CICB Enhances Training Capabilities with Addition of Tower Crane in Houston

Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau Expands Training Facilities

The Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB) has made significant strides in enhancing its training capabilities with the introduction of a Potain IGO MA21 Self-Erecting Tower Crane at its Deer Park facility near Houston, Texas. This new addition marks a crucial step in meeting the increasing demand for certified crane operators across various sectors including construction, industrial, and manufacturing.

With the rise in infrastructure projects and a continual push for efficiency and safety in lifting operations, the need for trained and certified professionals has never been more pronounced. This state-of-the-art tower crane allows CICB to provide extensive hands-on training that adheres to OSHA standards (1926 Subpart CC) and complies with the guidelines set forth by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

Hands-On Experience for Future Operators

The inclusion of the Potain IGO MA21 provides CICB with the ability to offer practical exams and on-site instructions tailored to preparing operators for the NCCCO Tower Crane certification. Training programs will ensure that participants gain valuable real-world experience. This is achieved under the watchful eye of experienced, CCO-certified instructors, who are committed to imparting the skills necessary for success in their careers.

John O'Connor, CICB's Texas Operations Manager, emphasized the importance of this new training opportunity, stating, “The addition of tower crane training and CCO exams will help address labor shortages in key sectors like construction and manufacturing. This investment will create more opportunities for workers to level up their skills and for businesses to find the highly skilled workers they need to grow.” O'Connor's comments highlight a proactive approach to not just training but also a commitment to fostering workforce development in the region.

A Comprehensive Training Facility

CICB's Deer Park training center stands as one of the most extensive crane training and certification facilities in the Gulf Coast area, boasting a wide array of equipment and resources. In addition to the new tower crane, the center houses a diverse fleet of mobile, articulating, overhead, and specialty cranes as well as rigging gear, enabling comprehensive training across various lifting and material handling scenarios.

Regulatory compliance is a core focus of CICB's training programs. As per OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction regulation, operators must be certified to conduct lifting activities specific to construction work, and CICB’s training programs are meticulously designed to meet or surpass these regulatory demands. This dedication to compliance ensures that businesses and their employees embrace best practices in safety and efficiency.

Commitment to Lifelong Safety and Learning

Since its inception in 1969, CICB has affirmed its reputation as a reliable provider of training, inspection, and consultation services within the material handling and lifting industries. The organization's mission remains rooted in promoting safety, efficiency, and regulatory adherence among its clients. With seasoned instructors also recognized as NCCCO Accredited Practical Examiners, CICB maintains high standards in instructional quality.

CICB’s awards, including the distinguished Top Trainer Award, reflect a long-standing commitment to excellence in training and certification. This dedication to quality instruction further supports CICB’s vision of a safer, competent workforce in industries reliant on lifting and material handling.

For those interested in crane operation careers, opportunities are developing with the advent of these enhanced training options. Companies can now better source skilled labor, and potential operators can find pathways to career advancement and stability.

In summary, CICB's expansion with the new Potain IGO MA21 Tower Crane symbolizes not just a physical addition to a training center but a significant move towards advancing safety, compliance, and skill development within the crane operation sector. As the demand for proficient operators rises, CICB stands ready to meet these challenges head-on, equipping future operators with the tools they need for success in a competitive marketplace.