Aerial lift certification courses are usually divided into two types: operator certification courses and trainer/supervisor certification courses.
Operator-oriented aerial lift certification courses give workers the training they need to operate equipment safely at a busy construction site. At the operator level, the training package is usually a combination of lecture and hands-on practice with an accredited trainer. Often, companies can request a training session at the project site. Course lengths range from 4 hours for a single machine course, to a two day all-inclusive course that certifies the operator on a wide range of aerial lifts.
Here are the topics covered in a typical aerial lift operator certification course:
- Current Regulations for Aerial Lifts
- Types of Aerial Lifts (may be limited)
- Weight Capacity Review
- Aerial Lift Parts and Functions
- Safe Operation Practices
- Fall Protection Inspection Practices
- Hands-on Operation Practice
Supervisor or trainer oriented aerial lift certification courses are designed to give companies the advantages of an in-house trainer. Once an employee has completed the trainer-oriented program, the contracting company can save money and time by referring other employees to the in-house trainer for operator certification.
While most trainer certification courses cover the same material as the operator courses, the trainer courses are much more in-depth than operator-only certification courses. Additional material covered in these certification programs includes training-specific concerns, such as how to handle operator questions and how to judge operator proficiency.
