In a press release, the CECE members said that they recommended Europe-wide minimum training requirements. On the basis that such trainings would provide the crane drivers and the crane fitters with knowledge and skills to drive and fit tower cranes independently and safely. They went on to say that their objective is to establish a so called "European certificate", which workers are required to have in order to take up duties as a qualified tower crane driver or fitter.
Currently, there are significant differences in training requirements between different countries on the continent. European tower crane manufacturers are calling for minimum requirements for training to include final written and practical test as for tower crane drivers. Minimum contents of tower crane driver training should be knowledge about national rules and regulations, general safety obligations, crane operating techniques, rigging and load carrying ear, understanding of load diagrams, stability and accident prevention as well as practical exercises driving an operational sequence.
Stating their aims further the CECE said that the training should include the definition of recognised testing facilities, which must have qualified assessors, presence on site of at least two types of tower cranes and a dedicated area where the exercises can be appropriately carried out. They went on to say that similar recommendations for harmonised requirements should be made for fitters of tower cranes. This training should include the explanation of the modularity of a tower crane, placement and leveling, correct adjustment and safety devices, stability conditions in service an out of service during erection and dismantling a crane, as well as basic knowledge of electrics.
"Our goal is to increase safety on construction sites, Europe-wide. This is why we need harmonised training of crane fitters and crane drivers," says Peter Schiefer CEO of Wolffkran AG, and head of the section of CECE that is coordinating the interests of the European tower crane manufacturers.
