Mobile Crane Operator

On-the-Job Training Guide

2018
Online: www.saskapprenticeship.ca

Recognition:
To promote transparency and consistency, portions of this document has been adapted from the 2013
Mobile Crane Operator National Occupational Analysis (Employment and Social Development Canada).

A complete version of the Occupational Analysis can be found at www.red-seal.ca

1 On-the-Job Training Guide – Mobile Crane Operator – August 2018

STRUCTURE OF THE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
GUIDE
To facilitate understanding of the occupation, this on-the-job training guide contains the following
sections:

Description of the Mobile Crane Operator trade: an overview of the trade’s duties and training
requirements.

Essential Skills Summary: an overview of how each of the nine essential skills is applied in this trade.

Harmonization: a brief description on the pan-Canadian Harmonization Initiative for the Mobile Crane
Operator trade.

Task Matrix: a chart which outlines graphically the major work activities, tasks and sub-tasks of this
standard detailing the essential skills and the level of training where the content is covered.
Major Work Activity (MWA): the largest division within the standard that is comprised of a distinct set
of trade activities.
Task: distinct actions that describe the activities within a major work activity.
Sub-task: distinct actions that describe the activities within a task.

On-the-Job and In-school Training Content for the Mobile Crane Operator Trade: a chart which
outlines on-the-job examples for apprentices to achieve relevant work experience to prepare for topics of
technical training.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE MOBILE CRANE
OPERATOR TRADE
Mobile crane operators operate mobile cranes to lift, move, position and place materials and equipment.
They perform pre‐operational inspections. They calculate crane capacities, determine load weight, and
set up, position and stabilize the crane before the lift. Mobile crane operators have the additional
responsibilities of disassembling, traveling and transporting mobile cranes. They may also participate in
rigging procedures. They also perform some routine maintenance and housekeeping of the crane
equipment such as lubricating and cleaning.

Mobile cranes are used in many industry sectors. They are very commonly used in the construction of
buildings and the assembly of large equipment. They are used in locations such as construction sites,
warehouses, factories, mines, oil rigs, refineries, railway yards, ships, windmill farms and ports. Mobile
crane operators may be employed by rental companies, construction firms, manufacturers, public utilities,
transport sector companies, ship builders, cargo-handlers, airports, railways and mines.

Mobile cranes come in different types such as crawlers, truck-mounted, rough-terrain and all-terrain. The
boom of the crane may be lattice or telescopic. Some mobile cranes are fitted with equipment, including
piledriver, clamshell, dragline, wrecking ball, magnet and personnel basket, which can perform
specialized functions. They may be outfitted with heavy lift attachments, tower attachments and luffing
jibs.

Some mobile crane operators specialize in different crane functions. In some cases, an operator may
work for years on a single large site, operating a single type and size of mobile crane.
Mobile crane operators working for rental companies may rarely work on the same site more than once
and may routinely perform a variety of tasks with different types and sizes of mobile cranes.

The majority of the work in this trade is outdoors. Key attributes for people entering the trade are strong
communication skills, mechanical aptitude, mathematical ability, excellent visual and depth perception
and a high degree of hand-foot-eye coordination. The operation of some mobile cranes is physically
demanding as is the handling of accessories. Mobile crane operators interact with other tradespeople,
contractors and customers.

The skills of mobile crane operators are transferable to operating other heavy equipment. With
experience, mobile crane operators may move into careers such as business owners, supervisors,
trainers and job coordinators.

Training Requirements: 5400 hours (3 years) including in-school technical training sessions. An
apprentice must successfully complete the required technical training and compile enough on-the-job
experience to total at least 1800 hours each year.

Examination required for proficiency certificates: boom truck operator “A”; boom truck operator
“B”.

Journeyperson to apprentice ratio for this trade is: 1:2

The information contained within this pamphlet serves as a guide for employers and apprentices.
Apprenticeship training is mutually beneficial to both employer and apprentice. The employer’s
investment in training apprentices results in skilled and certified workers. The pamphlet summarizes the

3 On-the-Job Training Guide – Mobile Crane Operator – August 2018

tasks to be covered by the apprentice during the on-the-job portion of apprenticeship training. An
apprentice spends approximately 85% of the apprenticeship term training on-the-job.

It is the employer’s or journeyperson’s training responsibility to supervise an apprentice’s

practical skills development until a satisfactory level of proficiency has been reached.

EMPLOYER TRAINING RESPONSIBILITY

• promote a safety-conscious workplace
• provide mentored, hands-on practice in the use of rigging equipment
• demonstrate calculations of the load weights, rigging capacities and crane capacities
• demonstrate set-up of cranes
• provide the opportunity for apprentices to perform minor maintenance on cranes
• further the apprentice’s ability to complete pre-operational inspections, checks and regular inspections
• ensure that the apprentice can perform craning operations

Employers should make every effort to expose their apprentices to work experience in as many areas of
the trade as possible.

Below, in-school instruction is listed first; suggestions to help employers assist the apprentice to prepare
for in-school training are listed next.

The content of the training components is subject to change without notice.

Entrance Requirements for Apprenticeship Training

Your grade twelve transcript (with no modified classes) or GED 12 is your guarantee that you meet the
educational entrance requirements for apprenticeship in Saskatchewan. In fact, employers prefer and
recommend apprentices who have completed high school. This ensures the individual has all of the
necessary skills required to successfully complete the apprenticeship program, and receive
journeyperson certification.

Individuals with “modified” or “general” classes in math or science do not meet our entry requirements.
These individuals are required to take an entrance assessment prescribed by the SATCC.

English is the language of instruction in all apprenticeship programs and is the common language for
business in Saskatchewan. Before admission, all apprentices and/or “upgraders” must be able to
understand and communicate in the English language. Applicants whose first language is not English
must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment of six (CLB6).

Note: A CLB assessment is valid for a one-year period from date of issue.

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 Designated Trade Name Math Credit at the Indicated Science Credit at Grade
Grade Level Level
Mobile Crane Operator Grade 10 Grade 10
 - (One of the following) WA – Workplace and Apprenticeship; or F – Foundations; or P – Pre-
calculus, or a Math at the indicated grade level (Modified and General Math credits are not
acceptable.).

*Applicants who have graduated in advance of 2015-2016, or who do not have access to the revised
Science curricula will require a Science at the minimum grade level indicated by trade.

For information about high school curriculum, including Math and Science course names, please see:
http://www.curriculum.gov.sk.ca/#

Individuals not meeting the entrance requirements will be subject to an assessment

and any required training

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ESSENTIAL SKILLS SUMMARY
Essential skills are needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other
skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.

Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies
have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly every occupation and
throughout daily life in different ways.

A series of CCDA-endorsed tools have been developed to support apprentices in their training and to be
better prepared for a career in the trades. The tools can be used independently or with the assistance of a
tradesperson, trainer, employer, teacher or mentor to:

 understand how essential skills are used in the trades;

 learn about individual essential skills strengths and areas for improvement; and
 improve essential skills and increase success in an apprenticeship program.

The tools are available online or for order at: www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/les/profiles/index.shtml

The application of these skills may be described throughout this document within the skills and knowledge
which support each sub-task of the trade. The most important essential skills for each sub-task have also
been identified. The following are summaries of the requirements in each of the essential skills, taken
from the essential skills profile. A link to the complete essential skills profile can be found at
www.red-seal.ca.

READING
In their daily work, mobile crane operators read and comprehend several types of texts. These include
safety and work procedures as well as more complex hoisting regulations and manufacturers’ operating
manuals.

DOCUMENT USE
Mobile crane operators use workplace documents such as logbooks, load charts, hazard assessments
and workplace policies and procedures to carry out their job. They must be familiar with regulations
relating to hoisting, rigging and safe work environments. They must have the ability to read and interpret
manufacturers’ specifications and load charts for the model of crane they are using. Depending on site-
specific requirements, they may obtain information from engineered and construction drawings and plans.

WRITING
Mobile crane operators use writing skills to record comments or notes in logbooks or work records. They
write messages to colleagues or management to give work details or reply to requests for technical
information. They may also write longer descriptions and explanations for various reporting and data
collection forms

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ORAL COMMUNICATION
Mobile crane operators use oral communication skills to coordinate work with site crews. Clear
communication of technical and complex information is very important to avoid injuries and promote
efficiency. Mobile crane operators also use communication skills when instructing apprentices, co-workers
and on-site work crews. Good listening and visual skills are also required to communicate with riggers,
signallers and other operators during lifts. Operators use verbal communication and hand signals to
communicate the speed of lift movements and precise positioning of loads.

NUMERACY
Mobile crane operators use a range of math skills in their daily work. These include mathematical and
physics concepts such as conversions, geometry, algebraic calculations, measurement and calculation of
load and lift requirements. They use code books, load charts and manufacturers’ specifications to further
determine procedures, limits and the necessary equipment for rigging and hoisting

THINKING
Mobile crane operators must use decision-making skills to perform work planning and prioritizing. The
decisions they make about the sequence of work have implications for everyone on site. Mobile crane
operators require strong analytical skills to effectively use their equipment.

Mobile crane operators use problem solving skills to choose setup locations and crane configurations for
specific jobs. During lifts mobile crane operators make operational decisions to start, stop and vary the
speed and direction of lifts to ensure safe movement and placement of a load. They evaluate the safety of
lifts before and during lifts, and stop work if necessary

WORKING WITH OTHERS

To be effective, mobile crane operators must establish close and ongoing job-task coordination with other
workers on the job site. They work closely with clients to plan lifts and ensure that their activities are
coordinated with those of on-site crews. They are in close communication with riggers, signallers and
supervisors to coordinate lifts and load placements. Mobile crane operators work in close coordination
with other operators when performing multiple crane lifts and when in close proximity with other cranes
and heavy equipment.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Mobile crane operators are increasingly required to interpret electronic data transmitted from LMI,
anemometers and electronic scales to a display located in the cab of the crane. Controls for the mobile
crane may also involve computerized applications.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING
As construction methods and crane technology are advancing, mobile crane operators must keep abreast
of these developments. There are requirements for site or crane specific training and regulatory changes
that may require additional certification and ongoing learning to ensure compliance and safe working
conditions.

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HARMONIZATION FOR APPRENTICESHIP
TRAINING
At the request of industry, the Harmonization Initiative was launched in 2013 to substantively align
apprenticeship systems across Canada by making training requirements more consistent in the Red Seal
trades. Harmonization aims to improve the mobility of apprentices, support an increase in their completion
rates and enable employers to access a larger pool of apprentices.

As part of this work, the Canadian Council of the Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) identified four main
harmonization priorities in consultation with industry and training stakeholders:

1. Trade name
The official Red Seal name for this trade is Mobile Crane Operator.

2. Number of Levels of Apprenticeship

The number of levels of technical training recommended for the Mobile Crane Operator trade is three.

3. Total Training Hours during Apprenticeship Training

The total hours of training, including both on-the-job and in-school training for the Mobile Crane Operator
trade is 5400.

4. Consistent sequencing of training content (at each level) using the most recent
Occupational Standard
Implementation for harmonization will take place progressively. Level one to be implemented in
2016/2017, level two in 2017/2018 and level three in 2018/2019.

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 MOBILE CRANE OPERATOR TASK MATRIX
CHART
This chart outlines the major work activities, tasks and sub-tasks from the 2013 Mobile Crane Operator
National Occupational Analysis. Each sub-task details the corresponding essential skill and level of
training where the content is covered. *

* Sub-tasks with numbers in the boxes is where the content will be delivered in training. Level one to be
implemented in 2016/2017, level two in 2017/2018, and level three in 2018/2019.

A – COMMON OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS

A-1 Performs safety-related 1.01 Maintains safe 1.02 Uses personal

functions work environment protective
equipment (PPE)
and safety
equipment

1,2,3 1,2,3

A-2 Organizes work 2.01 Communicates 2.02 Uses

with others documentation

1,2,3 1,2,3

B – HOISTING CALCULATIONS

B-3 Determines load weights 3.01 Identifies the 3.02 Calculates

weight weight

1,2,3 1,2,3

B-4 Calculates crane capacity 4.01 Determines 4.02 Interprets

radius and crane load charts
configuration

1,2,3 1,2,3

B-5 Performs rigging calculations 5.01 Performs sling 5.02 Performs

angle calculations working load limit
(WLL) calculations

1,2,3 1,2,3

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C – CRANE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

C-6 Performs pre-operational 6.01 Inspects 6.02 Inspects air 6.03 Inspects 6.04 Inspects 6.05 Inspects
checks and regular inspections engine systems systems electrical systems hydraulic systems chassis/car body
and running gear
components

1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

6.06 Inspects 6.07 Inspects boom 6.08 Inspects

outriggers and components and hoisting systems
counterweights attachments

1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

C-7 Performs operational and 7.01 Checks 7.02 Inspects 7.03 Monitors 7.04 Monitors
continual checks operating controls monitoring and running lines, hoist gauges and
warning systems lines and standing warning systems
ropes

1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

C-8 Performs minor crane 8.01 Changes oil 8.02 Greases crane 8.03 Lubricates 8.04 Makes minor
maintenance and filters wire ropes adjustments and
replacements

1 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

D – RIGGING

D-9 Inspects, maintains and 9.01 Lubricates slings 9.02 Identifies 9.03 Disposes of 9.04 Stores slings
stores slings and hardware and hardware deficiencies in damaged slings and hardware
slings and and hardware
hardware

1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

D-10 Follows rigging procedures 10.01 Selects required 10.02 Rigs load 10.03 Monitors
rigging rigging

1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

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E – LIFT PLANNING, SITE PREPARATION AND CRANE SETUP

E-11 Performs pre-lift planning 11.01 Participates 11.02 Evaluates

in routine, risks and hazards
engineered and
specialty lift
planning

1,2,3 1,2,3

E-12 Sets up crane 12.01 Performs 12.02 Positions 12.03 Completes

final site inspection crane setup

1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3

F – CRANE ASSEMBLY, DISASSEMBLY, AND TRANSPORT

F-13 Loads and unloads 13.01 Loads crane 13.02 Unloads and
components for transport and components crane and
components

3 3

F-14 Drives cranes on public 14.01 Performs pre- 14.02 Prepares 14.03 Drives
roadways trip planning crane for transport cranes

1 1 1

F-15 Assembles and disassembles 15.01 Installs tracks 15.02 Installs 15.03 Installs 15.04 Installs 15.05 Assembles
lattice boom cranes on car body (lattice house (lattice outrigger boxes boom base (lattice boom and jib
boom) boom) (lattice boom) boom) (lattice boom)

1 1 1 1 1,2,3

15.06 Installs 15.07 Installs hoist 15.08 Removes 15.09 15.10 Removes
counterweights lines, hook blocks hoist lines, hook Disassembles counterweights
(lattice boom) and overhaul ball blocks and boom and jib (lattice boom)
(lattice boom) overhaul ball (lattice boom)
(lattice boom)

1 1,2,3 1,2 1,2,3 1

15.11 Removes boom 15.12 Removes 15.13 Removes 15.14 Removes

base (lattice boom) house (lattice tracks from car outrigger boxes
boom) body (lattice boom) (lattice boom)

1 1 1 1

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F-16 Assembles and disassembles 16.01 Installs 16.02 Installs main 16.03 Installs hoist 16.04 Installs 16.05 Installs
telescopic boom cranes outrigger boxes boom (telescopic lines, hook blocks counterweights swing-away jibs and
(telescopic boom) boom) and overhaul ball (telescopic boom) inserts (telescopic
(telescopic boom) boom)

1 1 1,2,3 1 1,2,3

16.06 Removes 16.07 Removes 16.08 Removes 16.09 Removes 16.10 Removes
swing-away jibs and counterweights hoist lines, hook main boom outrigger boxes
inserts (telescopic (telescopic boom) blocks and (telescopic boom) (telescopic boom)
boom) overhaul ball
(telescopic boom)

1,2,3 1 1,2,3 1 1

F-17 Assembles and disassembles 17.01 Assembles 17.02

specialty equipment and specialty equipment Disassembles
attachments and attachments specialty
equipment and
attachments

3 3

G – CRANE OPERATIONS

G-18 Performs common craning 18.01 Configures 18.02 Mobilizes

operations load moment crane on jobsite
indicator (LMI)

1,2 1,2

G-19 Operates friction drive lattice 19.01 Operates 19.02 Operates

boom cranes friction drive crawler- friction drive truck-
mounted lattice boom mounted lattice
cranes boom cranes

1 1

G-20 Operates hydraulic drive 20.01 Operates 20.02 Operates

lattice boom cranes hydraulic drive hydraulic drive
crawler-mounted truck-mounted
lattice boom cranes lattice boom cranes

1,2,3 1,2,3

G-21 Operates telescopic boom 21.01 Operates 21.02 Operates

cranes crawler-mounted rubber-mounted
telescopic cranes telescopic cranes

1,2,3 1,2,3

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G-22 Performs specialty craning 22.01 Operates 22.02 Performs duty 22.03 Operates 22.04 Performs 22.05 Uses
operations piledriver cycle operations cranes on barges multi-crane lifts personnel hoisting
equipment

2,3 2,3 3 2 3

G-23 Secures cranes 23.01 Secures crane 23.02 Secures

for short-term crane for long-term

1,2,3 1,2,3

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ON-THE-JOB AND IN-SCHOOL TRAINING
CONTENT FOR THE MOBILE CRANE OPERATOR
TRADE
This chart outlines on-the-job examples for apprentices to achieve relevant work experience to prepare
for the topics of technical training. Topics of technical training are provided with the associated learning
outcomes.

Level One 8 weeks 240 hours

Safety/Tools and Equipment
 safety
 communications for hoisting
 high voltage electrical fundamentals
 trade related documents
 tools and equipment
 fasteners and retaining devices
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 ensuring the apprentice follows safe work practices and has knowledge of CSA standards, OH&S
regulations and company safety policies
 demonstrating the use of safety equipment such as PPE, first aid kits, fire extinguishers and spill kits
 allowing apprentice to attend company safety meetings
 demonstrating crane safety and possible hazards
 demonstrating, then supervising the apprentice using hand signalling procedures during actual lifts of
materials and equipment
 explaining safety procedures as it relates to high voltage electrical equipment
 explaining limits of approach when working near high voltage equipment
 ensuring the apprentice knows the safety procedures associated with electrical contact
 reviewing and explaining technical information from manufacturer’s manuals
 explaining the personal responsibility for crane operators to maintain log books
 demonstrating the use of the crane log book
 allowing the apprentice to use written communication, such as log book time sheets and accident
reports
 ensuring the apprentice has knowledge of various hand and power tools
 ensuring the apprentice is exposed to various types of crane hardware/fasteners and their usages

Rigging
 wire rope
 rigging hardware
 introduction to rigging and hoisting
 sling configurations
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 demonstrating inspection procedures and identify damage to wire rope
 allowing the apprentice to choose the appropriate hardware for various lifts
 identifying various block classifications and their applications
 discussing the effects of sling angles
 exposing the apprentice to lifts requiring different sling configurations

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 allowing the apprentice to choose the rigging configuration for a basic lift such as sling type, size, use
of hardware and quantity
 discussing the effects of different types of sling configurations such as vertical, choker, basket hitch
and two leg bridle

Load Weight Calculations

 load weight calculations I
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 allowing the apprentice to calculate load weights for basic shaped loads
 allowing the apprentice to determine and calculate center of gravity

Load Charts
 load charts I
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 ensuring apprentice is aware of factors reducing capacities such as wind, weather and ground
conditions
 allowing the apprentice to use basic load charts

Mobile Crane Operations

 lifting theory and forces
 introduction to crane operations
 introduction to computerized operational aids
 job planning
 introduction to mobile cranes
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 discussing the components of leverage and their applications
 having the apprentice look through manufacturer’s manuals
 allowing the apprentice to interpret technical information gathered from multiple sources
 demonstrate the quadrants of operation and the effects of lifting over the different quadrants
 demonstrating operating procedures such as swing, hoist up/down and using multiple functions at the
same time
 ensuring the apprentice has basic crane operations such as programming range limiting devices and
use of LMI
 explaining job site layouts and hazards to consider
 allowing the apprentice to attend a site meeting
 exposing the apprentice to crane operations of various cranes such as lattice, hydraulic and boom
trucks
 supervising the apprentice during the completion of a walk around inspection prior to operation

Level Two 8 weeks 240 hours

Rigging
 advanced rigging and hoisting
 reeving operations
 multi-crane lifts
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 identifying the various types of hoist blocks such as ball, block, and snatch block
 ensuring the apprentice can select the rigging configuration for various lifts

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 demonstrating the use of equalizer beams and spreader bars
 discussing lubrication needs for wire rope slings
 allowing the apprentice to install various parts of line
 allowing the apprentice to seize and braze wire rope
 supervising the apprentice during the preparation and setup of a multi-crane lift

Load Weight Calculations

 load weight calculations II
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 ensuring the apprentice can complete basic load weight calculations
 supervising the apprentice when needing to calculate load weights requiring multi step calculations

Load Charts
 load charts II
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 ensuring the apprentice can gather information from multiple locations within a load chart
 discussing the factors reducing rated capacities such as wind, weather, ground conditions and
personnel experience

Pre-operational Checks, Inspections and Maintenance

 engines and drive systems
 mechanical systems
 hydraulic systems
 continual checks
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 having the apprentice view the crane manufacturer’s requirements for inspections/maintenance
 exposing the apprentice to maintenance procedures and checklists for rigging, pre-lift planning, crane
setup and crane maintenance
 supervising the apprentice conducting crane preventative maintenance tasks
 demonstrating daily interval checks such as ground conditions, outriggers remain set and crane
condition

Mobile Crane Set-up

 crane setup
 assembly and disassembly (lattice boom crane)
 assembly and disassembly (telescopic boom crane)
 transportation
 pre-lift planning
 worksite preparation
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 assisting the apprentice to do some sizing calculations for plumbing and gasfitting systems
 demonstrating how to calculate pipe lengths in 45° parallel offset situations
 ensuring the apprentice understands and can use the Pythagorean Theorem in real situations

Mobile Crane Operations

 hydraulic telescopic boom operation
 hydraulic drive lattice boom operation
 friction drive lattice boom operation
 specialty crane operations

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Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 allowing the apprentice to operate various types of cranes and boom trucks
 explaining the level of awareness required while operating a crane such as consistently monitoring
gauges, watching load and the surrounding environment
 discussing specialty craning operations such as multi-crane lifts, personnel hoisting, pile driver,
clamshell and draglines

Level Three 2 weeks 80 hours

Safety/Tools and Equipment
 safety
 communications for hoisting
 high voltage electrical fundamentals
 trade related documents
 tools and equipment
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 reviewing safety equipment and PPE requirements
 ensuring the apprentice can recognise site hazards
 allowing the apprentice to participate in shop safety meetings
 ensuring the apprentice has reviewed the CSA Z150, Saskatchewan OH&S manuals and company
safety policy
 allowing the apprentice to direct rigging duties and demonstrate good knowledge of crane hand
signals
 reviewing the importance of limits of approach
 demonstrating safety procedures associated with electrical contact
 discussing the process when requesting power to be de-energized when limits of approach cannot
be used
 ensuring the apprentice records the information required in the crane log book
 allowing the apprentice to fill in log books
 ensuring the apprentice is able to use written communication such as incident reports and critical
lift plan
 allowing the apprentice to use the different types of hand and power tools

Rigging
 wire rope
 rigging hardware
 introduction to rigging and hoisting
 sling configurations
 advanced rigging and hoisting
 reeving operations
 multi-crane lifts
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 installing a wire rope on a hoist drum
 supervising the apprentice during inspection and maintenance procedures for rigging slings and
hardware
 discussing proper storage methods of rigging hardware
 allowing the apprentice to select the rigging configuration for intermediate load configurations
 ensuring the apprentice can calculate angular loading for various sling configurations
 giving the apprentice exposure to lifts using various accessories such as equalizer beams and
spreader bars

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 allowing the apprentice to install the different parts of line
 allowing the apprentice to prepare, setup and perform a multi-crane lift

Load Charts
 load charts i
 load charts ii
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 ensuring the apprentice can interpret gross and net capacities based on manufacturer’s load charts
 ensuring the apprentice can interpret information from the cranes manufacturer’s load charts
 allowing the apprentice to complete a load calculation requiring information from multiple locations
within a load chart

Load Weight Calculations

 load weight calculations i
 load weight calculations ii
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 ensuring the apprentice can calculate load weights using formulas such as cylinder, cube and
pyramid
 allowing the apprentice to calculate load weights requiring multi step calculations such as tank with
fluid, H-beams and pipes
 discussing the effect of load weight estimating when adding rigging /accessories required for lift

Pre-operational Checks, Inspections and Maintenance

 engines and drive systems
 mechanical systems
 hydraulic systems
 continual checks
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 allowing the apprentice to complete a crane maintenance inspection
 allowing the apprentice to perform routine maintenance on the engine, power train, cooling
hydraulic and fuel system
 demonstrating an undercarriage inspection and explaining the purpose and frequency
 reviewing crane inspection checklists and log books
 allowing the apprentice to complete a walk around inspection prior to operation
 supervising the apprentice during daily interval checks such as ground conditions, outrigger remain
set and crane condition

Mobile Crane Set-up

 crane setup
 assembly and disassembly (lattice boom crane)
 assembly and disassembly (telescopic boom crane)
 transportation
 pre-lift planning
 worksite preparation
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 allowing the apprentice to relocate of a crane on site, treating the relocation with the same attention
and procedure as original site setup
 allowing the apprentice to calculate the assist crane required
 ensuring the apprentice can direct the assembly/disassembly of a crane and/or accessories

18 On-the-Job Training Guide – Mobile Crane Operator – August 2018

 ensuring the apprentice is aware of permit requirements when driving a crane on public/private
roads
 allowing the apprentice to prepare for transport and drive the crane on public/private roads
 allowing the apprentice to communicate lift procedures to site personnel
 allowing the apprentice to lead a pre-lift planning meeting
 ensuring the apprentice completes pre-lift planning documentation
 having the apprentice conduct a site meeting
 ensuring the apprentice considers variables affecting a lift such as weather, ground condition and
overhead obstacles

Mobile Crane Operations

 lifting theory and forces
 introduction to crane operations
 introduction to computerized operational aids
 job planning
 introduction to mobile cranes
 hydraulic telescopic boom operation
 hydraulic drive lattice boom operation
 friction drive lattice boom operation
 specialty crane operations
Mentors can assist the apprentice to prepare for this section of technical training by:
 allowing the apprentice to calculate working capacities for various crane configurations such as
outrigger position, boom length and parts of line
 having the apprentice verify the LMI is set properly, gauges are displaying appropriate reading and
anti-two block device is functioning properly
 identifying warning systems on cranes and importance of these systems
 allowing the apprentice to select which crane is used for a specific job taking into consideration
location, load size and quantity
 ensuring the apprentice understands the legal responsibilities of the workers involved in crane
operation
 giving the apprentice exposure to various styles of hoisting equipment
 allowing the apprentice to participate in specialty lifts such as blind lifts and tandem lifts

19 On-the-Job Training Guide – Mobile Crane Operator – August 2018

Consider apprenticeship training as an investment in the future of your company and in the future
of your workforce. Ultimately, skilled and certified workers increase your bottom line.

Get involved in the apprenticeship training system. Your commitment to training helps to maintain
the integrity of the trade.

Do you have employees who have been working in the trade for a number of years but don’t have
trade certification? Contact your local apprenticeship office for details on how they might obtain
the certification they need.

Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission

2140 Hamilton St Regina SK S4P 2E3
Tel: (306) 787-2444
Fax: (306) 787-5105
Toll Free: 1-877-363-0536
Website: www.saskapprenticeship.ca

District Offices
Estevan (306) 637-4930
La Ronge (306) 425-4385
Moose Jaw (306) 694-3735
North Battleford (306) 446-7409
Prince Albert (306) 953-2632
Saskatoon (306) 933-8476
Swift Current (306) 778-8945
Yorkton (306) 786-1394

20 On-the-Job Training Guide – Mobile Crane Operator – August 2018