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Western Canada’s Leading Crane Operator School

As Western Canada’s Top Crane and Rigging Operator School located in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, Bigfoot Crane Academy offers a full suite of crane industry training on campus or onsite. We’re proud of our team and we’re even more proud of the students that have successfully graduated from our academy over the years.

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Our Legendary Training

Training with Bigfoot Crane Company means training with the best. Using our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, our goal is to provide your company with a customized, hands-on training program augmented by real-world knowledge of areas like crane safety, crane operations, rigging and communications, construction site hazards and industry overviews.

Start working right away without any supervision restrictions or company sponsorships!

Testimonial

“Great instructor, great presentation. Practical, applicable course work was presented in a way that was easy to follow and understand. Our guys really liked the hands-on opportunities that allowed for both individual and team problem-solving. Highly recommend Bigfoot Crane Training to any company that’s looking to upgrade or certify.”

MARC FAUCHER | Project Coordinator, NAC Constructor

RALF NOTHEIS, MANAGER

With over two decades of experience and expertise in the heavy equipment industry, and winner of the “Top Trainer” award for all of North America in 2016, Ralf has a solid reputation and impeccable safety record.

He has successfully navigated through the ranks of some of Canada’s largest crane rental companies. This background – combined with his qualifications and dedication to cranes and crane safety – has given Ralf a level of practical experience and technical expertise that is virtually unmatched in the industry.

  • Red Seal Certified Mobile Crane Operator
  • Level A Lattice Friction Unlimited Crane Operator
  • Level A Self-Erect Tower Crane Operator
  • Master Rigger Certification (ITI)
  • Fulford Certification Level 1 Rigger Certifier
  • Supervisor Safety Management Diploma
  • Certificate of Recognition for Safety (BCCSA)
  • North America Top Trainer 2016 (Crane Hotline Magazine)
  • Certified Construction Hoist Operator (Technical Safety BC)
  • WHIMS

Crane Training Courses

Not only do crane operators hold a distinctly coveted position, they are among the highest paid equipment operators in construction. At Bigfoot Crane Academy, we proudly maintain the highest operational and training standards in the industry.

From the moment you step into our academy, we focus on providing you with a detailed training program that enhances your understanding of crane & rigging safety, crane operations, and the industry itself.

Western Canada’s Top Crane and Rigging Operator School

Our program has been meticulously designed, making it one of the best crane operator schools in the entire country.

‘Level A’ Refresher icon

Hoist Operator

  • Demonstrate a good understanding of the regulations that apply to the safe use of hoists
  • Carry out a full pre-start/shift inspection of the hoist and record their findings
  • Carry out a full operational inspection of the hoist and record their findings
  • Operate the hoist in line with the manufacturer operators’ instructions/manual
  • Load the hoist with passengers/goods as per manufacturer’s instructions
  • Deliver passengers/goods safely and efficiently
  • Stop the hoist at the correct levels
  • Correct use of safety gates
  • Carry out an emergency lowering task (if company policy allows)
  • Keep within safe working parameters of the hoist
  • Place the hoist in an out-of-service condition, isolate and secure
  • Understand the limitations of use while operating the hoist
  • Report any problems or defects
Rigging Icon

Rigging

  • Crane and hoisting hand signals and load weight calculations
  • Calculating load center of gravity (COG)
  • Rigging slings and hitches, rigging inspection and rejection criteria
  • Use of rigging tables to select appropriate size rigging
  • Working load limit calculations (WLL), sling angle capacity estimation
  • Knots, use of tag lines, lift planning and critical lift criteria
  • Upon completion of course, participants will receive Level 1 Rigger Certification with picture ID wallet card
  • 1 – 8 students per class
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Rigging Icon

Civil Rigging

  • Hoisting and trucking hand signals
  • Determining the weight of a load
  • Load center of gravity (COG)
  • Rigging terminology and appropriate uses
  • Rigging inspection
  • Use of rigging capacity tables
  • How sling configuration effects capacity
  • Rigging Care and storage
  • Common hazards and safety around hoisting equipment
  • Lift planning
  • Electrical safety
Stiff Boom Crane Operator icon

verhead Crane Operator

  • Crane Types and Components
  • General Terminology
  • Crane Hand Signals
  • Regulations and Safe Operating Procedures
  • Pre-Operational Inspections
  • Rigging Hardware
  • How to Determine Load Weight and Center of Gravity
  • Rigging Inspection and Rejection Criteria
  • Rigging Hitches and Rigging Capacity Chart Interpretation
  • Estimating Sling Angles

Start working right away without any supervision restrictions or company sponsorships!

Western Canada’s Top Crane and Rigging Operator School 2024