The BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS) was formed in 2005 to promote the development of an industry-driven crane operator certification system in the province. The BCACS includes employer and worker representatives from many industries that use cranes, as well as representatives of WorkSafeBC and other government agencies.

The purpose of the Association is to:

• Promote accident-free crane operations throughout British Columbia
• Promote the establishment in British Columbia of a cost-effective crane operator qualification regime that:
  • involves documented proof of competency
  • includes theoretical and practical examinations, and
  • is accessible and available at all levels of the industry
• Promote the attractiveness of the industry to prospective entry-level crane operators and the timely achievement of their qualifications
• Serve as an industry advisory body to agencies in a position to oversee qualification and training
• Serve as an advisory body to WorkSafeBC regarding regulatory matters and other issues related to occupational health and safety as they impact the crane industry

In province-wide public hearings throughout 2004 and 2005, employers, city councils, and others recommended that crane operator certification be managed by WorkSafeBC regulations.

Certifying crane operators:

• Increases safety for all workers and the general public
• Reduces the frequency and severity of injuries for workers
• Reduces indirect costs including lost productivity, damaged equipment, and recruitment of auxiliary staff as a result of a crane incident

A recognized, industry-supported certification system:

• Creates a more accessible and standardized process to become a crane operator
• Attracts experienced workers from other parts of North America, and
• Attracts new individuals to the crane industry as a career choice

Currently, both the Fulford Harbour Group (FHG) cranesafe certificates and the Industry Training Authority (ITA) crane operator Certificates of Qualification are acceptable to WorkSafeBC.

The FHG certifies operators of mobile cranes 20 tonnes and under, stiff boom trucks 20 tonnes and under, folding boom trucks 10 tonnes and under, and self-erect tower cranes. FHG provides practical assessment services for cranes that are certified by the ITA. They also issue Level B and C certificates for trainees and apprentices.

Based in BC, the Fulford Harbour Group is a company specializing in the assessment of competence in workplaces. For the crane certification program, its professional assessors are highly experienced crane operators and former crane apprenticeship instructors.

Fulford’s program is insured by Lloyd’s of London, having met rigorous requirements for the training and supervision of its professional assessors.

The ITA is responsible for certifying operators of the following cranes: tower cranes, mobile cranes over 20 tonnes, stiff boom truck cranes over 20 tonnes and folding boom truck cranes over 10 tonnes. The practical assessment services are provided by FHG on behalf of both WorkSafeBC and the ITA.

A certificate issued by the FHG or the ITA will be proof that the operator has met the standard for competency. The holder of the certificate will have demonstrated the basic standard knowledge, skills and ability to operate a crane safely.

The certificate will also identify the crane types the operator is certified to operate and specify any restrictions.

Employers will still be obliged to maintain proper documentation and ensure the operator uses the crane in accordance with all standards for workplace safety.

There are approximately 12,000 tower, boom and mobile crane operators working in BC.

The new Regulation applies to operators of boom trucks, mobile cranes, tower cranes and self-erect tower cranes.

Cranes under five tons and with a boom length less than 25 feet are exempt. These sizes are defined by the original manufacturer’s specifications. Bridge cranes are not included in this regulation.

WorkSafeBC officers started enforcement of the regulation on July 1, 2007 when the original BCACS registration letters were issued. Since full certification became mandatory on March 1, 2011 more officers are available to ensure that all operators have the appropriate credentials.

• Cranes contacting high voltage power lines
• Cranes tipping over
• Booms bending because of overloading
• Materials falling because of improperly secured loads or rigging
• Structural failure of the crane itself
• Incidents as a result of poor communication between the operator and site personnel

Pending Level A practical assessment, an existing operator who has registered with BCACS can continue to operate cranes by obtaining a Level B certificate from Fulford CraneSafe http://www.fulford.ca.

In order to have each operator prepared and ready to meet the established criteria prior to assessment, resource guides are available on Fulford’s site. A study of these guides prior to practical assessment is highly recommended.

At this time, there are no plans to have crane operators renew their certification after their initial, successful assessments.

The BCACS Getting Ready Guides will assist operators that are preparing for certification exams.

To prepare for the practical assessment, there is a lot of material available on the Fulford CraneSafe site.

No, the BCACS does not provide training to operators. Only public and private trainers offer this service. The operator or employer must carefully select a trainer that will meet their needs as BCACS does not endorse any training provider.

Guidance for choosing an acceptable trainer can be found in the WorkSafeBC article How to hire a safety training provider

At a minimum, a training provider should be asked:

• Do you follow the BCACS standards as set by industry?
• Are your instructors registered with BCACS?
• Have your instructors been assessed and certified?
• What percentage of students taking your crane operator certification training have passed on their first attempt?
• If taking a course intended to count towards the requirements for an ITA Certificate of Qualification, ensure the training provider is designated by the ITA to offer the specific course at the specific location.

Yes, the employer can provide in-house training as long as they meet the standards as defined through this process.

All crane operators in BC must be registered with the BCACS; it’s quick and easy and there is no fee.
Go to our registration page to get started.

More information on the Regulation or Guidelines is available at http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/OHSRegulation/Part14.asp.

Beginning in December 2008, information was mailed to registrants who had registered before July 1, 2007. That group had until October 31, 2009 to book their assessments. Operators that missed that October 31 deadline lost their incumbent status and must now go through the regular exam and assessment process.

Crane operators that were classed as incumbent had from December 2008 to October 31, 2009 to book their assessments. Any operators that missed the deadline, lost their incumbent status. They must now complete the written ITA Certification of Qualification (C of Q) Examination and the Practical Examination.

This section is currently being revised.

This section is currently being revised.

This section is currently being revised

This section is currently being revised

Each practical assessment is $750 plust HST. This cost is the same for all crane types throughout the province. While the fee may be paid by any party, it must be paid in full prior to assessment.

Tower crane operators, operators of mobile cranes over 20 tonnes, operators of stiff boom trucks over 40 tonnes and folding boom trucks over 22 tonnes must also pay an additional $120 to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to write the applicable ITA Certificate of Qualification, which may include the Interprovincial Red Seal exam.

Information on the practical assessment is available at http://www.fulford.ca.

For those unable to access the internet, a hard copy is available (subject to processing fee). Contact the Fulford Harbour Group Assessment Office at 604-398-5230, or 1-877-952-6033 for more details.

This section is currently being revised

This section is currently being revised

Once the operator is ready, the first re-assessment can take place once an assessor is available – typically two weeks after the initial assessment. If the re-assessment is on the load chart and rigging component, then the worker can make an appointment for an available space at the test centre. (Provide address of FHG)

Operators who are prohibited from working as a result of their initial assessment will receive priority for re-assessment.