Archived – CraneSafe News & Updates
2011
→ Proposed Boom Truck Crane Classifications – Boom Trucks
→ Head Office & Client Services are Moving
→ Fulford Harbour Group – Office Move
→ Proposed Crane Classifications – Boom Trucks
→ Canada Post Strike – Mailing of Certificates
→ New Crane Classifications – Postponed
→ Crane Classess – Restricted
2010
→ Bridging the Gap Conference
→ Certification Classes & Fee Changes
→ Deadline February 28, 2011
→ Levels B, C & D
→ Scholarship Fund
→ Bridging the Gap Safely
→ Schedule of Assessors
→ Deadline Approaching
→ Re-Assessment Fees
→ Office Reopened + Application Deadline Extension
→ Office Fire
→ Current Certification Classifications – Deadline for Applications
→ New Certification Classifications – Pending Approval
→ Certification Levels D, C & B
→ Cancellation & Rescheduling Fees
2009
→ Incumbent Crane Operator Status – Extended
→ Crane Sizes & Certification Restrictions
→ Incumbent Crane Operator Status
→ Roll Out Plan
→ BC Apprenticeship Qualifications
→ Certification Levels
→ Minister Iain Black visits CraneSafe facilities in Delta
→ Crane Logbook
Posted 26 July 2011
Proposed Boom Truck Crane Classifications
Boom Trucks
Changes to the Boom Truck Crane Classifications will not go through.
All questions and comments regarding proposed changes should be directed to the BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS) at:
604.525.1227 | info@bcacs.ca
See below for more details on the changes.
Posted 14 July 2011
Head Office & Client Services are moving
Closed Thursday, 21 July 2011 – Open Monday, 25 July 2011
Our current main office in Delta will be closed as of Thursday, July 21, 2011. We will not able to take your calls as of this date. All other services will continue as usual.
Our new office located downtown Vancouver will open on Monday, July 25, 2011. We will be answering calls and emails as of Monday morning.
Our new contact details are:
* * * * * *
#508 – 602 West Hastings Street | Vancouver, BC | V6B 1P2
T: 604.398.5230 | F: 604.398.5236 | Toll free tel: 1.866.398.5230
* * * * * *
All email addresses will remain the same.
Posted 6 June 2011
Fulford Harbour Group – Office Move
Head Office & Client Services are moving
On July 25th, 2011, our offices will be relocated from the Tilbury Industrial Park in Delta, BC, to Downtown Vancouver, BC. We will be located 1 block from Waterfront Skytrain Station on West Hastings Street. Our phone numbers will also be changing. More news about our move and new contact information will be posted here shortly.
Posted 6 June 2011
Proposed Crane Classifications
Boom Trucks
Following a Boom Truck Industry Task group meeting with the BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS) a proposal was tabled to add two new crane classification categories to Stiff Boom and Folding Boom CraneSafe Certificates recognised by WorkSafeBC in British Columbia. This proposal is subject to final endorsement by Industry. Please see the attached pdf document from the BCACS for more detail. The BCACS can be contacted at 604.525.1227 or info@bcacs.ca if you have any comments on the proposed new categories.
Proposed changes to Boom Truck Classifications
Posted 6 June 2011
Canada Post Strike
Mailing of Certificates – Possible Delays due to Canada Post Strike Action
In the event of service disruptions at Canada Post there will be some delays in receiving Certificates and other reports from us. We will do everything we can to minimize these delays and use alternate courier services where possible. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
Up to date information on the strike is available here: www.infopost.ca/customer
Posted 8 April 2011
Crane Classifications
Postponed
Changes to the crane classifications are pending further consultation with industry. Final confirmation is expected late April to early May 2011. Once confirmation is received, the new classifications will apply to all applications received. Applications received before this date come under the existing crane classifications.
See below for more details on the new classifications.
Please contact the BC Association for Crane Safety for more details or to get involved.
T: 604.525.1227 | info@bcacs.ca | www.bcacs.ca
Posted 26 January 2011
Crane Classification Changes
Effective April 1, 2011
These changes will be applied to all applications received from April 1, 2011, onwards. Applications received before this date come under the existing crane classifications.
MOBILE HYDRAULIC – 20 Tonnes & Under
- This will replace the current restricted crane type issued under Mobile Hydraulic 80 Tonnes & Under.
- Holders of this crane type will be qualified to operate Mobile Hydraulic cranes 20 tonnes and under only.
STIFF BOOM TRUCKS – 20 Tonnes & Under
- This will replace the current restricted crane type issued under Stiff Boom 40 Tonnes & Under.
- Holders of this crane type will be qualified to operate Stiff Boom truck cranes 20 tonnes and under only.
- Stiff Boom 40 Tonnes & Under will no longer exist.
- Operators wishing to operate stiff boom trucks between 20 and 40 tonnes will have to apply for Stiff Boom Unlimited Tonnage. This category is governed by the ITA and operators will have to pass an additional theory test with the ITA to qualify for Level A certification.
FOLDING BOOM TRUCKS – 10 Tonnes & Under
- This will replace the current crane type Folding Boom 22 Tonnes & Under.
- Holders of this crane type will be qualified to operate Folding Boom truck cranes 10 tonnes and under only.
- Folding Boom 22 Tonnes & Under will no longer exist.
- Operators wishing to operate folding boom trucks between 10 and 22 tonnes will have to apply for Folding Boom Unlimited Tonnage. This category is governed by the ITA and operators will have to pass an additional theory test with the ITA to qualify for Level A certification.
Posted 22 November 2010
Bridging the Gap 2010
Construction Safety Conference
A successful conference took place this weekend at the Sheraton Hotel. The CraneSafe Certification assessment was demonstrated with the donation of a Tandem Tandem National from Eagle West Cranes as well as the expertise of one of their operators.
→ Bridging the Gap 2010 – Construction Safety Conference
Posted 22 November 2010
Certification Classes & Fee Changes
Effective March 1st, 2011
CERTIFICATION CLASSIFICATIONS
- Mobile Hydraulic – 20 Tonnes & Under is currently being awarded as a Restriction on the Mobile Hydraulic – 80 Tonnes & Under classification. As of March 1st, 2011, it will become a separate class.
- Stiff Boom – 20 Tonnes & Under is currently being awarded as a Restriction on the 40 Tonnes & Under class. As of March 1st, 2011, it will replace the Stiff Boom – 40 Tonnes & Under classification.
- Folding Boom – 10 Tonnes & Under will replace Folding Boom – 22 Tonnes & Under as of March 1st, 2011.
ASSESSMENT FEES – Level A
- Effective March 1st, 2011, all Level A crane operator practical assessment fees will increase to $750.
- As the two year phase-in period for existing crane operators to become certified closes, lower assessment volumes necessitate an increase in the Level A practical assessment fee to $750.
- Assessment services will continue to be offered throughout the province and the application process will remain the same.
NOTE
There are a limited number of assessment opportunities available up to the deadline of February 28th, 2011. Once all of these spaces are filled, assessments will be scheduled after the deadline at the new fee of $750.
Posted 15 November 2010
Deadline February 28th, 2011
End of Two-Year Assessment Campaign
With the introduction of mandatory crane operator certification in British Columbia, a two year assessment campaign was launched to give existing crane operators from all regions of the province the opportunity to be certified prior to the February 28th, 2011 deadline.
This two year assessment campaign will close on February 28, 2011 and the assessment capacity retooled to on-going operational levels. This reworking of the assessment system requires the fee for practical assessments to increase for assessments delivered after February 28, 2011. This fee is the same for any location in British Columbia and the assessment application process remains the same.
Posted 15 November 2010
Levels B, C & D
Revised Application Forms
Levels B, C and D have been revised and application forms are now available online. Levels B and D require operators to successfuly complete the BC Crane Core Theory exam available online.
Posted 18 October 2010
Scholarship Fund
Brian C Garrioch Scholarship Fund
This annual scholarship has been established in memory of Brian C Garrioch and is awarded to a new crane operator who is seeking certification in BC.
Brian C Garrioch Scholarship Fund
Posted 23 September 2010
Bridging the Gap Safely
Bridging the Gap 2010 – Construction Safety Conference
This conference seeks to inspire individuals employed on construction sites throughout B.C. to search out, expand, and capitalise on learning opportunities that will ultimately enhance their careers in the field of health and safety. The theme "Bridging the Gap" focuses directly on the need for continuous professional development and provides participants with the opportunity to learn and discuss a variety of health and safety issues as identified in the WorkSafeBC, Construction High-Risk Strategy as well as issues currently facing the industry while networking with their peers.
To find more information on the courses/sessions offered and registration forms please visit the conference website at www.bridgingthegapsafely.ca.
November 19 & 20, 2010
Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel
Richmond, BC
Tel: 604.273.7878
Toll-free: 1.800.325.3535
www.sheratonvancouverairport.com
Who should attend:
- Construction safety coordinators/officers/practitioners
- Occupational health & safety professionals
- Joint health & jsafety committee members
- Construction industry managers/supervisors/trades
Courses will include a focus on:
- Confined space entry
- Fall protection
- Incident investigation
- Fundamentals of rigging
- Hazard recognition & control and more
Safety topics will include a focus on:
- Cranes (rigging/practical assessment demo)
- Hearing conservation
- Safety in and around the site
- MSIs in construction ergonomics
- Exposure to moulds, isocyanates and silica
Posted 14 September 2010
Schedule of Assessors
Proposed schedule of assessors by region
CraneSafe Certification assessors will be touring BC to provide crane operators in all regions of the province with the opportunity to be assessed prior to the deadline of February 28, 2011.
The following is a tentative schedule to be confirmed by the BCACS.
In order to ensure certification before the deadline, crane operators and/or employers should begin the assessment process as soon as possible. A full description of the CraneSafe Certification process is described on this website plus there are training resources available. Application forms are also available online. Alternatively, you can contact the CraneSafe office toll free at 1.888.952.6033 or by email at info@fulford.ca.
Date |
Region |
— 2010 — | |
October 17 – 29 |
East Kootenay |
October 18 – November 5 |
Fraser – Fort George |
October 25 – November 5 |
Kitimat Stikine / Skeena – Queen Charlotte |
November 1 – 19 |
Bulkley – Nechako |
November 1 – 26 |
North Okanagan / Columbia – Shuswap |
November 8 – 30 |
Peace River / Northern Rockies |
November 15 – 19 |
Central Coast |
November 22 – December 3 |
Okanagan – Similkameen |
December 1 – 10 |
Cariboo |
December 6 – 18 |
Central Kootenay / Kootenay – Boundary |
— 2011 — | |
January 3 – 21 |
Thompson – Nicola |
January 24 – February 4 |
Powell River / Sunshine Coast |
February 7 – 25 |
Alberni Clayquot / Comox – Strathcona / Mount Waddington |
Posted 13 September 2010
Deadline Approaching for BC Crane Certification
Certification deadline February 28th, 2011
The deadline is approaching fast for all crane operators in British Columbia and the Yukon to become certified and be in compliance with new safety regulations.
"Our main message is don't wait for the deadline," said Lee Middleton, managing partner with Fullford Harbour Group, which is the company responsible for offering CraneSafe certification in B.C. and the Yukon.
"We will fill up and if thousands of people wait for 2011, they won't be served before the enforcement deadline."
....
For the full article see the Journal of Commerce.
Posted 13 September 2010
Re-Assessment Fees
Fees for re-assessment have been updated.
Part 2 |
Load Chart & Rigging |
$200 plus HST |
Part 3 |
Complete Practical |
$400 plus HST |
Full Re-Assessment |
Parts 1, 2 & 3 |
$500 plus HST |
Posted 30 April 2010
Office Re-Opened & Extended Deadline for Applications
The main office is open with regular hours as of Friday, April 30th.
All booked assessments will proceed as scheduled.
All certification records are secure and no records were damaged.
Extended Deadline
The deadline for applications has been extended one week from April 30 to May 7, 2010. All applications received by this date are guaranteed an assessment booking before the certification deadline of February 28, 2011.
Posted 27 April 2010
* * * Office Fire * * *
Due to a fire in the CraneSafe building, the office is closed Tuesday, April 27 2010, until further notice.
Posted 22 April 2010
* Revised * Application Deadline for Current Certification Classifications
– July 1st, 2010 Pending Approval
Pending industry approval, the estimated implementation date of the new CraneSafe Certification crane classifications and certificates is July 1st, 2010.
Current classifications will apply to all applications received no later than June 30, 2010 (revised from April 30, 2010).
Until approved, all applications received will use the existing certification classifications (as outlined below).
Posted 8 April 2010
Application Deadline for Current Certification Classifications
– April 30th 2010
The current certification classifications will apply to all applications received no later than April 30, 2010.
All applications received from May 1st, 2010, onwards will use the new certification classifications (as outlined below).
Posted 18 February 2010
New Certification Classifications – Pending Approval *
Pending industry approval, as of July 1st 2010, CraneSafe Crane Classifications and Certificates will change.
Mobile Cranes | |
Friction Lattice Boom |
No change |
Hydraulic Lattice Boom |
No change |
Mobile Hydraulic – Unlimited Tonnage |
No change |
Mobile Hydraulic – 80 Tonnes & Under |
No change |
Mobile Hydraulic – 20 Tonnes & Under |
New |
Boom Trucks | |
Stiff Boom – Unlimited Tonnage |
No change |
Stiff Boom – 40 Tonnes & Under |
Being replaced by 20 Tonnes & Under |
Stiff Boom – 20 Tonnes & Under |
New Replaces 40 Tonnes & Under |
Folding Boom – Unlimited Tonnage |
No change |
Folding Boom – 22 Tonnes & Under |
Being replaced by 11 Tonnes & Under |
Folding Boom – 11 Tonnes & Under |
New Replaces 22 Tonnes & Under |
Tower Cranes | |
Tower |
No change |
Self Erect |
No change |
For more information on crane classifications and restrictions see Crane Sizes for Assessment Purposes
What about Certificates that have already issued? Are they still valid?
Yes – the Crane Industry and the BC Association for Crane Safety realise that the first year of any Certification program uncovers things that need to be changed.
However, Certificate classes have been issued to standards supported by industry that were in force at the time of assessment. As the Certification adjustments are just that – adjustments and not major changes – all previous certificates are considered valid by Fulford CraneSafe and the associated regulators in BC and Yukon.
Posted 12 February 2010
Levels D, C & B: CraneSafe Certification
Level D Certification
Level D is for private industrial employers whose operators must meet strict criteria to receive the Level D Certificate. Industry, through the BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS), has informed us that they are reviewing additional requirements for non-incumbent Level D recipients.
We have suspended issuance of non-incumbent Level D Certificates until further notice while the BCACS consults with industry to identify the additional requirements non-incumbent Level D Operators must meet to be certified.
Level C Certification
Level C is under review – industry wishes to adjust this category of Certification slightly. Level C permits new operators to begin their learning under direct supervision of a qualified individual. Level C also restricts the type of lifts the operator is permitted to perform. We expect Level C Certification will be valid for 90 days. Adjustments to Level C are expected to be minor – changes are likely only to ensure a good fit with Level B Certification.
Level B Certification
Level B is also under review by industry. Level B is intended to be used by apprentices and other trainees who are learning to operate a crane, or learning to operate a different class of crane on the job. It requires an operator be indirectly supervised with some restrictions as to type of lifts the operator can perform.
Questions about Level B Certification centre around the length of time the Certification is valid, the entry requirements to receive Level B Certification and the practical application of indirect supervision as well as the paperwork requirements for documentation of critical lifts and the like.
How will these questions be answered and considerations decided?
Industry has been very actively involved through the BCACS in all aspects of the CraneSafe Certification System. The main vehicle for industry input in BC and Yukon has been a series of Crane Task Group Consultations organised by the BCACS. These have been very strongly attended. The BCACS will convene an update Task Group Consultation to address the above questions on Level D, B and C Certification as well as other points.
It is expected the Crane Task Group Consultation will be held in April 2010.
Posted 10 February 2010
Cancellation & Recheduling Fees for Assessment Appointments
Effective 10 February 2010, the cancellation and rescheculing policy has been amended.
Due to the precise coordination of our assessment schedule, to better serve our clients throughout the Province, we have increased the cancellation fee and implemented a rescheduling fee for appointments within 10 to 30 days of a confirmed assessment appointment.
We build precise schedules for our Assessors, coordinated with clients who book operators and equipment sometimes months in advance. This is in order to keep our fee the same for everyone in the Province of BC. A change in this schedule is difficult to accommodate without impacting our other crane operators and employers.
The rescheduling fee allows operators and employers the flexibilty to change their dates of assessment for unavoidable business reasons or to allow operators additional preparation time, but limits changes to reduce inconvenience to our other clients.
Incumbent Crane Operator Status – Extended
Posted 1 November 2009
The deadline for Incumbent Operators to apply for a CraneSafe Certification assessment has been extended (from 31 October 2009).
A new deadline will be announced shortly after which you will be required to write the Industry Training Authority challenge exam (at an additional cost of $120) to be certified.
Crane Sizes & Certification Restrictions
Posted 29 September 2009
Minimum Crane Sizes for Assessment Purposes
*** An important note on crane size and certification restrictions ***
In the Mobile Hydraulic Crane – 80 Tonnes & Under, as well as the Stiff Boom Truck – 40 Tonnes & Under classifications we are facing situations where operators choose to be assessed on machines that don't permit the operator to show the full range of competencies we require to certify competence.
Mobile Hydraulic – 80 Tonnes & Under
An example of this is operators assessed on Carry Deck or other fixed cab type machines. These machines lack a turntable, swing functions, outrigger beams etc. Assessing an operator on a Carry Deck type crane does not allow our assessor to see evidence of competent setup.
Stiff Boom – 40 Tonnes & Under
In this category we are seeing operators come for their assessment on ladder type trucks with an electric winch mounted at the tip of the ladder / boom. These machines are much simpler and lighter duty than a 10 tonne plus stiff boom truck mount and again do not permit our assessor to judge competence.
*** Please select the highest capacity crane you have access to and can competently operate for your assessment. ***
Where the machine does not permit the operator to show full competence we may issue a restricted certificate. In many cases a restricted certificate is entirely appropriate for the work that is being performed, and these restrictions can be requested by the operator. They are:
More information on the crane types that fit these categories will be included in a special section on crane types on this website that is currently under preparation.
TONNE (Metric Ton)
1 Tonne = 1,000 kg = 2,205 lbs
1 Tonne = 1.1023 Tons (short tons, American tons)
1 Tonne = 0.9844 Tons (long tons, Imperial tons)
SHORT TON (US or American)
1 short ton = 2,000 lbs = 907 kg
1 short ton = .9072 Tonnes
LONG TON (Imperial)
1 long ton = 1,016 kg = 2,240 lb
1 long ton = 1.0161 Tonnes
Incumbent Crane Operator Status
Posted 31 July 2009
As of July 2009, all incumbent operators must book an asssessment appointment with Fulford CraneSafe by 31 October 2009 to retain their status.
As of 1 November 2009, all incumbent crane operators who have not booked their assessment appointment will lose their incumbent status.
All incumbent operators should have received a letter from the BC Association for Crane Safety outlining this requirement.
Roll Out Plan
Posted 25 May 2009
A Notice of Assessment will be sent to all crane operators registered with the BC Assocation for Crane Safety (BCACS) by the end of May 2009. All operators have until February 28, 2011 to be certified.
Notification was initially sent to groups of 1,500 operators. From this point forward, crane assessments will be booked on a first come, first served basis.
For more information contact:
Fulford CraneSafe |
toll free 1.888.952.6033 |
|
BCACS |
604.525.1227 |
|
Industry Training Authority (ITA) |
toll free 1.888.660.6011 |
More details → Roll Out Plan
BC Apprencticeship Qualifications
Posted 22 May 2009
Learn more about....
Incumbent crane operators versus Non incumbent crane operators
ITA apprenticeships (and how to challenge them)
→ Crane Operator Qualifications
Certification Levels
Posted May 2009
CraneSafe Certification has four different levels. Each of the crane certification machine types uses these four levels.
→ CraneSafe Certification Levels
Minister Iain Black visits the CraneSafe facilities in Delta
On April 8, 2009, Minister Black presented certificates to crane operators who had completed their CraneSafe Certification.
Since 2007, changes to the BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation have made certification for crane operators a requirement.
The BC Association for Crane Safety is responsible for the CraneSafe Certification system developed with the support of the BC Association for Crane Safety, WorkSafeBC and industry.
Crane Logbook
Posted April 2009
Worker's Compensation regulations require a crane equipment log book, or daily check sheet record, to be kept with the crane and accurately filled out each day the equipment is used. This log book is in addition to a vehicle log book required by commercial transport regulations.
If you do not have such a log book you are welcome to download this log book in Microsoft Word format and modify it to suit your needs. → Log Book.
Contact Fulford CraneSafe
Toll free: 1.888.952.6033 | Lower Mainland: 604.398.5230 | info@fulford.ca