ADSC Calls on DFI to Participate in NCCCO Industry Initiative ADSC: The International Association of Foundation Drilling recently signed a partnership with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) to create a certification program for drill rig operators. NCCCO’s expertise in the deve lopment of ope r a tor certification programs for the crane and heavy equipment industries, as well as the widespread adoption of its programs throughout these industries, is well known. ADSC and NCCCO held the first task force meeting in April, which began by defining the knowledge and skills required for certification. The two organizations, along with a group of more than 40 The goal is to assure the production of a quality program that contributes immensely to the safe operation of foundation drill rig equipment. member and nonmember subject matter experts (SMEs), industry representatives of equipment manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, engineers, service providers, and safety personnel began the long process of working towards the develop- ment of this program. Many great things came out of that meeting; however, perhaps one of the most prolific outcomes was that the program will address foundation drill rigs in general. Therefore, a wide range of experts is required to develop the certification program. Participation in the task force is open to all member and nonmember industry representatives. Kevin Sharp, Northstar Sharp, is the chair of the task force. NCCCO meeting “As with all CCO certifications, the new Certified Foundation Drill Rig Operator program will be fair, valid, reliable and legally defensible,” said Denny Smith, Ph.D., NCCCO’s director of certification program development, and project lead on this effort. “The program will consist of both written and practical examinations administered by independent third-party examiners trained and authorized by NCCCO. This will ensure that both NCCCO and ADSC remain free of any conflict of interest with respect to the certification decision,” Dr. Smith added. Successful completion of both written and practical elements will result in eligible individuals being certified to operate foundation drill rigs. Why Certification? • To make the industry safer • Professionally developed operator knowledge and skills assessment = certification • Provide (potential) employers with impartial information they would otherwise not have and with sound foundation for manpower decisions • Reduce corporate liability • Promote training Upcoming Meetings It will take an estimated 18 months to develop the program. It is a marathon, not a sprint! At the end of the day, the goal is to assure the production of a quality program that contributes immensely to the safe operation of foundation drill rig equipment. Tentative meetings are as follows: 1. June 27-29, Conroe, Texas (confirmed) 2. August 15-17, Indianapolis, Indiana 3. September 19-21, Salt Lake City, Utah 4. November 14-16, TBD 5. January 30-February 1, TBD 6. February 13-15, TBD How DFI Can Get Involved Because this initiative also benefits DFI members, we urge you to participate in future task force meetings to develop the program. As has become standard, ADSC and DFI working together has the most impact. Be prepared to commit to the six meetings. Your input and participation is welcome. DFI members interested in getting involved can complete a short appl icat ion found at www.adsc- iafd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ Task-Force-Invitation-2-13-17.pdf. AUTHOR Michael D. Moore, CEO of ADSC DEEP FOUNDATIONS • JULY/AUG 2017 • 95
