Why is it, that in Canada/BC you need a ticket to run a forklift but not a concrete pump? I guess what is really needed is a ''BC concrete pumping association''. With people who have practical knowledge and experience of the safety concerns, and mechanical operations of concrete pumps. Maybe then we could get the ball rolling towards training guide lines and proper WSBC certification. BC Ready mix is good for ready mix. I think the concrete pumping industry needs its own apprenticeship type certification. Something like, a crane certification maybe?

What do you think?

i can't tell you how many people have asked me what courses i had to take and certifications i need to operate a boom pump. they all look at me cross-eyed when i tell them that all you need is a class 3 DL... especially the crane operators..

In massachusetts you are required to have a hydrualics license to run a concrete pump. Its more of a way for the state to make money then actually being a beneficial license for operators. Right now im waiting to take my hydrualics test. The only reason i cant run a pump right now is because of a license that the people who put the test together dont know shit about pumping. So i have to probably wait another month and a half to run a pump (IT SUCKS). You mention the forklift, think that is funny because technically people pulling around those forklift jacks in walmart and stop and shop should have a license haha.

The BCRMA has a concrete pump operator certification program now but the test format is similar to that of the ACPA's. It is good in the sense that it has been evovled around our local pumping concerns in B.C. and abiding to WCB regulations. However, it is not a mandatory certification. I agree that hands on certification and an apprentiship program needs to be implemented but until rates go up, concrete pump owners start obtaining some business education, and concrete pumping becomes profitable again, I don't foresee this type of program being created or anyone stepping up to the plate to create such a program in the near future.

You should become a member of the bcrmca, show up to the meetings and understand the hard work and future progression of the certification process, BEFORE you criticize.  BC is miles ahead of any other jurisdiction as far as education and training(in N. America).  The idea is to get involved, be proactive before the gov't decides what is best for you and your industry.

Becarefull what you ask for Calif put a state cert on building trades even if you when thur and apprentiship and pass a test it didn't help a thing just made the state more money.

  In Ont if you go off your property with a chainsaw you need a ticket, if you take your BBQ to a neighbours you are supposed to have a propane ticket, but no tickets for concrete pumps.  There is an apprenticeship program in place but it is through the union, non union are allowed to participate at a cost but don't have to follow operator to apprentice ratios, so most non union do not send their operators to school.  After the union and government implemented apprenticeship and testing for crane operators years ago accidents were reduced (my number here might be off by a couple of points) by 75%.  If implementing a program that utilizes both the government and trade associations as well as the manufacturers, to save lives it should be put in place.  There is also a CSA standard for concrete pumps now that is supposed to be used by governments and companies to try to standardize the industry.  In my humble opinion the concrete pumping industry needs to get their heads out of their asses and realize licensing will protect everyone from owners to finishers.  If it costs us money for licensing that money will also be used to help protect us all.  We all pay every 5 yrs for drivers license, air brake endorsements, physicals etc.  If you hunt or fish you buy your license every year.  This money is used for keeping highways safe stocking lakes etc.  Why are we all petrified of a one time test and license fee like the crane operators to make our industry safe and perhaps we'll be taken seriously as a trade and not the yahoos of the construction industry that will do anything for a buck.  I apologize ahead of time for offending anyone on this forum, just a bit of a rant after doing this for 26 yrs and the same problem still exists.  

I couldnt agree more. At the end of the day that is what will bring the rates up.

I don’t mean to criticize the BCRMA I think it is a fine association.

I think people would step up to the plate.  I think one day the concrete pumping industry will get the respect it deserves. It will just take the right group of people.

I couldnt agree more with what you guys are saying.  Yes, BCRMA is good, they put out a nice Concrete Pump Operator's manual, (though I find it hard to understand why they put a picture of someone washing out with the hopper grate up on page 43 pic 9.1....thats not good).  The more education for owners and operators the better the industry will get.  I am not sure if you have heard PumpPro , Schwinger I think you know, but their is a new association out there, Concrete Pumping Association of Canada (CPAC), to educate the public, and the industry in the elements of high quality concrete pumping.  Basically, if you are a shit company that sells on low rates and not safety, you cant join.  It is new, so mabe the word isnt out to all the contractors yet, but I think it will catch on like CSTS, if pumpers dont have it, they cant pump.  We need to force safety as an industry together.  ok, Ive rambled on enough.