Watertown, S.D. – (March 6, 2019) – Terex Utilities announces that Dale Putman, Product Manager, was part of the first group of individuals to become a certified Foundation Drill Rig Operator. The designation is one of two new certifications developed by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) in conjunction with the International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC). Following receipt of Foundation Drill Rig certification, Putman also became accredited as an NCCCO Practical Examiner for the Foundation Drill Rig program.

“Being knowledgeable about our customer’s business extends beyond just knowing how and where Terex equipment is used,” said Putman. “We think it’s important to be a driving force to promote safe work environments for operators in the drilling industry. By getting certified myself, I can set an example when I operate Terex auger drills in the field with customers,” he said. Putman is also an NCCCO-certified Digger Derrick Operator.

Although OSHA does not currently require operators of drill rigs to be certified, employers must ensure operators are trained and qualified. Until now no independent mechanism has existed for operators to demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities for operation of this equipment. “The unique challenges and operational practices required by drill rig equipment necessitated new certification exams different from any other NCCCO program,” said NCCCO Director of Operations, Joel Oliva.

The ADSC pro-actively sought the development of a certification because of increasing requests from Project Owners or General Contractors for such credentials, explained Richard Marshall, CHST, ADSC’s Director of Safety. Development of the certification began in 2017. Putman and Jason Julius, Technical Support and Training Development for Terex Utilities, were members of the certification task force. “Terex Utilities generously donated their experience and time, but also excerpts from various operator’s manuals for use in the development of reference manuals and candidate study guides,” said Marshall.

To achieve NCCCO certification for Foundation Drill Rig and/or Anchor/Micropile Drill Rig, candidates must successfully complete written and practical exams, including demonstration of inspection; use of safety protocols; identification of controls; and ability to pick and laydown pipe, position tools, drill, and safely secure the equipment in shutdown.

In order to become a practical examiner, one must pass the written core and specialty exams, and the practical exam. Then the examiner candidate must attend an NCCCO Practical Examiner Workshop to learn policy and procedures. “Dale was one of the first individuals to become an NCCCO Certified Practical Examiner for Foundation Drill Rigs. Something that Terex Utilities should be proud of! Dale’s participation helped provide the industry with quality assessments that are specifically focused on the work that foundation drill rig operators perform on a daily basis. These assessments will ensure that operators are proficient and knowledgeable and thereby reduce risk and improve safety in the drilled foundation industry,” said Marshall.

Candidates and test sites interested in preparing for the NCCCO drill rig operator certification exams can find additional information at nccco.org/DRO or email info@nccco.org.

Dale Putman participated in the first NCCCO Drill Rig Practical Examiners Workshop in Salt Lake City, Utah. As an NCCCO Practical Examiner candidate, he acted as Proctor, Examiner, and Certified Operator Candidate. Individuals are graded on each aspect of becoming a practical examiner by NCCCO staff.

Dale Putman shares his industry knowledge with Terex customers during the company’s annual Hands-On Training event held every August.


About Terex

Terex Corporation is a global manufacturer of lifting and material processing products and services delivering lifecycle solutions that maximize customer return on investment. Major Terex brands include Terex, Genie, Powerscreen and Demag. Terex solutions serve a broad range of industries, including construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, shipping, transportation, refining, energy, utilities, quarrying and mining. Terex offers financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information about Terex is available on its website: www.Terex.com, and on its LinkedIn page -- www.linkedin.com/company/terex and Facebook page -- www.facebook.com/TerexCorporation.

About NCCCO

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) was formed in 1995 as an independent, non-profit organization by industry to develop and administer a nationwide program for the certification of crane operators and related personnel. Since then, NCCCO has administered over 1,200,000 nationally accredited written and practical examinations and issued more than 425,000 nationally accredited and OSHA-compliant certifications in all 50 states. For all the latest NCCCO news, follow @NCCCOorg on Twitter.

About ADSC

The International Association for Foundation Drilling (ADSC) is a not-for-profit trade association representing the drilled shaft, anchored earth, and micropile construction and design industries. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, ADSC has 11 regional chapters including nine in the United States and two in Canada. ADSC members represent specialty subcontractors, manufacturers, suppliers, design and consulting engineers, government agencies, and academicians working in the public and private sectors. ADSC encourages the use of the technologies designed and constructed by its members to foster safe and ethical business practices. ADSC strives to be a recognized world leader in the research, development, education, design, and construction of drilled shafts, anchored earth retention, and micropiles; with safety and quality being held as its highest value.