Description of the Tower Crane Operator Trade
“Tower Crane Operator” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by tower crane operators.
Tower crane operators operate tower cranes to lift, move, position and place materials and equipment. They perform pre-operational inspections. They calculate the crane’s lifting capacities according to the crane’s load chart and determine load weight, participate in setting up and dismantling cranes, and position and stabilize the crane before the lift. Tower crane operators work with other workers to make sure the load is placed exactly where they need it. They also perform regular inspections and do minor repairs and maintenance on the equipment.
Tower crane operators work in the heavy industrial, commercial, residential and civil sectors. They may be employed by construction, surface mining, shipbuilding, offshore drilling rigs, railway and crane rental companies. They work outdoors in all kinds of weather, at heights and in noisy environments. Tower crane operators may be required to work in remote job sites.
Tower cranes are used for specific worksite requirements, as they have a smaller footprint compared to mobile cranes and are productive on sites where they will be used for a lengthy period. Some tower cranes are constructed by bolting a base to a specially made concrete pad or a ballasted base, and then erecting a tower (mast) of latticed steel up from it. Engineered counterweights are used to provide stability. On a hammerhead crane, a boom or jib extends horizontally across the top of the crane. A crane cab where the operator sits is installed where the mast and boom meet. Some cranes may have remote control stations and cabs. Luffing tower cranes have a jib that can be raised and lowered. Self-erecting cranes are set on retractable outriggers for support, have a mast and boom, and they are designed to be more mobile and versatile on job sites.
The key attributes for tower crane operators are that they should be mechanically inclined, comfortable with working at heights and have good hand-eye coordination, hearing, vision and math skills. Safety is the number one priority for tower crane operators; they need to work cautiously and with extreme precision to ensure the safety of others. Communication skills are very important to effectively communicate with site personnel, supervisors, riggers, signallers and other tradespeople. Physical fitness and good balance are important as the job requires them to climb up great heights and the operation of some cranes and the handling of accessories are physically demanding. Operators need to be able to cope with the stress and long working hours that can be inherent in this type of work.
The skills of tower crane operators are transferable to operating other types of cranes and heavy equipment. With experience, tower crane operators may move into careers such as business owners, supervisors, trainers, crane erectors and job coordinators. As with other trades, the ability to mentor apprentices is extremely important to pass on the skills, knowledge and expertise of the trade.