Picker Crane Certification in Alberta 

Operating a light duty knuckle boom crane is a big responsibility, as these small ‘picker’ cranes, as they are often referred to, are capable of hoisting loads that can, if rigged wrong and moved incorrectly, WILL harm people and property if not handled properly.

 

Here at Light Duty Crane Safety, safe use of the crane is our #1 top priority, which is why all your crane operators should be on your customers site with fully certified operators who are experienced in their field.

If you are looking into what certifications are required to operate a crane in Alberta so you can be sure that if you take our crane operator safety program and you have all the proper documentation, you might have the safest company possible.

Certification vs. apprenticeship program or “ticketed”, there is a BIG difference, if your company operates any type of picker, crane, etc. with an initial lift (on the load chart, heaviest number shown) of more than 8-tons in Alberta or 5-tons in Saskatchewan, you or your operator will have to take the boom truck trade program in that respective province. 

Our program is for the UNDER 8-ton crane size (or 5-ton in Saskatchewan or B.C), these smaller cranes are often seen as basic and easy to operate, yet we see more of these cranes having had incidents that were preventable and avoidable with our ‘certification’ training.

Our programs are 1-day or 2-day (some of our crane operator safety programs are 3 days as well), but for knuckle boom pickers, a 1 day will usually satisfy your OHS and fleet safety needs.

Crane Operator Certifications Required in Alberta – There are both CSA and OHS standards to legally operate a crane in Alberta and all other Provinces in Canada, there are requirements that an individual must meet. Alberta crane operator requirements include:

Basic Education – This is not a certification specifically related to crane operation, most companies require their crane operators to have completed secondary school to ensure proper comprehension of skills, such as math, rigging, drivers training etc. that is required for basic equipment operation.

Crane Operator Apprenticeship – Like many other trades, crane operators have a training and apprenticeship process that they must go through to be certified to safely operate a mobile crane. The most basic crane operator apprenticeships start at one year and may last for three years and up.  Once completed, an operator will be given their Alberta Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship. From there, they will be able to pursue certificates of proficiency and qualification, as well as their journeyman certificate.

Hands on Experience – Once an operator certification is obtained, crane operators must begin to gain experience to be hired by most crane companies. Most crane companies will hire operators with a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship and allow them to work alongside more experienced operators to mentor them to eventually work on their own, while others will hire them and allow them to work with smaller mobile cranes outright.

To find out more information about what certifications are etc. Contact us for more details HERE