Crane Industry Services LLC (CIS) has taken delivery of three Vortex Simulators from CM Labs Simulations Inc., Montreal, Quebec. The simulators are designed to provide training and to conduct performance checks for operators of mobile cranes, tower cranes, and excavators.

“The addition of simulators into our curriculum is a natural fit,” said Debbie Dickinson, CEO of CIS, which provides blended-learning training techniques including online introductory training, instructor-led classroom training, hands-on instruction, and on-the-job training. “These simulators also meet our strategic objectives of recruiting and preparing workers for skilled trades in crane operation, construction, heavy industry, and manufacturing,” said Dickinson.

The simulators are housed at the Centered on Safety™ Training Center located on West Georgia Technical College’s Murphy campus. “We are pleased with the addition of crane and excavation equipment simulators, which provides added value for employers and students in our community,” said Laura Gammage, Vice President of Economic Development for WGTC.

The simulators feature a three-screen, motion platform setup plus an instructor’s station. Powered by the Vortex Simulation Software engine, the device simulates multi-body dynamics and captures real equipment behaviors. Just as in real life, the simulated tower crane mast and jib bend and torque according to the weight of the load, while the simulated excavator demonstrates bucket forces, trenching, loading and soil behavior.

The mobile crane simulation is modeled after a 40-ton rough terrain crane with full boom extension to 102 feet. Among the training module’s features is the ability for the operator to configure the LMI and set alarms and change the number of parts of line. This simulator will be used as part of a research study that CIS, West Georgia Technical College, and CM Labs are partnering to conduct.

The research goals include determiningwhat operational skill level can be achieved with the use of crane simulators. The study will commence in July and will continue for 14 months and/or after 500 operator trainees have participated in the research. The study is designed to evaluate inexperienced, moderately experienced, and very experienced operators.

Classes are forming now that incorporate the use of the simulators. For information about available training classes or how to participate in the research study, contact (770)-783-9292 or info@CenteredOnSafety.com

About Crane Industry Services

Crane Industry Services LLC, (CIS) based in the Atlanta, Ga. area, was established in 2008. CIS provides hands-on, classroom and technology based training for the crane and rigging industry, nationally accredited NCCER certifications, equipment inspections, expert witness services, and consulting to the lifting industry. Crane Industry Services operates the Centered on Safety Training Center in partnership with West Georgia Technical College Economic Development Division, in addition to the employer-based training at customer locations. www.centeredonsafety.com or (770)-783-9292.