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Crane Operator

Also known as Crane Driver.

Crane operators control mobile or stationary cranes to lift, move and place objects at locations such as building and construction sites, wharves and shipyards.

Crane operators work on building and construction sites, in all weather conditions.

They may operate a variety of cranes: overhead and gantry cranes used in factories and workshops, portal cranes used to move shipping containers, tower cranes used on large building projects, and mobile cranes that may be truck mounted.

TASKS

Crane operators may perform the following tasks:

check the condition of the ground before setting up the crane (on a building site, for example)
place timber blocks or steel plates under the outrigger pads of the crane
check that the crane is level on the outriggers before attempting to lift and place a load
be aware of how much material can be safely hoisted in each load according to the crane's capacity and the weather conditions (high winds, for example)
ensure that cranes are ready for use by checking controls, instruments and gauges
move the crane and position the hook so that doggers can attach loads, slings, shackles and chains
check crane cabin instruments to ensure that loads hooked on their machines are within safe working limits
observe and follow the signals given by doggers who direct the moving and positioning of the loads
maintain cranes by inspecting them for defects or wear, lubricate ropes and winches, and replace worn cables

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy technical and engineering activities
able to concentrate for long periods
able to follow verbal and visual instructions
mechanical aptitude and good coordination
good eyesight for visual judgment of distances
comfortable working at heights
safety-conscious
able to work as part of a team
at least 18 years of age

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a crane operator you usually have to obtain a licence to Perform High Risk Work issued by SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT. To gain a licence, you will need to register with an approved Registered Training Organisation and work under the supervision of a licensed operator. You will also need to keep an approved logbook to record competencies achieved during training. Assessment by an independent assessor will then be required. The Perform High Risk Work Licence is issued under the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

You can also become a crane operator through a traineeship in Building and Construction (Specialist Trades), Construction Crane Operations or Mobile Crane Operations.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Licences to Perform High Risk Work are issued according to specific classes of crane operation. It is preferable to have a dogging licence before undertaking training to become a crane operator. See the separate entry for Dogger for details.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package or the Transport and Logistics Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Crane operators are employed by building, civil contracting and construction companies; steel companies; crane contractors; manufacturing and engineering firms; iron and steel foundries; timber yards; and the minerals industry. They work on building sites, in factories and on wharves. Some crane operators set up their own businesses. employment opportunities largely depend upon the level of activity within the construction industry, which in turn depends upon the conditions of growth in the economy and the level of private and government investment in construction projects.