Crane Operator Training FAQ – Knuckle Boom, Spider Crane, Carry Deck & Service Body Cranes
This Frequently Asked Questions page is designed for companies across Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia who use
light-duty cranes and picker trucks. The answers below are based on current provincial requirements, Alberta OHS Section 6,
and relevant CSA standards such as CSA Z150.3-R2022. Use this page as a starting point for understanding your legal
responsibilities and what our on-site crane operator training includes.
Table of Contents
- Do my operators legally need crane or picker training?
- Which crane types do you provide operator certification for?
- What weight or capacity limits are covered in your programs?
- Do you offer on-site training, public courses, or both?
- How long is the certification valid for?
- How many operators can you train at one time?
- What documents do we receive for our safety records and COR audits?
- What are our responsibilities as the employer?
- What do we need to provide on training day?
- How is pricing set for crane operator training?
- Do you travel outside Alberta and to remote locations?
- How do we book a course or request more information?
Do my operators legally need crane or picker training?
Yes. In Alberta, Section 6 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code requires workers who operate lifting equipment
to be trained, competent and authorized by their employer. Similar expectations exist in Saskatchewan and BC.
If your employees are operating a knuckle boom picker, spider crane, carry deck crane, service body crane or similar
light-duty crane, you must be able to show proof of training and competency.
Our operator certification programs help you meet these expectations by providing structured classroom and
hands-on evaluations, along with written documentation for your safety file.
Which crane types do you provide operator certification for?
We focus on light-duty and articulating crane applications commonly used in oil and gas, construction, pipeline,
municipal and service industries. Current programs include:
- Knuckle boom / HIAB picker truck cranes
- Spider crane / mini-crawler crane certification
- Carry deck cranes (e.g., small rough-terrain industrial cranes)
- Mechanic service body / corner-mount cranes
- Other light-duty folding boom and stiff boom applications, by request
If you are unsure whether your equipment falls into one of these categories, send a photo and model number through our
training contact form and we will confirm the best program.
What weight or capacity limits are covered in your programs?
Our light-duty crane programs typically cover:
- Up to 8 tons rated capacity in Alberta
- Up to 5 tons rated capacity in Saskatchewan and British Columbia
These limits match how most provincial regulators define “light-duty” or “non-journeyman” crane operations. If your
equipment is above these capacities, you may fall into a different classification that requires additional apprenticeship
or journeyperson-level training. We can help you determine where your equipment fits.
Do you offer on-site training, public courses, or both?
Our primary focus is on-site training at your location anywhere in Alberta, and by arrangement in Saskatchewan and
BC. We come to your site, use your equipment, and tailor the discussion to your actual work and hazards.
From time to time we may schedule open or blended courses. When available, they will be listed on our website and in our
email updates. For most companies, on-site programs provide better value and more relevant discussions.
How long is the certification valid for?
Our crane operator certifications are typically valid for three (3) years, which aligns with industry practice and
many internal corporate standards. However, the employer always has the final say based on performance, incident history
and changes in job scope.
If operators change employers, they should still be prepared to demonstrate competency and may be required to retrain
based on the new company’s policies.
How many operators can you train at one time?
Optimal class size depends on the equipment and the complexity of your work. As a general guideline:
- Classroom portion: up to 8–10 participants works well
- Practical evaluations: smaller groups per crane to ensure proper hands-on time
Large groups can be split into multiple sessions in the same day or over several days. When you
contact us about training, we will review your headcount and make a recommendation that keeps the training effective and
cost-efficient.
What documents do we receive for our safety records and COR audits?
For each course, you can expect to receive:
- Individual wallet cards or certificates for successful participants
- A class summary / attendance sheet for your files
- Practical evaluation forms demonstrating how competency was verified
- Course outline showing topics covered (OHS and CSA references included)
We can also provide sample procedures, training matrices and other tools to help keep your internal documentation current.
These resources are especially helpful for companies maintaining COR or internal audit programs.
What are our responsibilities as the employer?
The employer is responsible for:
- Ensuring only trained and competent workers operate cranes and lifting devices
- Maintaining written records of training and competency assessments
- Providing safe equipment, inspections, and maintenance according to manufacturer and CSA requirements
- Setting clear procedures for lifts, rigging and communication on site
Our role is to help you meet these responsibilities by delivering practical, job-specific training and providing the
documentation to prove that training occurred.
What do we need to provide on training day?
For on-site courses, you are typically responsible for:
- Providing the crane or picker in good working order, with current inspections
- Supplying a safe area to set up and conduct lifts
- Having representative loads, rigging and slings available
- Ensuring participants have required PPE and are available for the full training period
We provide the training materials, theory session, exams, and practical evaluations. If you are unsure whether your site
is suitable, contact us ahead of time and we will walk through the details.
How is pricing set for crane operator training?
Pricing is based on several factors:
- Type of crane and program required
- Number of participants and required training days
- Location, travel time and any overnight stays
- Any custom content, site-specific procedures or documentation requested
Because every site is different, we quote each course individually. For a fast estimate, use the
training contact form with your location, crane type and approximate headcount.
Do you travel outside Alberta and to remote locations?
Yes. We regularly travel throughout Alberta and into Saskatchewan and BC, including remote oilfield, pipeline and
municipal locations. Travel costs are kept as reasonable as possible and discussed up front during quoting, so there are
no surprises.
How do we book a course or request more information?
The easiest way to start is to complete our
online training contact form with your company name, location, crane type, and preferred dates. You can also call us
directly at the number listed at the top of this page.
We will review your needs, confirm the correct program (knuckle boom, spider crane, carry deck, service body crane, or
other light-duty crane), and provide a written quote with available training dates.
