About the Trade
The BC Association for Crane Safety has a mandate to oversee the assessment and certification of a range of crane types including different lifting capacities of Mobile Cranes, Tower Cranes, Self-Erect Cranes, and Boom Truck Cranes. Specific certification to operate are issued through either the Industry Training Authority or BCACS, depending on the lifting capacity of the crane. If you are unsure if your particular crane requires you to be certified go to Find Your Crane Type on the Crane Operator page.
Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes have a lattice or a hydraulic boom. They are typically mounted on tracks or rubber-tired carriers. They can have a steel latticework or telescopic boom and are often used on larger construction projects such as bridges, dams and mines.
Click here to read what an operator says about running a Mobile Crane.
Tower 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 and can be attached to the sides of structures as well. They often give the best combination of height and lifting capacity and are typically used in the construction of tall buildings.
Click here to read what an operator says about running a Tower Crane.
Boom Trucks
Boom trucks are truck-mounted folding, or telescopic cranes. They can be used for erecting steel, delivering building supplies, installing advertising signs, and power poles and lines as well as many other uses.
Click here to read what an operator says about running a Boom Truck.
Self-Erect Cranes
Self-erect tower cranes are small, remotely operated tower cranes with less lifting capacity than traditional tower cranes. They are delivered to the site and do not need another crane to be used to erect them. Uses include lifting small loads of concrete and construction materials for low-rise buildings.