Truck-mounted crane safety training

A truck-mounted crane can be used for many different jobs: from loading a few pallets of tiles to lifting a heavy generator or other valuable and fragile equipment.

Therefore, it is important for the operator to know exactly how to safely operate a truck-mounted crane and what the limits of the equipment are.

During this training, Prevom ensures that you gain all the insights needed to complete the job safely and efficiently. A balanced mix of theory and practice allows the student to work confidently and autonomously.

The following is a very detailed overview of the course’s final objectives at theoretical level.

The content of the training is always fully compliant with current standards.

The successful participant…

• Knows the safety function of the truck-mounted crane operator
• Knows what a work permit is and can both interpret and comply with it
• Understands load tables, operation of load moment limiter or other overload protection devices
• Knows the different drives (PTO, electro-hydraulic, internal combustion engine) and their areas of application.
• Knows what factors affect the load & stability of the loading crane and truck.
• Knows the stop equipment and lifting accessories.
• Knows the common lifting signs.
• Knows how to safely load a truck and stow loads to minimise load loss.
• Knows how to identify, analyse and control risks to own equipment and space
• Knows the basic legislation for a truck-mounted crane operator: ARAB, Codex, liabilities and responsibilities, mandatory inspections of crane/tools/attachment equipment

The following safety regulations are known:

1. Never reach above people with a load
2. Consideration of electrical circuits when working at height
3. Observing a minimum safety distance from high-voltage lines
4. Risks associated with minimum headroom
5. Risks in groundworks and near slopes/embankments
6. Risks related to entrapment of operator or colleagues
7. The risks associated with a fall while boarding/leaving
8. Risks arising from unpaved terrain and hollow ground when stamping down/setting down
9. Risks arising from traffic near the work site
10. Risks arising from tampering with unbundled goods
11. Risk because of unauthorised use of the crane

The following terms are known:

• Fixed (front/central/rear) or mobile construction
• Quick-change structures
• Construction of the crane boom
• The different drive forms
• The central lubrication system
• Manually or hydraulically operated outriggers
• The number of outriggers
• Control module (and its elements) such as hydraulic levers or remote control
• (Safety) valves
• Safeguards

One knows what individual protective equipment to wear:

Safety shoes, safety gloves, clothing against adverse climatic conditions, a reflective vest when working near traffic, a safety helmet, …

The participant knows what resources are available:

Safety shoes, safety gloves, clothing against adverse climatic conditions, a reflective vest when working near traffic, a safety helmet, …

The participant knows the stop material and related materials:

Chains, hoisting belts, and steel wire slings as stop materials and hoisting rings, harp shackles, D-shackles and corner guards, among others, as accessories. One can correctly stock them on the truck and use them in a targeted manner to achieve a proper hoist (determining weight, determining center of gravity, angle/figure of strike)

The participant knows the starting control:

1. Check condition of wear plates, shafts, bushings, pipes
2. Checking the level of the hydraulic oil
3. Check for leaks in the system
4. Check for proper connection and safe condition of tools
5. Check/update lubrication of the device
6. Verify the proper condition of the outriggers and associated securing elements
7. Adjustment of hydraulic movements
8. Maintain order and cleanliness of the operating site

In addition, of course, the participant knows the traffic regulations when used on public roads.

The following is a detailed overview of the training’s final attainment levels at the practical level.

The successful participant…

• Knows the safety rules and can apply them
• Can work safely and efficiently. 
• Can carry out daily inspections (correctly recognise and report dangerous defects)
• Can correctly engage or disengage the PTO or other drive form
• Can safely tune the stabilisers.
• Can safely get on and off the operating station and loading platform
• Knows how to use the controls correctly
• Can bring the truck-mounted crane out of transport position without negative load to the securing system or truck cab
• Can safely strike loads with striking equipment, and knows how to dampen and avoid pendulum movement
• Can work with lifting signs in practice
• Proceeds in a neat and orderly manner

The successful participant can perform the following maneuvers easily:

• Taking a load from a ground surface
• Placing pallets side by side front and back on the loading area
• Set pallets down in a controlled and gentle manner with a pallet hook  (with a maximum clearance of 20 cm).
• Stacking loads correctly and safely at ground level
• Picking up a long load with stopper material from a ground plane  and then place it down in the load compartment at a limited location  (with maximum 40 cm clearance)
• Flipping a load without bold/unstable movements
• Accurately estimating distances and depths
• Returning the truck-mounted crane to a safe transport position