There are many different kinds of crane, both mobile and fixed, and the work of a crane operator is to ensure that the crane is capable of the task required: they are also responsible for its maintenance and of safeguarding the people and equipment around them by constantly being aware of the factors affecting the crane’s safety, such as the wind conditions. They should also check and control its stability and load-bearing capacity and be aware of local obstacles that may affect the crane’s operation such as high buildings, trees and power lines, to name but a few. Smaller cranes may be mounted on a lorry, and the operator is responsible for delivering it to its working site: they will also be responsible for positioning larger mobile cranes. Sometimes the work is done from a cabin mounted on the crane, and sometimes the operation will be carried out from the ground via a cable or wireless control system: at other times the operator will be guided by an assistant on the ground who will inform the operator of how and where to deposit or pick up the load.
They may often be required to work shorter or longer hours than the usual 37 hours, as the work is dependant on daylight and weather conditions, and so is seasonably variable. Often the work will be away from home for mobile crane operators. A certain standard of fitness is required to climb up and down to the cabin, and conditions require the wearing of protective clothing at all times. Starting salaries are c. £15,000 p.a.
Description
2012
