In order
to make it easier for employers and state and federal authorities to determine
qualifications of crane operators, the NCCCO is issuing separate certification cards to
CCO-certified crane operators who also have been certified in the CCO rigger
and/or signalperson categories. The new cards, which are accepted nationally as
official proof of certification, have been designed to meet OSHA requirements.
For easy recognition, operator
CCO cards continue to have a black band across the bottom, while rigger
and signalperson cards display a green band. In addition to this change, the
cards will show the full 5-year certification period instead of a common
expiration date. However, the new policy of separate expiration dates does not
affect the crane operator certification program, says NCCCO Program Manager
Joel Oliva. Currently, the
commission has nine crane operator designations, three crane inspector
designations, two rigger designations and a signalperson designation. New
certifications for digger derrick operators and lift directors are currently in
development for launch before the end of 2012.