01.06.2004

Tower Crane installation training

In May as we previously reported the UK’S Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) introduced a new 18 module Tower Crane installation training course in conjunction with the Contractors Plant-Hire Association (CPA), The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Construction Confederation.

Following the announcement of the course we were approached by a number of individuals in the Tower crane industry who voiced concern that someone right off the street could buy the course, sit down in front of a PC and 18 modules later claim to be a trained Tower crane erector and dismantler! As a result of the concerns and interest that this subject has generated Vertikal.Net have taken a closer look and spoken to those behind the new course.

First and foremost, both the CPA and the CITB have made it very clear that this course is intended to be taken over an extended time period and combined with hands on experience within a tower crane erection team. They are also adamant that the course should be part of a long term training programme and not a replacement. The main aim has been to establish a consistent industry standard for the training of tower crane installation operatives. Setting out in plain English the regulations to be observed, best advice and current working practices. The intention is to extend this by establishing a formal NVQ for this trade within a year or so. This could then become part of a modern Apprenticeship programme within contractors and rental companies.

Until now there has been no standard for the training of tower crane installation personnel, each company has its own methods for training and inevitably cover the subject to entirely differing levels. Clearly no self-respecting company would send out a new employee, no matter how experienced he claimed to be, to erect or dismantle a crane, until confident of his abilities and experience. The CITB course does not change this in any way, it will though at least show that the person has had some basic training, or alternatively a company could choose to use the tests in each module to verify a new employees capability. The modules can also be used as refresher courses for existing employees.

The course has been “driven” by the CPA’s Tower Crane Interest Group (TCIG), chaired by Paul Phillips of tower crane renter HTC, and has included most manufacturers, large tower crane rental companies and contractors. The course consists of 18 stand-alone modules, ranging from safety awareness (module 2) to Tying in to adjacent structures (Module 12) to carrying out site surveys and installation planning (Module 18) a full list follows this article. The programme makes it very clear that an operative wishing to become a leading erector/Supervisor will need additional training, skills and hands on experience.

The course contains numerous tips and instructions for the trainer along with written tests and evaluation techniques. The course is intended to be presented by a highly experienced Tower crane erector who has the ability to communicate and effectively train others. This might either be an in house trainer or in time at specialist training schools. The CITB already offer a basic tower crane erection course at its Bircham Newton facility.

The CITB suggests that tower crane specialists, such as rental company, would benefit from having its operational staff complete at least seven of the modules, allowing them to better support and understand the company's installation teams.

The HSE have “commended the use of this course for those who have duties under the Health and Safety at work act of 1974 and will reference this course when and where appropriate.

The full course of 18 modules costs £85 from the CITB-Construction skills Publications sales on telephone UK 01485 577800, fax 577758, email: [email protected] or on line at www.citb.co.uk/publications

The 18 modules that make up the course are:

Module 1 Introduction to the industry
Module 2 Safety Awareness
Module 3 Basic Tool Skills
Module 4 Working on Site
Module 5 Basic Principles of Crane Erection, dismantle & Stability
Module 6 Practice of Erecting and dismantling tower cranes
Module 7 Assisting with examination & testing,the erectors role
Module 8 Preparing equipment for use
Module 9 Loading and unloading components for transport
Module 10 Wire ropes, specialist tools and equipment
Module 11 Operation of Tower cranes during Erection/Dismantle
Module 12 Tying Tower cranes to adjacent buildings & structures
Module 13 External and Internal climbing of tower cranes
Module 14 Limit setting and functional testing
Module 15 Product familiarisation/operational handover procedure
Module 16 Servicing and maintenance of Tower cranes
Module 17 Statutory Examinations, inspections and checks
Module 18 Carrying out site surveys as part of Installations planning