16.B.04 USACE Operator Certification, Qualification, and Designation.
- The following options are available for the certification and qualification of USACE operators:
- (1) Each crane operator may be trained, tested and certified by a nationally accredited testing organization, (see Section 16.B.03 Option 1); If this option is chosen, USACE is still responsible for ensuring that the operator is qualified to operate a particular piece of equipment (to include, type, capacity and configuration) and must designate this in writing; OR
- (2) Each operator can be trained, tested and licensed by a professional source that certifies crane operators as long as the program is audited (see Section 16.B.03, Option 2). This requirement will remain until 14 Nov 2017 whereupon this option will be replaced by one that is required to be audited by a 3rd party certified auditor. If this option is chosen, USACE is still responsible for ensuring that the operator is qualified to operate a particular piece of equipment (to include, type, capacity and configuration) and must designate this in writing, OR
- (3) Each operator can be trained, tested and licensed by a USACE designated in-house crane trainer in accordance with USACE National Crane Training Program. If this option is chosen, a qualified person is responsible for ensuring that the operator is qualified to operate a particular piece of equipment (to include, type, capacity and configuration) and must designate this in writing.
- Certification and qualification under this option is:
- (1) Not portable. Such a certification and qualification meets the requirements of this Section only where the operator is employed by (and operating the equipment for) USACE; AND
- (2) Is valid for 2 years from date of issuance.
Operators must know their job.
16.B.05 Operator Physical Qualifications/Examination.
All crane operators must be physically qualified to operate the equipment. Physical examinations for operators are required to be conducted every 2 years and any time a condition is observed that may impact safe operation. Written proof, signed by a physician [this term is intended to mean a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.)] stating that the operator has had a physical examination and meets the medical requirements set forth below must be submitted to the GDA for acceptance prior to allowing an operator to operate the equipment.
Operators must be physically and medically qualified.
Note: Operators of Hoisting Equipment are exempt from this requirement UNLESS this equipment is used to hoist/lift personnel. > See also Sections 16.A.01.i and 16.U;
- Operators must have a current physician's (M.D. or D.O.) certification, dated within the past 2 years, that states the operator meets the following physical qualifications:
- (1) Vision of at least 20/30 Snellen in one eye and 20/50 in the other, with or without corrective lenses;
- (2) Normal depth perception and field of vision;
- (3) Ability to distinguish colors, regardless of position;
- (4) Adequate hearing, with or without hearing aid, for the specific operation;
- (5) Sufficient strength, endurance, agility, coordination, manual dexterity, and speed of reaction to meet the demands of equipment operation;
- (6) No evidence that the operator is subject to seizures or loss of physical control. If evidence of this nature is found, it may be sufficient cause for disqualification. In such cases, specialized medical tests may be required to evaluate these conditions and determine their impact;
- (7) No evidence of physical, emotional or psychological limitations that could result in a hazard to the operator, or that in the opinion of the examiner could interfere with the operator's performance. If evidence of this nature is found, it may be sufficient cause for disqualification. Specialized medical tests may be required to determine these conditions.
- Deviations from Physical Qualification Requirements.
- (1) Deviations from the physical requirements are not necessarily totally disqualifying.
- (2) However, where such deviations exist, competent medical and management authorities must give special consideration to each individual case and may recommend waivers.
- (3) Waivers may be approved by the local Safety and Occupational Health office (SOHO) and must be re-issued every 2 years, based on results of operator's medical clearance examination. A copy must be provided to HQ, SOHO.
- (4) Normally, waivers must not be granted for applicants who have never before established operator qualifications. However, an evaluation on an individual basis must be made per the above requirements. Any limitations identified must be noted on the operator's license and license record.
- Contractor drug testing program. All contractor crane operators must participate in a drug testing program and have a negative result for a substance abuse test. The level of testing will be in accordance with standard practices for industry or by the agency's random drug testing program. This test will be confirmed by a recognized laboratory service.
- Government drug testing program. All government (DOD) crane operators, as identified below, must participate in a drug testing program and have a negative result for a substance abuse test, per AR 600-85, paragraph 5-8 (15). In addition, if an employee is in any other specified Test Designated Position (TDP) in this AR 600-85, he/she must be tested accordingly. The level of testing will be in accordance with by the agency's testing program. This test will be confirmed by a recognized laboratory service:
- (1) Crane operators that operate OVERHEAD CRANES (only) with a lifting capacity of 20T or greater, AND
- (2) Are in the following job series and are required to operate, inspect, maintain, repair or rig loads for overhead cranes:
- (3) WG-5725, Crane Operator;
- (3) WG-3359, Instrument Mechanic;
- (4) WG-5350, Machinery Mechanic; OR
- (5) WK-5401, Industrial Equipment Operator.
16.B.06 Signal Person Qualifications.
Signaling to crane operator.
- All signal persons must be qualified by either a third party Qualified Evaluator or the employer's Qualified Evaluator/LHE trainer.
- Documentation must be provided by the Evaluator and must specify each type of signaling (e.g., hand signals, radio signals, etc.) for which the signal person meets the requirements of this Section.
- If subsequent actions by the signal person indicate that the individual does not meet the qualification requirement of this Section the employer must not allow the individual to continue working as a signal person until retraining is provided and a re-assessment is made.
- The qualification means that the Evaluator has assessed the individual's capabilities and has determined that the signal person has met the qualification requirements below:
- (1) Know and understand the type of signals used (radio, cell, hand, etc). If hand signals are used, the signal person must know and understand the Standard Method for hand signals;
- (2) Be competent in the application of the type of signals used;
- (3) Have a basic understanding of crane operation and limitations, including crane dynamics involved in swinging and stopping loads and boom deflection from hoisting loads;
- (4) Demonstrate that he/she meets the requirements above through a written and practical test.
- An assessment by an employer's Qualified Evaluator/LHE trainer is not portable. Other employers are not permitted to use it to meet these requirements.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
16-4. Which of the following is NOT checked or considered during a crane operator physical exam?
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