Terex Utilities announces that Dale Putnam, a product manager with the company, was among the first individuals to become a certified Foundation Drill Rig Operator through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) in conjunction with the International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC).
The new certification is one of two new programs developed by the NCCCO together with the ADSC. Putnam also became accredited as an NCCCO Practical Examiner for the Foundation Drill Rig program.
“Being knowledgeable about our customer’s business extends beyond just knowing how and where Terex equipment is used,” Putman says. “We think it’s important to be a driving force to promote safe work environments for operators in the drilling industry. By getting certified myself, I can set an example when I operate Terex auger drills in the field with customers.”
Putman is also an NCCCO-certified Digger Derrick Operator.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not currently require drill rig operators to be certified. However, employers must still ensure operators are trained and qualified. Until now no independent mechanism has existed for operators to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities for operation of this equipment.
“The unique challenges and operational practices required by drill rig equipment necessitated new certification exams different from any other NCCCO program,” says Joel Oliva, NCCCO director of operations.
The ADSC sought development of a certification due to increasing requests from project owners and general contractors for such credentials, explains Richard Marshall, CHST, ADSC’s director of safety. Development of the certification began in 2017. Putman and Jason Julius, technical support and training development for Terex Utilities, were members of the certification task force.
“Terex Utilities generously donated their experience and time, but also excerpts from various operator’s manuals for use in the development of reference manuals and candidate study guides,” Marshall says.
Candidates for NCCCO certification for Foundation Drill Rig and/or Anchor/Micropile Drill Rig must successfully complete written and practical exams, including demonstration of inspection; use of safety protocols; identification of controls; and ability to pick and lay down pipe, position tools, drill and safely secure the equipment in shutdown.
In order to become a practical examiner, a candidate must pass the written core and specialty exams, and the practical exam. Then the examiner candidate must attend an NCCCO Practical Examiner Workshop to learn policy and procedures.
“Dale was one of the first individuals to become an NCCCO Certified Practical Examiner for Foundation Drill Rigs,” Marshall says. “That’s something that Terex Utilities should be proud of! Dale’s participation helped provide the industry with quality assessments that are specifically focused on the work that foundation drill rig operators perform on a daily basis. These assessments will ensure that operators are proficient and knowledgeable and thereby reduce risk and improve safety in the drilled foundation industry.”
Candidates and test sites interested in preparing for the NCCCO drill rig operator certification exams can find additional information at nccco.org/DRO or email info@nccco.org.
Terex Corporation is a global manufacturer of lifting and material processing products and services, delivering lifecycle solutions that maximize customer return on investment. Major Terex brands include Terex, Genie, Powerscreen and Demag. Terex solutions serve a broad range of industries, including construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, shipping, transportation, refining, energy, utilities, quarrying and mining. For more information, visit www.terex.com.
The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) was formed in 1995 as an independent, non-profit organization to develop and administer a nationwide program for the certification of crane operators and related personnel. Since then, NCCCO has administered over 1.2 million nationally accredited written and practical examinations and issued more than 425,000 nationally accredited and OSHA-compliant certifications in all 50 states. For all the latest NCCCO news, follow @NCCCOorg on Twitter.
ADSC-IAFD is a construction trade association dedicated to the deep foundations industry. The group focuses is on drilled shaft, anchored earth retention and micropile technologies. Members include specialty subcontractors, civil and geotechnical engineers, and equipment manufacturers and suppliers from around the world. For more information, visit www.adsc-iafd.com.
