How Does The Weather Affect Crane Safety?
If you work in the construction industry, you’ll know only too well that the weather can significantly impact the speed, efficiency and safety of your projects.
The winter brings chilly temperatures, heavy rain, strong winds, snow and ice – which can result in projects being put on hold and completed at a later date when it’s safe to do so. However, the summer month’s come with their fair share of major issues, too.
Let’s take a closer look at how the weather conditions can affect the safety of your crane hire and what you can do to mitigate the risks.
Operating a crane in cold, windy and wet conditions
Here in the UK, we’re no stranger to harsh winters and freezing temperatures. But unfortunately, the cold weather can reduce the strength and precision of heavy lifting equipment – causing it to fail and operate less efficiently.
Although cranes are designed to lift and move large, cumbersome loads, they provide different levels of wind resistance. For example, mobile cranes provide less stability in strong winds than those that are steadied to the ground.
On top of this, operators need to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of catching frostbite, hypothermia and pneumonia. This includes simple things like wearing plenty of layers beneath the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), taking regular breaks, drying hands, and staying hydrated to regulate body temperature.
Operating a crane in hot and dry conditions
On a bright summer’s day, you needn’t worry about visibility being poor – allowing you to focus on the task at hand. However, high temperatures can cause major issues, such as costly holdups and damages – not to mention stress and discomfort for workers.
Excess heat causes the rapid evaporation and absorption of water from mortar, which can have a negative impact when handling and lifting such materials with a crane. Therefore, you need to examine the load before handling, lifting and moving it, to protect yourself and prevent accidents from occurring.
Using a crane in dry weather also increases the risk of the crane accumulating dust and dirt if it’s not cleaned and maintained properly. Which is why it pays to use a reputable crane hire company, like BJW Cranes, who will provide a fully certified crane that’s maintained and tested before it arrives on site.
To ensure maximum safety when using a crane in warm weather, a risk assessment and method statement must be carried out, and all staff need to be briefed on the task at hand.
In addition to this, workers should wear the appropriate clothing and SPF to protect them against the sun’s rays, and take frequent breaks to keep cool and hydrated.
Need to hire a crane in extreme conditions?
Here at BJW Cranes, we pride ourselves on offering a tailored solution for all clients seeking crane hire and are confident we can help you.
Aside from supplying a fully certified crane for your project, as part of our CPA contract lifting service, we can also provide the competent personnel to carry out the lift. This way, you can relax knowing that the crane will be operated safely and correctly, according to the weather conditions.
If you have any questions about operating a crane safely or you’d like to know more about the different crane hire services we provide, you’re welcome to contact us.
Either give us a call on 01724 289 501 or email office@bjwcranes.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you with more information as soon as possible.
How Does The Weather Affect Crane Safety? FAQ’s
Only site managers and technicians with authority should decide whether lifting operations are safe.
Their experience allows them to make well-grounded decisions on whether conditions are too extreme and unsafe.
Site managers will evaluate weather conditions and predicted forecasts to manage risk to personnel and property.
Heavy rain and fog are examples of extreme weather that impair the vision of the operator, making lifts treacherous and dangerous.
Site managers will also determine if conditions are worth postponing construction - suspending lifting when unnecessary is costly as many companies hire cranes on a day-by-day fee basis.
For example, high winds are hazardous - however, most cranes are built to withstand wind speeds up to 20mph.
Site managers and operators will check windspeed and make an executive call on whether operations can go ahead.
BJW Cranes contract lifting services will provide projects with the most competent operators and personnel who can make executive decisions. For more information, call us on 01724289501 today.
The same rules that apply to standard crane operation apply here; only an experienced and qualified appointed person should attempt to operate a crane.
This individual will be able to competently complete lifting operations and suspend them safely if conditions change.
If the site manager has determined that weather conditions are too unsafe to continue lifting, no person should attempt to operate a crane.
A fog that drastically reduces visibility, heavy rain shifting the ground below, or lightning could have forced their decision.
However, sometimes conditions are more extreme than usual without being determined as dangerous enough to halt lifting, such as high winds below 20mph.
With CPA contract lifting, BJW Cranes supply you with the following that eases the burden of navigating and planning lifting operations in the event of extreme weather:
• Trained operators and signallers with the qualifications and experience to help evaluate weather conditions.
• Operation of a safe system of work – we’ll plan every aspect of the contract lift, from scheduling work around extreme weather to halting lifting if necessary.
• Conduct all Method Statements and Risk Assessments before operations begin, detailing potential hazards posed by extreme weather.
• Ensure the crane provided is correctly maintained, tested, and certificated to avoid further complications in the event of harsh weather.
Does CPA contract lifting sound like the most suitable service for your project? Get in touch with us today at 01724289501 to find out more about the crane hire services we offer.
Decreasing the risk of heat stress and illness by wearing PPE that is designed to limit the risk of heat stress, overheating, exhaustion, and severe conditions such as melanoma skin cancer.
UV-specific PPE can protect personnel during extreme heat and blistering sun, such as:
• Garments with UV protection – including shirts, trousers, and high-vis
• UV protection eyewear – goggles to block sun rays
• Sunscreen and cream
Standard PPE should still be worn in extreme heat, including hard hats, safety boots and high-vis vests.
Protecting your workforce is very important as impaired personnel suffering from the effects of sun and heat could cause load falls, property damage and accidents on site, leaving you liable.
Get in touch with BJW Cranes today for a free quote on the crane hire services we offer. Call us on 01724289501, or use our online enquiry form.