Rancho Murieta Training Center Working Ahead of State Crane Law

California starts enforcing new state regulations on certification for crane operators this summer, but Northern California's Operating Engineers Local 3 isn't waiting five months -- they're already qualifying members to meet the new rule.

Though the California law goes into effect June 1, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3's Rancho Murieta Training Center has already certified more than 400 crane operators to meet the state's new standards, spending more than $1 million since preparations began in 1997.

"This is the best kind of investment we can make. This is also the latest reason why everyone in construction knows that Local 3's commitment to safety is much, much more than words alone," said Local 3 Business Manager John Bonilla, who started his career at the Rancho Murieta Training Center as a heavy equipment operator.

According to Rancho Murieta Training Center Director Curtis Brooks, the time and money means safer conditions for work sites. The state law will require all crane operators to carry a certificate issued from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators or another certifying agency of the National Organization for Competency Assurance. This certificate ensures the operator's skills meet state requirements, which are specific to the crane being operated, and therefore place controls into the type of crane an operator can run. An operator who works with more than one type of crane will require multiple certificates.

"In the past, operators took a test that proved they could run a crane, but there were no rules in place that required them to re-test their skills. This new certification changes that," said Brooks.

The Rancho Murieta Training Center now serves as an official certification site for Local 3 signatory employers and members. Brooks said the process began by having the training center itself certified and hiring five certified instructors who can certify members.

To meet the needs of employers, the training center created a 32-foot mobile classroom, which can be taken directly to a job site. Crane operators often work in the construction and maintenance of refineries, bridges, skyscrapers and arenas.