BC Crane Safety oversees the assessment and certification of mobile crane, boom truck and tower crane operators. Within each of these general categories are several classifications based on the design and lifting capacity of the crane. Knowing the classification of the crane you intend to operate helps determine your options.

Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes have a steel lattice or a telescoping hydraulic boom. Typically, they are mounted on tracks or rubber-tired carriers. They are often used on larger construction projects such as bridges, dams and mines.

Boom Trucks

Boom trucks are truck-mounted folding or stiff boom telescoping cranes. They have many uses: erecting steel, delivering building supplies, installing advertising signs, and servicing electrical utilities.

Tower and Self-erect Cranes

Tower cranes consist of a horizontal boom with an operator cab on top of a tower. They are generally fixed to the ground on a concrete slab, however some are attached to the sides of structures. They are typically used in the construction of tall buildings.

Self-erect tower cranes are smaller, remotely-operated tower cranes with less lifting capacity. Another crane is not required for assembly at the worksite. Uses include lifting small loads of concrete and construction materials for low-rise buildings.