

There are three applications available, each with a $100 fee:
- Initial license application with certification,
- Initial license application without certification, and
- Application for trainee

Note: the application without certification (grand-fathering) is for individuals who are not certified and can document five years of experience immediately preceding the date of application or pass a NCCCO practical examination. This grand-fathering provision closes December 9, 2011. After this date, the only way to get a license is by obtaining certification.

The applications and related information on the new state crane licensing regulations can be obtained at
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_board_of_crane_operators/12497

The State Board of Crane Operators can also be contacted at (717) 783-1404.

Note: the Pennsylvania State Board of Crane Operators is currently still in the process of finalizing the regulations. The regulations should be final by mid-December, meaning there will be an initial delay in processing the applications.

To get your crane operators certified, the Operating Engineers Training Program has Certification of Crane Operators (CCO) courses scheduled throughout the year.

For a list of upcoming Operator training courses, including the CCO, visit: http://www.wpaoperators.org/education.cfm or call (724) 668-2244.

It is recommended that when requesting crane operators from the Union to request that the operator be a Licensed Crane Operator (licenses are expected to be issued in January 2011).

If you have any questions, please contact Jason at the Association office at (412) 343-8000 or email jasonk@cawp.org.