Jerry Klinke

a brief overview

After serving in the US Marine Corps as an engineer, Jerry began his industrial career in 1976 working in the Nuclear Power Industry. His experience encompasses installation and repairs to pumps, turbines, valves, nuclear welding procedures, metallurgy, piping installations, crane operations, and heavy rigging activities. This broad base of skills and knowledge allowed him to expand his job duties. His diverse background, knowledge of repair procedures, and strong communication skills made him the ideal choice to manage the training programs for the Skilled Trades at the Nuclear Training Center for American Electric Power in 1986.

As the Program Senior Instructor he was responsible for training program analysis, development, and implementation of training courses for the construction trades and industrial maintenance activities. He has extensive knowledge and experience in the interpretation and compliance of OSHA, ASME and AWS standards and regulations in addition to procedures and regulations for the Nuclear Industry.

Throughout the 1990’s Jerry directed rebuilding activities for 1200-megawatt turbine-generators. During the repair of these mammoth machines, Jerry was responsible for all the lifts and rigging activities used to move more than 800 tons of critical turbine components and equipment.

In 1995 Jerry founded ACRA Enterprises, Inc. and now provides training and technical publications to the general industry. Jerry also designs and fabricates specialized training aids and equipment that, when combined with his training materials, greatly improves the quality and effectiveness of training sessions. He is frequently requested to investigate rigging related accidents and analyze potential training related problems. He is a frequent speaker on behalf of rigging safety and promoting standardized testing and qualification of crane operators, riggers, and signalmen.

Jerry is a contributor for Craneworks magazine, and has written numerous articles on cranes, rigging and technical training issues. He has been a frequent speaker on behalf of safety in the construction industry, promoting standardized testing and qualification of crane operators, riggers, and signalmen.

He holds a seat on the Board of Directors and is an Officer for the Association of Crane & Rigging Professionals (ACRP), and is the Continuing Education Program Director for the training sessions offered by the organization.