When you drive a crane, you are taking on a new responsibility

Crane drivers have had to adjust to a new way of travelling, the arrival of a new kind of vehicle, new technology and a new culture.

Some of the new tasks they have had more experience in, and are adapting to: • Operating heavy machinery that is used to carry heavy loads, such as for construction or industrial purposes.

• Moving heavy machinery.

• Operating machinery on heavy machinery, including for moving large quantities of materials.

• Using hydraulic lift systems to move heavy machinery over a steep slope.

• Handling a crane’s wheels and stabilising its structure.

• Driving a crane on a road, bridge or road tunnel.

• Working with a crane that is designed for the vertical movement of equipment, such a large crane.

• Operating on a level surface, such the ground, the ground surface or a river or river channel.

• Building a crane in the same way as a car or truck.

• Being on a crane at night.

This article was written by Paul MacLean.

He is an engineer with the Dublin Bus Transport Association, based in Dublin.