This year’s annual report forms are now available on the IUB website. Because of the delay in this year’s forms being available, the IUB has extended the deadline to submit the reports. Reports, which are usually due April 1, will be due by June 1 this year. For more information and to access the report forms, go to: https://iub.iowa.gov/records-information/file-utility-annual-report.

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Safety Services department will be holding mobile crane certification and examination classes for digger derrick, service truck, and mobile crane operators.  OSHA’s updated crane standard REQUIRES that operators of lifting equipment be trained, evaluated and tested in order to obtain certification.

Background Information:

Although the new standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, specifically exempts the digger derrick and the operator from meeting the requirements of the standard, the exemption applies only when it is used for work within the provisions of the power generation, transmission and distribution standards, or for construction work within the telecommunications standard.  The exemption does not apply if the digger derrick is used for lifting materials or to operate in working environments outside the scope of the standard because the equipment is essentially being used as a mobile crane.  For example, unloading materials from a truck, lifting a motor from a pump house to assist your water department, or providing assistance to any other city department will mean that the exemption no longer applies.  When equipment is used as a mobile crane, all provisions of the standard apply, including the operator certification rule.  OSHA also now requires that an operator be certified in specific areas when they operate equipment outfitted with a boom and winch and able to lift at least 2,000 pounds.  This includes service trucks in your public works, or water departments.

The new standard has very specific operator requirements, one being to obtain operator certification from an independent testing organization accredited by a nationally recognized organization.  OSHA’s updated crane standard, 1926.1427 in Subpart CC, requires that for a testing organization to be considered accredited to certify operators, it must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency based on that agency’s determination that industry recognized criteria for written testing materials, practical examinations, test administration, grading, facilities/equipment and personnel have been met.  IAMU is an Accredited Assessment Center through the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER).  We are authorized to conduct both hands-on assessments and practical examinations which are part of our Mobile Crane Operator Certification Program.  Additionally, we are offering Qualified Hand Signal Person and Qualified Rigger programs (available at a future date).

Who Should Attend:

Digger derrick and service truck crane operators who do not currently hold a mobile crane operator’s certification.

What Do These Classes and Certification Consist Of:

Classes will be a week long, requiring classroom instruction, an on-line exam that has a 80% pass requirement, a practical exam for certification of mobile crane, and then finally a short class and practical exam for the signalperson and rigging qualifications. Students who pass the written and practical exams receive nationally recognized certification from the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER).

Where Do These Classes Take Place:

IAMU Training and Office Complex
1735 NE 70th Avenue
Ankeny, IA  50021

When Will Classes Be Held:

Dates have been scheduled for 2019 at the IAMU complex (unless otherwise noted).  Please click HERE or visit the IAMU website for available dates.

April 29 – May 3

June 10-14

June 24-28 (NW Iowa Region)

August 19-23

October 7-11

December 9-13

Mobile Crane Operator Certification/Examination Class Schedule:

Class/Exam

Examination retakes are $100 and may be taken during any scheduled exam date.

Additional Notes:

Registration for each class will open according to the following schedule:

o   April Class – Registration open March 4

o   June #1 Class – Registration open April 15

o   June #2 Class – Registration open April 29

o   August Class – Registration open June 24

o   October Class – Registration open August 12

o   December Class – Registration open October 14

There is a maximum of 16 participants per class session.

Lunch will be provided.

All participants will attend classroom days. Exams will take place on the Thursday of each class session. Depending on the number of participants, Wednesday evening and Friday may also be used for exams.

Study guides will be mailed for each participant to review before class.  Each participant will need to create an account with NCCER before class; step-by-step instructions are included with the study guide.  Please bring your account number with you to class.

For additional information about the classes and online registration for each event, click HERE.

If you have any questions in regards to the classes, or requirements, please contact:

Margret Meade, IAMU Safety Specialist (mmeade@iamu.org)
Dan Llewellyn, IAMU Electric Services Coordinator (dllewellyn@iamu.org)
Phone:  (800) 810-4268

Don’t forget to thank gas utility workers for all that they do.

Next Monday, March 18, is National Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day. March 18 is the date of the New London, Texas school explosion in 1937 that led to the widespread odorization of natural gas and an increased emphasis on gas safety. Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution, and the employees of distribution companies endeavor to make natural gas delivery as safe as possible.

Please honor the natural gas utility workers in your community and at your system by celebrating.