Articulated Boom Truck (Knuckle Booms) Online Course $99.95
Price:$99.95MORE INFO
ARTICULATED BOOM TRUCK COURSE OVERVIEW
safety mom online courseIn our highly mechanized world, cranes are the workhorses that have increased economic growth and productivity in construction, mining, logging, maritime, production and service facilities.
Mobile cranes are versatile machines that can be used for many job applications from loading and unloading materials to placing those materials or personnel at heights hundreds of feet high.
Mobile cranes come in all sizes. From large all terrain cranes used to lift loads in excess of 75 tons to small capacity utility truck cranes used for lifting much smaller loads, training is needed to ensure safe operation and productivity.
During this training we will cover the anatomy of the crane and stress the importance of inspecting it each day before it is put into service.
safety mom transportation courseARTICULATED BOOM TRUCK COURSE TOPICS
Introduction
Anatomy
Stability & Setup
Hazards
Rigging
Operations
Final Exam
ARTICULATED BOOM TRUCK ONLINE COURSE DURATION: Approximately 1.5 hours
ARTICULATED BOOM TRUCK ONLINE COURSE ASSESSMENT: Testing conducted throughout this online course is designed to reinforce the information presented. A mark of 80% must be achieved in order to receive a certificate of completion. Participants are able to repeat the course twice if the pass mark is not achieved.
ARTICULATED BOOM TRUCK ONLINE COURSE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION: Upon successful completion of this online course, a certificate of completion will be available for download and printing.
ARTICULATED BOOM TRUCK COURSE PREVIEW
Expanded Safety Guide
What Is an Articulated Boom Truck
An articulated boom truck (also called a knuckle-boom crane or loader crane) is a truck-mounted lifting device with a hinged boom that folds and articulates rather than telescoping straight. Common brands include Palfinger, HIAB, Fassi, and Effer. They are used across Alberta construction, oil & gas, forestry, utilities, and delivery operations for loads typically between 2 and 30 tonnes.
Alberta Operator Certification Requirements
Alberta OHS Code Part 21, Section 269, requires operators of mobile cranes and boom trucks with a rated capacity over 5 tonnes to hold an Alberta Journeyperson or Provisional Journeyperson Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator (CHEO) certificate. Boom trucks under 5 tonnes require documented training and demonstrated competency but not the trade certificate. Employers must verify credentials before assignment and maintain training records.
Load Charts and Capacity Planning
Every articulated boom truck is supplied with manufacturer load charts specific to the model and configuration. Capacity depends on:
- Boom radius: the horizontal distance from centre of rotation to the load. Capacity decreases sharply as radius extends.
- Boom section and extension: capacity varies with how many boom sections are deployed.
- Outrigger extension: full outrigger extension is generally required for maximum chart capacity.
- Chassis stability: some configurations require specific rear-outrigger positioning or counterweight.
- Slew angle: some load charts derate capacity when lifting over the front vs. side vs. rear.
Never exceed chart capacity. Overload protection systems (LMI — load moment indicators) must be functional and calibrated; bypassing an LMI is a Alberta OHS violation and a leading root cause of tipping incidents.
Rigging — Sling Selection and Inspection
Riggers select slings rated for the load with an appropriate safety factor. Synthetic web slings, wire rope slings, and chain slings each have distinct inspection criteria. Rejection standards include: any cut, tear, or hole in synthetic slings; broken wires in wire rope exceeding CSA limits; twisted, gouged, or elongated chain links. All rigging must carry legible manufacturer tags with rated capacity in each configuration (vertical, choker, basket, angled).
Signal Person and Communications
A trained signal person is required whenever the operator’s view of the load is obstructed. Standard hand signals per ASME B30 are the default. Radio communications must use dedicated channels with acknowledgement protocols and defined emergency stop words. Only one designated signal person may communicate with the operator during a lift, except for the emergency stop signal which anyone may give.
Ground Conditions — The Number-One Cause of Tip-Overs
Soft or unstable ground under outriggers is the leading cause of boom truck tip-overs. Verify ground bearing capacity before setup. Timber cribbing or steel plates are required to distribute outrigger point loads on soft ground. Watch for: recent excavations, buried utilities, drainage systems, frost heave in spring, hot asphalt, and slopes exceeding 3 degrees.
Overhead Line Clearance
Alberta OHS requires minimum 7 metres clearance from overhead electrical lines up to 750V, with greater clearances for higher voltages (up to 15 metres for transmission lines above 250kV). Contact with overhead lines is a leading cause of crane operator fatalities in Alberta. Never rely on visual estimation alone — measure or confirm de-energisation with the utility before working near lines.
What This Course Covers
The Articulated Boom Truck online course covers classification and terminology, controls and operating principles, load chart reading, rigging fundamentals, hand signals, ground conditions, wind and weather limits, pre-use inspection, emergency procedures, and Alberta OHS Part 21 regulatory requirements. Successful completion earns a course certificate that documents the classroom-theory portion of operator training. Practical hands-on evaluation is completed on-site with a qualified evaluator.
Related training: Aerial & Scissor Lifts · Rigger & Signal Person · Fall Protection
Content reviewed by Arliss Levine, CRSP, CHSC — lead safety instructor at Safety Mom · Allstar Enviro Safety Calgary, an Energy Safety Canada Authorized Training Provider.
