Tower crane operators work on high-rise construction sites from within their operating cabs, several hundred feet up in the air—the equivalent of 30 stories off the ground. While just the thought of this is enough to get a regular person’s palms sweating, for tower crane operators, there are very few jobs that could provide the same thrill.
In this piece, we’ll explore what a typical day for a tower crane operator is like. Read on to find out more:
Background and Certification Requirements
A tower crane operator’s job goes beyond merely moving joysticks back and forth. Not only do crane operators need to safely and effectively operate a tall and massive crane, but they must also have a thorough understanding of crane equipment, attachments, loads, and weight balances.
Crane operators also need to be certified. Moreover, their certifications must be issued by an established and accredited certifying body such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
In order to obtain their licenses, crane operators must successfully complete a rigorous two- to four-year apprenticeship program, as well as training programs for operating with heavy equipment.
Not only do operators possess a keen understanding of everything involved in controlling heavy machinery and equipment, but they also know how to use different crane types and models, and how to inspect equipment on a day-to-day basis.
Many commercial construction companies prefer to run their crane operators through their own crane operator programs as well.
A Typical Day for a Tower Crane Operator
Working a tower crane isn’t exactly for the faint of heart. As tower cranes begin to take on weight or catch passing wind gusts, they may gently sway, flex, or creak—things that crane veterans have come to accept. Tower crane operators are expected to spend hours in their operating cabs. These hours are spent carefully lifting and relocating large and heavy objects and materials to designated areas on the construction site.
In order to ensure the safety of all tower crane operators and other workers on construction sites, it’s essential that companies use technological fail-safes and crane safety equipment.
We have been a long-standing and reliable distributor of Rayco Wylie crane safety equipment for more than 20 years. We sell crane wind speed indicators, crane camera systems, crane load moment indicators, and more. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our products. Call us at 1-877-672-2951.