Back to Career Search |
Hoist Operator |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Description Imagine how many people it would take to move a giant sized tank? When heavy and awkward objects need to be moved and transported, hoists often do the job. Well, not exactly. Hoist operators actually manoeuvre the hoists. Hoist operators service and operate the hoist and swing equipment used to move machinery at construction sites, industrial yards, ports and other locations. Just like Fred Flintstone, hoist operators sit in the little booth (called a cab) and direct the movement and activity of the hoist. Hoist operators manipulate a number of pedals and levers to rotate the crane, and raise and lower its boom and one or more loadlines. They often perform all or some of these operations simultaneously. These days hoists are computerized so operators must know how to operate these newer, more user friendly devices. Also, as hoists get lighter, they are able to lift heavier loads. Hoist operators use a number of different hoists to lift cargo, machinery and other objects, small distances. The weight that hoists can carry is quite high -- from less than 90 tonnes to several thousand tonnes. There are several different types of hoists which come in various shapes and sizes, designated to perform certain tasks. There are bridge hoists, tower cranes, mobile cranes, pile-driving hoists and hydraulic hoists, just to name a few. The three basic hoists are boom trucks, tower cranes and mobile cranes. Wellhead boom truck operators set up units and operate hydraulic booms used for wellhead pumping operations, wire line operations and coiled tubing operations. Medium or heavy boom truck operators operate hydraulic booms that are mounted on trucks and are capable of moving very heavy loads. Tower crane operators service and operate travelling, fixed or climbing type hoisting equipment with a vertical mast or tower and a jib. Accordingly, mobile hoist operators service and operate booms which are mounted on crawlers or wheeled frames. Mobile operators sometimes drive the crane to the construction site, and rig the machine up using blocking and levelling materials. Other aspects of the hoist operator's job include assembling and dismantling the hoist, performing routine maintenance and driving the hoist from one construction site to the next. Depending on the operator's employer, the length of time that a hoist operator spends with one project can vary. For example, a large project, like a tunnel, may last for years whereas a more standard project will last under a year or even a few weeks. |
|
![]() Average Earnings |
|||
| |||
![]() Interests and Skills |
|||
| |||
![]() Typical Tasks |
|||
| |||
![]() Workplaces, Employers and Industries |
|||
| |||
![]() Long Term Career Potential |
|||
| |||
![]() Educational Paths |
|||
|
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2002, http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes_nat.htm |
Featured Schools |
UEI College
Intercoast Colleges
Institute of Technology
You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology.
Programs Offered:
Mayfield College
|
Agriculture and Bio-resources | Allied Health and Health Sciences | Applied Business Technology | Architecture Business Administration | Computer Science | Cosmetology and Esthetics | Culinary, Travel &Hospitality | Dance Engineering Technology & Applied Technology |Engineering | Film | Fine Arts and Design | Humanities and Liberal ArtsJustice and Security Music | Natural and Applied Sciences | Naturopathic and Holistic MedicineNursingPublic Administration & PolicyReligious and Theological Studies Sport Sciences and Physical Education | Teacher Education | Theatre |
|
Articles |
College News |
Videos |
Feedback |
Career Search
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Faq | Terms of Use | Policy Statement | Site Map | Cities Site Map |
|
Copyright 2003- 2018 QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |