This consolidation is unofficial and is for reference only. For the official version of the regulations, consult the original documents on file with the Registry of Regulations, or refer to the Royal Gazette Part II. Regulations are amended frequently. Please check the list of Regulations by Act to see if there are any recent amendments to these regulations filed with the Registry that are not yet included in this consolidation. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this electronic version, the Registry of Regulations assumes no responsibility for any discrepancies that may have resulted from reformatting. This electronic version is copyright © 2011, Province of Nova Scotia, all rights reserved. It is for your personal use and may not be copied for the purposes of resale in this or any other form.
Crane Operators Regulations
made under Section 49 of the
Technical Safety Act
S.N.S. 2008, c. 10
O.I.C. 2011-30 (January 18, 2011, effective April 1, 2011), N.S. Reg. 13/2011
Table of Contents
Interpretation and Application
Regulated products prescribed (regulated cranes and parts of regulated cranes)
Products exempted from Act and regulations
Work exempted from Act and regulations
Recognized certification organizations prescribed
Minor variance to rated lifting capacity
Ensuring regulated work complies with CO standards and regulations
Crane operator may refuse lift
Notice of incident under Section 13 of Act
Certificates of qualification issued under Crane Operators and Power Engineers Act
Producing CO licence and endorsements on request
Classes of CO licences and types and classes of licence endorsements
Application for a CO licence and endorsement
Adding new type and class of endorsement to existing CO licence
Expiry and renewal of CO licences and endorsements
Regulated work authorized by CO licences and endorsements
CO Certificates of Competency and Endorsements
Classes for CO certificates of competency and types and classes of endorsements
Applying for CO certificate of competency and endorsement
Adding new type or class of endorsement to CO certificate of competency
Expiry of CO certificates of competency and endorsements
CO certificate of competency non-transferable
Practical Experience Required for CO Certificate of Competency and Endorsements
Hours of practical experience required for licence not counted towards endorsement
Crane operator 1 certificate of competency and endorsements practical experience
Crane operator 2 certificate of competency and endorsements practical experience
Crane operator 3 certificate of competency and endorsements practical experience
Crane operator 4 certificate of competency practical experience
Tower crane operator certificate of competency practical experience
Overhead travelling crane operator certificate of competency practical experience
Components of practical experience requirement
Practical test for a CO certificate of competency
Education qualifications for examinations
Applying and eligibility for examination
Recognition of Other Jurisdictions and Organizations
Recognition of other jurisdictions and organizations
Fraudulent use of CO certificate of competency or CO licence
Incompetence or gross negligence
Interpretation and Application
1 These regulations may be cited as the Crane Operators Regulations.
2 (1) In these regulations,
“Act” means the Technical Safety Act;
“apprentice” means an apprentice registered under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act and enrolled in a program under that Act to qualify to perform the regulated work of a crane operator;
“articulating boom” means a boom that is all of the following:
(i) it is typically constructed of hollow structural steel sections with each section of a smaller cross-section housed inside the next larger section,
(ii) it is supported and raised or lowered by a hydraulic cylinder attached to the boom and crane superstructure,
(iii) it can be increased or diminished in length by telescoping each section of boom through hydraulic actuation,
(iv) it is capable of articulating or pivoting, at multiple points along the boom, in the vertical plane using hydraulic actuation,
(v) it is capable of including a winch for lifting a load;
“boom” means a structural arm that supports, lifts, moves or guides a load by means of a rope, cable, block, hook or other rigging hardware;
“boom truck” means a lifting device that meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is mounted on and powered by 1 of the following:
(A) a commercial truck chassis with a carrying deck designed to carry a payload,
(B) a semi tractor trailer truck [sic],
(ii) it has a rated lifting capacity of more than 4.5 tonnes (5 tons),
(iii) it has a telescoping or articulating boom;
“bridge” means that part of an overhead travelling crane that carries the trolley or trolleys across a horizontal plane and meets all the following criteria:
(i) it has 1 or more girders,
(ii) it has 1 or more trucks,
(iii) it has a drive mechanism;
“CO certificate of competency” means a certificate of competency granted to an individual under Section 26 of the Act by the CO chief inspector in recognition of the individual’s qualifications to perform the regulated work the class of certificate covers;
“CO chief inspector” means the inspector designated as the chief inspector for the purposes of the Act and these regulations;
“CO fees” means the fees for crane operator services set by the Minister in the Technical Safety Fees Regulations made under the Act;
“CO inspector” means an inspector designated for the purposes of the Act and these regulations;
“CO licence” means a licence granted to an individual under Section 23 of the Act that authorizes the individual to perform regulated work according to the class of licence and as specified in the licence;
“CO standards” means the standards for crane operators established or adopted by the Minister in the Technical Safety Standards Regulations made under the Act;
“crane operator” means an individual who holds a CO licence and any endorsement required under these regulations, or is deemed to hold a CO licence under Section 52 of the Act;
“designated rigger” means an individual designated by an owner of a regulated crane to perform the rigging for a lift with the crane;
“direct supervision”, in relation to a trainee, means that the trainee is supervised by a crane operator who
(i) has control over the trainee’s activities,
(ii) instructs and directs the trainee, and
(iii) is able to be in direct communication with the trainee whenever the trainee is performing the duties of a crane operator;
“endorsement” means an authorization granted to an individual under Section 22 of the Act by the CO chief inspector, in conjunction with either a CO certificate of competency or a CO licence, that authorizes the individual to perform regulated work according to the type and class of endorsement;
“lattice boom” means a boom that meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is typically constructed of tubular or structural steel chords with steel lacings that interconnect to form a rigid frame,
(ii) it is supported by a gantry or mast,
(iii) it is raised or lowered by a series of wire ropes and sheaves attached to the gantry or mast and to the lifting device’s superstructure,
(iv) it can be increased or diminished in length by manually adding or removing sections;
“lattice boom crane” means a mobile crane that is equipped with a lattice boom;
“logbook” means a bound book with numbered pages or a record kept in electronic format approved by the CO chief inspector that is used for keeping a record of the operation, inspections, testing, maintenance and servicing performed on a regulated crane;
“mobile crane” means a lifting device that meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is equipped with a lattice or telescoping boom,
(ii) it is mounted on a chassis or structure designed specifically to carry or transport the lifting device,
(iii) it is mounted on a turret or turntable designed to rotate the lifting device in the horizontal plane,
(iv) it has a manufacturer’s rated lifting capacity of more than 4.5 tonnes (5 tons);
“monorail” means the part of an overhead travelling crane that carriers the trolley or trolleys in 1 or more directions and meets all the following criteria:
(i) it has 1 overhead beam,
(ii) it has a truck,
(iii) it can have a drive mechanism;
“operator’s seat” means the place where a crane operator is located to operate the controls for a regulated crane to hoist or control the movement of the load for the crane;
“overhead travelling crane” means a lifting device that is used for raising, lowering, transporting or moving material and meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is mounted on wheels,
(ii) it travels overhead on rails or beams that are either fixed overhead or supported from the ground,
(iii) it incorporates a power-driven drum and bridge and a cable or rope,
(iv) it uses a bridge and trolley, or monorail and trolley, and a winch for moving a load in the vertical and horizontal planes,
(v) it has a rated lifting capacity of more than 9.1 tonnes (10 tons);
“rated lifting capacity” means the rated lifting capacity specified by the manufacturer that is the maximum load lifting capacity at the highest lifting angle that can be attained by the crane at the minimum load lifting radius;
“regulated crane” means a crane prescribed as a regulated product in clauses 3(a) to (f);
“rigging” means performing a load calculation and selecting, configuring or installing the rigging hardware between the point of lift of the crane and a load;
“rigging hardware” means a device or devices used to attach a load to the point of lift of a crane and includes chains, cables, wires, ropes, webbing, buckets, grapples, shackles, hooks, rings or slings used by the devices;
“self-erecting tower crane” means a portable tower crane that meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is capable of self-erection by means of articulation from a position for transport to a position for operation,
(ii) it does not require a concrete base to support the crane,
(iii) it has a rated lifting capacity of less than 40 meter tonne (144.3 feet ton),
(iv) it operates by remote control or pendant control;
“supervision” means supervision by an individual who is able to be immediately contacted by the individual requiring supervision;
“telescoping boom” means a boom that meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is constructed of hollow structural steel sections with each section of a smaller cross-section housed inside the next larger section,
(ii) it is supported and is raised or lowered by a hydraulic cylinders attached to the boom and the lifting device’s superstructure,
(iii) its length can be increased or diminished by telescoping each section of boom through hydraulic actuation,
(iv) it can include a winch to lift a load;
“trainee” means an individual, including an apprentice, who is in a training program and actively pursuing a CO certificate of competency or a certificate of competency to perform the regulated work of a crane operator;
“tower crane” means a lifting device that meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it incorporates a power-driven drum with a cable or rope and a vertical mast or tower,
(ii) it has either a stationary boom with a trolley or a luffing boom or jib,
(iii) it is the travelling, fixed, articulating, telescoping or climbing type,
(iv) it is used exclusively for raising, lowering, transporting or moving material,
(v) it is designed so that it can be assembled and disassembled for use at various sites,
(vi) it is not a mobile crane outfitted as a tower crane.
(2) A term defined in Section 3 [2] of the Technical Safety General Regulations made under the Act has the same meaning when used in these regulations.
Regulated products prescribed (regulated cranes and parts of regulated cranes)
3 Except as provided in Section 4, all of the following are prescribed as regulated products under the Act and these regulations:
(a) boom truck;
(b) lattice boom crane;
(c) mobile crane;
(d) overhead travelling crane;
(e) tower crane;
(f) self-erecting tower crane;
(g) any part of the devices or structures listed in clauses (a) to (f).
Products exempted from Act and regulations
4 All of the following products are exempt under subsection 6(2) of the Act from the Act and these regulations:
(a) a lifting device used exclusively for raising, lowering or towing motor vehicles;
(b) a machine that is not considered a lifting device but has been converted or adapted to be used for lifting including all of the following machines:
(i) a power shovel,
(ii) an excavator,
(iii) a dragline,
(iv) a concrete pump,
(v) a conveyor,
(vi) an auger,
(vii) a drill,
(viii) an amusement ride;
(c) a railway operating subject to a federal enactment;
(d) a lifting device on a vessel that is subject to the Canada Shipping Act (Canada) and is floating on navigable water and not permanently attached to a land-based structure;
(e) a worker’s hoist or material hoist;
(f) an elevating device within the meaning of the Elevators and Lifts Act or the Technical Safety Act;
(g) powered mobile equipment, which means equipment that is used for primary wood processing and meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is designed to operate on land, other than a public highway,
(ii) it is self-propelled.
5 Except as provided in Section 6, the work and duties of a crane operator as covered by the classes of licences in Section 26 are prescribed as regulated work under the Act and these regulations.
Work exempted from Act and regulations
6 (1) All of the following work is exempt under subsection 6(2) of the Act from the Act and these regulations:
(a) work by an individual installing, setting up or testing a regulated crane when under the supervision of the crane operator responsible for the regulated crane;
(b) if approved by the CO chief inspector, the operation of a regulated crane that is an integral component of a continuous manufacturing process.
(2) In clause (1)(b), “continuous manufacturing process” means a production or assembly-line manufacturing process in which items of a consistent weight and configuration are moved repetitively using engineered lifts by an overhead travelling crane.
Recognized certification organizations prescribed
7 A certification organization recognized or accredited by the Standards Council of Canada is prescribed as a recognized certification organization under the Act and these regulations for the purposes that the certification organization is recognized or accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.
8 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the CO chief inspector must classify a regulated crane in accordance with the classes prescribed for regulated cranes as set out in the following table:
Class
Regulated Cranes
Rated Lifting Capacity
class 1
boom truck or mobile crane that:
• is a power-operated machine with a boom
• includes a hoisting mechanism that is an integral part of the machine
Excludes: tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes, overhead travelling cranes
91 tonnes (100 tons) or more
class 2
boom truck or a mobile crane that:
• is a power-operated machine with a boom
• includes a hoisting mechanism that is an integral part of the machine
Excludes: tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes, overhead travelling cranes
18 tonnes (20 tons) or more, but less than 91 tonnes (100 tons)
class 3
boom truck or a mobile crane that:
• is a power-operated machine with a boom
• includes a hoisting mechanism that is an integral part of the machine
Excludes: tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes, overhead travelling cranes
less than 18 tonnes (20 tons)
class 4
boom truck that:
• has an articulating boom that does not include a winch for lifting the load
• is a power-operated machine with a boom
• includes a hoisting mechanism that is an integral part of the machine
Excludes: tower cranes, self-erecting tower cranes, overhead travelling cranes
less than 18 tonnes (20 tons)
tower class
tower crane
any
self-erecting tower class
self-erecting tower crane
less than 40 meter tonne (144.3 feet ton)
overhead travelling class
overhead travelling crane
any
(2) The CO chief inspector must place a regulated crane that does not fit the classes prescribed in subsection (1) into the class that most closely corresponds to the crane, considering all of the following:
(a) the class that most closely describes the crane,
(b) the rated lifting capacity of the crane.
Minor variance to rated lifting capacity
9 (1) An owner of an overhead travelling class crane may apply to the CO chief inspector for a minor variance to have the rated lifting capacity of the crane reduced and the crane reclassified.
(2) An owner of an overhead travelling crane that has had its rated lift capacity and classification altered under subsection (1) may apply to the CO chief inspector to change back to the original rated lifting capacity and classification.
Ensuring regulated work complies with CO standards and regulations
10 (1) An owner of a regulated crane or any person performing the work or duties of a crane operator must ensure that the regulated work performed is in compliance with the CO standards and these regulations.
(2) An owner of a regulated product or any person working with a regulated product must ensure that it is installed, inspected, maintained, repaired, altered and operated in conformance with the CO standards and these regulations.
(3) An owner of a regulated crane must ensure that the crane operator has convenient access to the Act, these regulations and the CO standards.
11 (1) If rigging is required to perform a lift with a regulated crane, the owner of the crane must assign a designated rigger for the lift.
(2) An owner must ensure that a designated rigger for a lift has enough of the following training, experience and knowledge for the regulated crane used in the lift, and for the type of load and lift, to reasonably expect the designated rigger to perform the rigging so that the lift can be done safely:
(a) rigging training;
(b) experience in the best practices;
(c) knowledge and information on how to properly rig the load, lift and crane, including the capacity of the rigging hardware and of the regulated crane.
(3) A designated rigger for a lift is responsible for the rigging for the lift and must ensure that the load is secured to the regulated crane safely and use appropriate rigging hardware for the regulated crane used in the lift, and for the type of load and lift.
12 (1) A crane operator is responsible for all of the following:
(a) all aspects of a lift, including, except as provided in subsection (2), the rigging;
(b) all persons working under their supervision.
(2) A crane operator is not responsible for the rigging of a lift if another individual is the designated rigger for the lift and the rigging is performed by the designated rigger, unless the crane operator directs the designated rigger under subsection (3).
(3) A crane operator may inspect the rigging of a lift or direct the designated rigger to install the rigging hardware for a lift to the crane operator’s satisfaction.
(4) A crane operator who is the designated rigger for a lift may directly supervise a trainee who performs the rigging, but remains responsible for the rigging of the lift as the designated rigger.
Crane operator may refuse lift
13 A crane operator responsible for a lift may refuse to lift the load if the crane operator believes that the load has not been properly or safely rigged.
14 (1) An owner of a regulated crane must provide a logbook for the regulated crane.
(2) An owner of a regulated crane must ensure that a logbook for a regulated crane is kept with the crane or at a place that is easily accessed by the crane operator and a CO inspector.
(3) An owner of a regulated crane must ensure that the crane’s logbook is used to record information on the crane or comments by the crane operator on the safe operation, maintenance and servicing of the crane.
15 (1) If required by the manufacturer of a regulated crane, an owner of a regulated crane must provide a load chart for the regulated crane that is specific to that type of crane.
(2) An owner of a regulated crane must ensure that the crane’s load chart is kept with the crane.
(3) An owner of a regulated crane must immediately replace a load chart if it is damaged or if the information on the chart is not clearly legible.
16 An owner of a regulated crane must ensure that a crane operator has access to the crane manual for any of the owner’s regulated cranes that the crane operator operates.
17 An owner of a regulated crane must make any information requested by a CO inspector available for review for a compliance audit, including all of the following:
(a) information on the operation of the regulated crane;
(b) evidence or records of a current maintenance contract or any other information on the maintenance of the regulated crane;
(c) evidence or records related to CO certificates of competency, CO licences or endorsements.
Notice of incident under Section 13 of Act
18 The notice of an incident required under Section 13 of the Act must be given by telephone, fax or e-mail no later than 24 hours after the incident occurs and must be followed by a written report if required by the Administrator or the Administrator’s designate.
19 (1) Except as provided in Sections 20 and 27, a person must not perform regulated work under these regulations unless the person holds a class of CO licence and any required endorsement that authorize the person to perform the regulated work.
(2) Except as provided in Sections 20 and 27, a person must not employ or permit a person to perform regulated work under these regulations unless the person performing the work holds a class of CO licence and any required endorsement that authorize the person to perform the regulated work.
Certificates of qualification issued under Crane Operators and Power Engineers Act
20 An individual whose certificate of qualification issued under the Crane Operators and Power Engineers Act is continued under subsection 52(1) of the Act is not required to hold a CO licence and any require[d] endorsements to perform the same regulated work under these regulations, but must apply for a CO licence and any required endorsements under Section 23 to continue to be authorized to perform regulated work under these regulations after the certificate of qualification expires.
Producing CO licence and endorsements on request
21 (1) A person performing regulated work under these regulations must produce their CO licence, any endorsements and any apprenticeship ID card required to perform the work when requested by a CO inspector.
(2) Failing to produce a CO licence or endorsement under subsection (1) is prima facie evidence that the person does not hold a CO licence or endorsement.
Classes of CO licences and types and classes of licence endorsements
22 (1) The classes of CO licences are as follows:
(a) crane operator 1 licence;
(b) crane operator 2 licence;
(c) crane operator 3 licence;
(d) crane operator 4 licence;
(e) tower crane operator licence;
(f) overhead travelling crane operator licence.
(2) The following types and classes of endorsements are available for the corresponding class of CO licence:
Endorsement Type
Classes
lattice boom crane endorsement
crane operator 1 lattice boom crane endorsement
crane operator 2 lattice boom crane endorsement
crane operator 3 lattice boom crane endorsement
overhead travelling crane endorsement
crane operator 1 overhead travelling crane endorsement
crane operator 2 overhead travelling crane endorsement
crane operator 3 overhead travelling crane endorsement
self-erecting tower crane endorsement
crane operator 1 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
crane operator 2 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
crane operator 3 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
Application for a CO licence and endorsement
23 (1) An individual may apply for a specified class of CO licence, with or without an endorsement, or for renewal of their licence and any endorsements by submitting a completed application form together with all of the following to the CO chief inspector:
(a) payment of the applicable CO fees;
(b) proof of the applicant’s identity;
(c) the class of CO licence applied for;
(d) proof satisfactory to the CO chief inspector that the applicant holds the class of CO certificate of competency required for the class of CO licence applied for, or holds 1 of the following:
(i) an equivalent certificate of qualification granted under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification[s] Act,
(ii) an equivalent qualification from another jurisdiction as required by Section 47;
(e) information about the person’s training, practical experience and other qualifications;
(f) the type and class of any endorsement applied for and proof satisfactory to the CO chief inspector that the applicant either
(i) holds a CO certificate of competency with an endorsement in the type and class of the CO licence endorsement applied for, or
(ii) meets equivalent practical experience and educational requirements for the type and class of endorsement applied for;
(2) An applicant may be required by the CO chief inspector to provide written verification of the practical experience required by clauses (1)(e) or (f) from a crane operator who supervised them during their practical experience.
Adding new type and class of endorsement to existing CO licence
24 An individual may apply to add a new type of endorsement in the applicable class to their CO licence by submitting a completed application form together with the information required by clause 23(1)(f) verified in accordance with [subsection] 23(2).
Expiry and renewal of CO licences and endorsements
25 (1) A CO licence is valid until the expiry date provided on the CO licence unless it is suspended or revoked earlier by the CO chief inspector.
(2) An endorsement to a CO licence is valid until the expiry date provided on the endorsement unless it is suspended or revoked earlier by the CO chief inspector.
(3) Subject to subsection (4) for licences and endorsements expired for longer than 4 years, an individual may apply for reinstatement of an expired CO licence and any attached endorsements in the same manner as applying for a licence or endorsement under Section 23.
(4) To apply for reinstatement of a CO licence and any endorsement that has been expired for longer than 4 years, an individual may be required by the CO chief inspector to be evaluated in a manner approved by the CO chief inspector in addition to the requirements of Section 23.
Regulated work authorized by CO licences and endorsements
26 (1) Except as provided in subsection (3), an individual who holds a CO licence may perform the regulated work of operating a regulated crane authorized by the class of CO licence as set out in and according to the following table:
Class of CO Licence
Regulated Cranes Authorized by CO Licence
crane operator 1
any class 1, 2 , 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
crane operator 2
any class 2, 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
crane operator 3
any class 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
crane operator 4
any class 4 crane
tower crane operator
any tower class crane or self-erecting tower class crane
overhead travelling crane operator
any overhead travelling class crane
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), an individual who holds a CO licence and an accompanying endorsement may perform the regulated work of operating a regulated crane as authorized by the class of CO licence and type and class of endorsement as set out in and according to the following table:
Class of CO Licence
Type and Class of Endorsement
Regulated Cranes Authorized by CO Licence and Endorsement
crane operator 1
crane operator 1 lattice boom crane endorsement
• any class 1, 2 or 3 crane, with or without a lattice boom
• any class 4 crane
crane operator 1 overhead travelling crane endorsement
• any class 1, 2, 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
• an overhead travelling class crane with any rated lifting capacity
crane operator 1 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
• any class 1, 2, 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
• any self-erecting tower class crane
crane operator 2
crane operator 2 lattice boom crane endorsement
• any class 2, or 3 crane, with or without a lattice boom
• any class 4 crane
crane operator 2 overhead travelling crane endorsement
• any class 2, 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
• an overhead travelling class crane with a rated lifting capacity of less than 91 tonnes (100 tons)
crane operator 2 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
• any class 2, 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
• any self-erecting tower class crane
crane operator 3
crane operator 3 lattice boom crane endorsement
• any class 3 crane, with or without a lattice boom
• any class 4 crane
crane operator 3 overhead travelling crane endorsement
• any class 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
• an overhead travelling class crane with a rated lifting capacity of less than 18 tonnes (20 tons)
crane operator 3 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
• any class 3 or 4 crane, other than a lattice boom crane
• any self-erecting tower class crane
(3) The CO licence and endorsements that are required to operate a regulated crane classified under subsection 8(2) are the CO licence and endorsements that the CO chief inspector determines are most appropriate to the configuration of the regulated crane.
27 (1) A trainee is not required to hold the class of CO licence and any endorsement required to perform regulated work if all of the following conditions are met:
(a) the trainee is under the direct supervision of a crane operator who has charge of the crane at all times;
(b) any regulated work performed by the trainee is within the scope of the class of CO licence and any attached endorsements held by the supervising crane operator;
(c) the trainee complies with all the other requirements of the Act and these regulations.
(2) An owner of a regulated crane must ensure that a trainee who is not an apprentice registers with the CO chief inspector before beginning training and performing regulated work under these regulations.
(3) An owner of a regulated crane must ensure that all of the following are met for a trainee performing regulated work on the regulated crane:
(a) all of the conditions in subsection (1);
(b) the direct supervision provided to a trainee is appropriate for the risk associated with the regulated work the trainee is performing;
(c) the trainee is not permitted to perform a category of regulated work unless the supervising crane operator has first documented that the trainee is capable of performing the regulated work.
(4) An owner of a regulated crane must submit a plan of the training program to the CO chief inspector for approval for any trainee who is not an apprentice.
(5) The examination and training requirements for a class of CO certificate of competency or CO licence and payment of the applicable CO fees apply to a trainee.
CO Certificates of Competency and Endorsements
Classes for CO certificates of competency and types and classes of endorsements
28 (1) The classes of CO certificates of competency are as follows:
(a) crane operator 1 certificate of competency;
(b) crane operator 2 certificate of competency;
(c) crane operator 3 certificate of competency;
(d) crane operator 4 certificate of competency;
(e) tower crane operator certificate of competency;
(f) overhead travelling crane operator certificate of competency.
(2) The following types and classes of endorsements are available for the corresponding class of CO certificate of competency:
Endorsement Type
Classes
lattice boom crane endorsement
crane operator 1 lattice boom crane endorsement
crane operator 2 lattice boom crane endorsement
crane operator 3 lattice boom crane endorsement
overhead travelling crane endorsement
crane operator 1 overhead travelling crane endorsement
crane operator 2 overhead travelling crane endorsement
crane operator 3 overhead travelling crane endorsement
self-erecting tower crane endorsement
crane operator 1 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
crane operator 2 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
crane operator 3 self-erecting tower crane endorsement
Applying for CO certificate of competency and endorsement
29 (1) An individual may apply for a specified class of CO certificate of competency, with or without an endorsement, by submitting a completed application form together with all of the following to the CO chief inspector:
(a) payment of the applicable CO fees;
(b) proof of the applicant’s identity;
(c) the class of CO certificate of competency applied for;
(d) proof satisfactory to the CO chief inspector that the applicant meets the practical experience requirements set out in Sections 34 to 39 for the class of CO certificate of competency applied for;
(e) proof satisfactory to the CO chief inspector that the applicant has successfully completed all examinations required for the class of CO certificate of competency applied for;
(f) proof satisfactory to the CO chief inspector that the applicant has successfully passed the practical test in Section 42 for the class of CO certificate of competency applied for;
(g) the type and class of any endorsement applied for and proof satisfactory to the CO chief inspector that the applicant meets the practical experience and educational requirements set out in Sections 33 to 39 for the type and class of endorsement applied for.
(2) An applicant must provide written verification of the practical experience required by [clause] (1)(d) or (g) from a crane operator who supervised them during their practical experience.
Adding new type or class of endorsement to CO certificate of competency
30 An individual may apply to add a new type or class of endorsement to their CO certificate of competency by submitting a completed application together with the information required by clause 29(1)(g) verified in accordance with subsection 29(2).
Expiry of CO certificates of competency and endorsements
31 (1) A CO certificate of competency is valid unless it is suspended or revoked by the CO chief inspector.
(2) An endorsement to a CO certificate of competency is valid unless it is suspended or revoked by the CO chief inspector.
CO certificate of competency non-transferable
32 A CO certificate of competency and any endorsements to the CO certificate of competency are not transferable and may be used only by the individual who was granted the certificate of competency and endorsements.
Practical Experience Required for CO Certificate of Competency and Endorsements
Hours of practical experience required for licence not counted towards endorsement
33 Except as otherwise provided in Sections 34 to 39, hours of practical experience required for a class of CO licence cannot be counted towards practical experience required for an endorsement to the licence.
Crane operator 1 certificate of competency and endorsements practical experience
34 (1) An applicant for a crane operator 1 certificate of competency must meet 1 of the following practical experience requirements:
(a) 4000 hours of practical experience on a class 1 crane under the direct supervision of a crane operator who holds a crane operator 1 licence;
(b) 1000 hours of practical experience on a class 1 regulated crane under the direct supervision of a crane operator who holds a crane operator 1 licence, and have held a crane operator 2 licence for 6 months or longer.
(2) An applicant for a crane operator 1 lattice boom crane endorsement must meet both of the following practical experience requirements:
(a) at least 300 hours of the practical experience required in subsection (1) for a crane operator 1 licence spent actually operating a class 1 lattice boom crane;
(b) 80 hours of practical experience spent contributing to mobilizing and demobilizing a class 1 lattice boom crane.
(3) An applicant for a crane operator 1 overhead travelling crane endorsement must meet 1 of the following practical experience or education requirements:
(a) at least 50 hours of practical experience acceptable to the CO chief inspector in operating a class 1 overhead travelling crane;
(b) completion of a course in overhead travelling cranes approved by the CO chief inspector.
(4) An applicant for a crane operator 1 self-erecting tower crane endorsement must have at least 50 hours of training and practical experience, acceptable to the CO chief inspector, on a self-erecting tower crane.
Crane operator 2 certificate of competency and endorsements practical experience
35 (1) An applicant for a crane operator 2 certificate of competency must meet 1 of the following practical experience requirements:
(a) 3000 hours of practical experience on a class 2 crane under the direct supervision of a crane operator who holds a crane operator 1 licence or a crane operator 2 licence;
(b) 1000 hours of practical experience on a class 2 crane under the direct supervision of a crane operator who holds a crane operator 1 licence or a crane operator 2 licence, and have held a crane operator 3 licence for 6 months or longer.
(2) An applicant for a crane operator 2 lattice boom crane endorsement to a crane operator 2 certificate of competency must meet both of the following practical experience requirements:
(a) at least 100 hours of the practical experience required in subsection (1) spent actually operating a class 2 lattice boom crane;
(b) 80 hours of practical experience spent contributing to mobilizing and demobilizing a class 2 lattice boom crane.
(3) An applicant for a crane operator 2 overhead travelling crane endorsement must meet 1 of the following practical experience or education requirements:
(a) at least 50 hours of practical experience acceptable to the CO chief inspector in operating a class 2 overhead travelling crane;
(b) completion of a course in overhead travelling cranes approved by the CO chief inspector.
(4) An applicant for a crane operator 2 self-erecting tower crane endorsement must have at least 50 hours of training and practical experience, acceptable to the CO chief inspector, on a self- erecting tower crane.
Crane operator 3 certificate of competency and endorsements practical experience
36 (1) An applicant for a crane operator 3 certificate of competency must have 2000 hours of practical experience on a class 3 crane under the direct supervision of a crane operator who holds a crane operator 1 licence, a crane operator 2 licence or a crane operator 3 licence.
(2) An applicant for a crane operator 3 lattice boom crane endorsement to a crane operator 3 certificate of competency must meet both of the following practical experience requirements:
(a) at least 100 hours of the practical experience required in subsection (1) spent actually operating a class 3 lattice boom crane;
(b) 40 hours of practical experience spent contributing to mobilizing and demobilizing a class 3 lattice boom crane.
(3) An applicant for a crane operator 3 overhead travelling crane endorsement to a crane operator 3 certificate of competency must meet 1 of the following practical experience requirements:
(a) at least 50 hours of practical experience acceptable to the CO chief inspector in operating a class 3 overhead travelling crane;
(b) completed a course in overhead travelling cranes approved by the CO chief inspector.
(4) An applicant for a crane operator 3 self-erecting tower crane endorsement must have at least 50 hours of training and practical experience, acceptable to the CO chief inspector, on a self-erecting tower crane.
Crane operator 4 certificate of competency practical experience
37 (1) An applicant for a crane operator 4 certificate of competency must have 500 hours of practical experience on a class 4 crane under the direct supervision of a crane operator who holds a crane operator 1 licence, a crane operator 2 licence, a crane operator 3 licence or a crane operator 4 licence.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a lift with a class 4 crane equals 4 hours of practical experience, but no more than 8 hours of practical experience can be obtained on 1 calendar day.
Tower crane operator certificate of competency practical experience
38 An applicant for a tower crane operator certificate of competency must have 2000 hours of practical experience on a tower class crane under the direct supervision of a crane operator who holds a tower crane operator licence.
Overhead travelling crane operator certificate of competency practical experience
39 An applicant for a overhead travelling crane operator certificate of competency must have 1000 hours of practical experience on an overhead travelling class crane under the direct supervision of a crane operator who holds an overhead travelling crane operator licence or crane operator 1 licence endorsed with a crane operator 1 overhead travelling crane endorsement.
Components of practical experience requirement
40 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the practical experience requirement for each class of CO certificate of competency must include the following:
(a) a minimum of 50% of the hours spent operating the regulated crane from the operator’s seat; and
(b) practical experience in all of the following:
(i) rigging,
(ii) pre-lift planning,
(iii) assembling and disassembling the regulated crane,
(iv) inspecting and maintaining the regulated crane,
(v) preparing a site for a lift.
(2) The practical experience requirement for a tower crane certificate of competency and an overhead travelling crane certificate of competency operating regulated cranes that do not have an operator’s seat includes the following:
(a) the time required to control the lift;
(b) practical experience in all of the following:
(i) rigging,
(ii) pre-lift planning,
(iii) inspection and maintenance of the regulated crane.
41 (1) The CO chief inspector may approve a crane operator training program that leads to a CO certification of competency or endorsement.
(2) Successfully completing an approved crane operator training program may be considered by the CO chief inspector as equivalent to up to 1500 hours of practical experience.
Practical test for a CO certificate of competency
42 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an applicant for a CO certificate of competency must successfully pass a practical test to demonstrate they can safely operate the regulated crane that they are required to obtain practical experience with for the class of CO certificate of competency they are applying for.
(2) An applicant who successfully passes a practical test demonstrating that they can safely operate a regulated crane is deemed to have passed the practical test for operating all lower classes of regulated cranes and is not required to pass a practical test for a CO certificate of competency that authorizes them to operate the lower classes of cranes.
Education qualifications for examinations
43 An applicant for an examination leading to a CO certificate of competency must meet 1 of the following education qualifications:
(a) successful completion of grade 10 math from a high school in the Province or the equivalent;
(b) successful completion of a prior learning assessment acceptable to the CO chief inspector;
(c) successful completion of a crane operator training program acceptable to the CO chief inspector.
Applying and eligibility for examination
44 An individual may apply to take an examination leading to a class of CO certificate of competency by submitting a completed application form together with all of the following to the CO chief inspector:
(a) payment of applicable CO fees;
(b) proof of the applicant’s identity;
(c) the examination requested, including the class of CO certificate of competency the examination is leading toward;
(d) proof satisfactory to the CO chief inspector that the applicant meets the educational qualifications required by Section 43, including written verification of their practical experience from a crane operator who supervised them during their practical experience;
(e) proof satisfactory to the CO chief inspector that the applicant meets the practical experience requirements in Section 34 to 39 for the class of CO certificate of competency the examination is leading toward.
45 The passing grade for an examination leading to a CO certificate of competency is 65%.
46 (1) Except as provided in subsection (3) [(2)], no sooner than 60 days after the date of an examination, an individual who failed the examination may apply in writing to the CO chief inspector to retake the examination under Section 44.
(2) An individual who fails an examination 3 or more consecutive times cannot apply to retake the same examination for at least 6 months from the date they last took the examination.
Recognition of Other Jurisdictions and Organizations
Recognition of other jurisdictions and organizations
47 (1) The CO chief inspector may grant a CO licence and endorsement to an individual who applies under Section 23 who
(a) holds a qualification from another jurisdiction that is sufficiently equivalent to the requirements of these regulations for the required equivalent class of CO certificate of competency and endorsements; and
(b) has practical experience and educational qualifications that are sufficiently equivalent to the requirements for the CO licence and any required endorsements the individual is applying for.
(2) The CO chief inspector may require an applicant from a jurisdiction where crane operators are not granted certificates of qualification, certificates of competency, licences or endorsements, to undergo a prior learning assessment to establish that the applicant’s experience and qualifications are sufficiently equivalent to the requirements for the CO licence and endorsements applied for under these regulations.
(3) For the purposes of clause (1)(a), an interprovincial certificate of qualification is equivalent to a type and class of CO certificate of competency that authorizes the same regulated work as the interprovincial certificate of qualification.
Fraudulent use of CO certificate of competency or CO licence
48 A person must not make fraudulent use of a CO certificate of competency or CO licence.
Incompetence or gross negligence
49 A person who holds a CO certificate of competency or CO licence must not act incompetently or with gross negligence when acting under the authority of their certificate or licence.
Last updated: 10-12-2017