Inspection, Testing and New Technology Discussed at ACRP Meeting

Enlarge Image ACRP attendees watch sling destruction testing on a screen outside Unirope's mobile test bed.

May 21, 2008 • Officers and board members were named during the 2008 general assembly of the Association of Crane & Rigging Professionals (ACRP) last week in Charleston, S.C. Mike Riggs of Slingmax Inc., fills the vacated position of president. Scott Fleming of Unirope Ltd., was elected vice president. Secretary/treasurer, Jerry Klinke of ACRA Enterprises Inc., finishes the second year of his term. Re-elected to the board for two-year terms are Ron Overton of Overton Safety Training Inc. and John Hellums of Bishop Lifting.

Inspection, testing and technology were themes of the meeting, which included RFID technology presentations; sling test bed demonstrations, and hands-on lattice boom inspections. Among other topics covered were wire rope selection, round sling inspection, and a case study on Syncrude Canada's erection of the Kroll 10000, the world's largest tower crane.

 

Standing committees of the association also met during the conference. The Regulations Committee, chaired by Ron Overton, discussed changes to the 2007 B30.5 volume, which now outlines responsibilities for all members of a lifting operation. Overton highlighted the additional language related to site supervisor and lift director. “Previously, responsibilities for these individuals were not specifically listed,” said Overton. “The changes are significant, but from a training perspective and ACRP's perspective, they are welcome changes.”

 

Approximately 90 people attended the meeting. The 2009 general assembly is tentatively set for May 4-7, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nev.