26.07.2009

Online crane operator training

York, Pennsylvania based GGS Technical Publication Services has launched a series of web based online crane operator and signaller preparatory training courses.

GGS, founded in 1988, is a supplier of technical information to equipment manufacturers and said that it recognised a need for a modern training programme specially designed to assist crane operators to pass the tests and certification requirements increasingly coming into force as part of new federal, state and provincial regulations.
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The initial courses will be followed later in the year with courses for riggers, and aerial work platform and telehandler operators.

The company says that traditional ‘paper and pencil’ training methods have typically involved proved expensive, in terms of time and cost of sending personnel on classroom-style training courses. Time constraints have also prohibited each student from receiving individualised instruction at their own learning pace – based on their respective skill and knowledge level.

The online training from GGS, also available via CD Rom, aims to solve these issues by allowing companies to have training “on-demand” with complete flexibility to schedule training within their workload timetables.

The online training programme also gives students the ability to learn at an individual pace, while allowing them to spend more time on topics they may need additional focus on. Time constraints are not a factor as learning can also be accomplished during off-work hours or over the weekend.

At the end of each module a series of automated quizzes and a comprehensive final exam completes each course. The results are provided immediately after completing the test, enhancing the operator’s learning curve.

The mobile crane training course is a 25 module programme beginning with topics such as equipment set-up, supporting surfaces, and site evaluation. Other topics that are included highlight crane stability, electrical hazards, rigging, developing lift plans, inspections, hand signals and factors that reduce capacity.

The course also focuses extensively on the proper use and interpretation of load
chart factors and how to perform calculations to determine safe lifting capacity.

The programme includes a module on boom trucks, which along with the normal crane sections, includes a sections on lifting personnel via a man-basket.

Safety regulation information is dispersed throughout the applicable modules,, rather than at the start or end, making it easier for students to retain
what is often an overwhelming list of regulatory information.

Audio, video, animation, and quizzes are said to help reinforce the learning concepts and provide the student with an interactive and engaging learning experience. The courses were designed for use for certification preparation, apprenticeship training, skill assessment, and training compliancy.

All courses are in accordance with ASME and ANSI regulations and OSHA standards, and are SCORM compliant. GGS also says that it can provide on site trainers, should companies want to have some practical support for the on line courses.

A demonstration is available on www.operatornetwork.com