Weather Conditions and Mobile Crane Safety
Crane Safety, Mobile Cranes | Oct 25 / 22
Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the efficiency and safety of your project, especially when dealing with complex lifts or difficult site conditions. If you are faced with severe weather conditions such as extreme heat, heavy snow, thunder, or strong winds, it is crucial to understand which precautions need to be taken to ensure that the job is done right while keeping everyone safe. As a leading provider of quality mobile crane rentals, the team at TNT Crane & Rigging knows how important crane safety is for every project. That is why we have compiled some information on various weather conditions and mobile crane safety to help you maintain a high level of safety and efficiency on your site regardless of the season.
Learn about 3 factors that affect the maximum reach of a mobile crane.
4 Potentially Hazardous Weather Conditions
Some projects need to continue even if the weather conditions are less than ideal. While work can still be performed in most situations, it is important to take several precautions in the following weather conditions:
1. High-Speed Winds
Most mobile crane manufacturers include the maximum wind speed for safe operation in their technical manuals, so it is important to keep this information in mind during operation. The most important factors to consider when dealing with wind are the size and weight of the materials and how high they need to be lifted. Wind speeds increase with height, so it is important to ensure that your crane has an anemometer fitted on the jib. If the speeds are too high, it is best to wait until the wind settles down before performing the lift.
2. Heavy Rain or Snow
Heavy rain or snow can drastically reduce visibility, making most lifts more prone to safety risks. Rain and snow can also reduce traction for mobile cranes, affecting total lift capacity and maneuverability unless the unit is outfitted with tracks. Rain or snow are often the most subjective weather conditions, as every operator will have a varying level of comfort. Should rain or snow ever cause doubts for a lift, it is always best to wait until weather conditions improve.
3. Extreme Heat
Summer heat can greatly increase strain on mobile crane fluids, moving components, and the operator. A close inspection of all fluid levels and the condition of seals is crucial before each lift, as heat can cause expansion or leaks. If the operator is not adequately prepared for the heat, they may become queasy or lightheaded. If this occurs, operations should be halted immediately until the operator recovers.
4. Thunder and Lightning
If thunder or lightning are present, operations should cease immediately until the storm has passed. A crane can act as a lightning rod during a storm, posing a major risk to the operator and all nearby personnel. A lightning strike can also cause immense damage to equipment, potentially even rendering it inoperable.
To learn more about safely operating a mobile crane in severe weather or to inquire about our mobile crane rentals, reach out to the team at TNT Crane & Rigging. Our experts will work with you to provide a safe and efficient solution for your precise site requirements.
Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the efficiency and safety of your project, especially when dealing with complex lifts or difficult site conditions. If you are faced with severe weather conditions such as extreme heat, heavy snow, thunder, or strong winds, it is crucial to understand which precautions need to be taken to ensure that the job is done right while keeping everyone safe. As a leading provider of quality mobile crane rentals, the team at TNT Crane & Rigging knows how important crane safety is for every project. That is why we have compiled some information on various weather conditions and mobile crane safety to help you maintain a high level of safety and efficiency on your site regardless of the season.
Learn about 3 factors that affect the maximum reach of a mobile crane.
4 Potentially Hazardous Weather Conditions
Some projects need to continue even if the weather conditions are less than ideal. While work can still be performed in most situations, it is important to take several precautions in the following weather conditions:
1. High-Speed Winds
Most mobile crane manufacturers include the maximum wind speed for safe operation in their technical manuals, so it is important to keep this information in mind during operation. The most important factors to consider when dealing with wind are the size and weight of the materials and how high they need to be lifted. Wind speeds increase with height, so it is important to ensure that your crane has an anemometer fitted on the jib. If the speeds are too high, it is best to wait until the wind settles down before performing the lift.
2. Heavy Rain or Snow
Heavy rain or snow can drastically reduce visibility, making most lifts more prone to safety risks. Rain and snow can also reduce traction for mobile cranes, affecting total lift capacity and maneuverability unless the unit is outfitted with tracks. Rain or snow are often the most subjective weather conditions, as every operator will have a varying level of comfort. Should rain or snow ever cause doubts for a lift, it is always best to wait until weather conditions improve.
3. Extreme Heat
Summer heat can greatly increase strain on mobile crane fluids, moving components, and the operator. A close inspection of all fluid levels and the condition of seals is crucial before each lift, as heat can cause expansion or leaks. If the operator is not adequately prepared for the heat, they may become queasy or lightheaded. If this occurs, operations should be halted immediately until the operator recovers.
4. Thunder and Lightning
If thunder or lightning are present, operations should cease immediately until the storm has passed. A crane can act as a lightning rod during a storm, posing a major risk to the operator and all nearby personnel. A lightning strike can also cause immense damage to equipment, potentially even rendering it inoperable.
To learn more about safely operating a mobile crane in severe weather or to inquire about our mobile crane rentals, reach out to the team at TNT Crane & Rigging. Our experts will work with you to provide a safe and efficient solution for your precise site requirements.
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