The invention relates to an operating device for a tube lifter having a suction grip device arranged on one end of the lifting tube, the operating device having a suction port for fluid communication with the suction grip device, a lifting tube port for fluid communication with the tube interior of the lifting tube, and a valve means for controlling the fluid communications, the valve means comprising a blocking member, a ventilation valve and a control valve, the valve means being designed such that the control valve is adjustable independently of the position of the blocking member and the valve means being designed such that when the ventilation valve is shifted into the ventilation position the blocking member always closes off the flow path between the tube interior and the suction grip device. The invention also relates to a tube lifter comprising an operating device of this kind.