Worried About The Weather? How To Operate A Crane During Bad Weather
If you need to operate your crane during inclement weather, it's important to take steps to ensure safety. Inclement weather increases the risk for accidents and injuries. This is especially true where wind, torrential rains, and lightning are concerned. With the right safety procedures, you can operate your crane during these weather conditions. If you're not sure what steps to take, read the list provided below. Here are five steps that will keep your crane crew safe during inclement weather.
Use an Experienced Operator
If your crane project is scheduled during inclement weather, be sure to have an experienced operator. Not all crane operators are trained for inclement weather conditions. You can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by using an experienced operator.
Inspect the Crane
When it comes to operating a crane during inclement weather, you need to start with an inspection. Inspecting your crane will identify any problems that could get worse during bad weather. Pay close attention to the rigging. If the rigging shows signs of damage, don't use your crane during inclement weather. It's also important to inspect your crane throughout the day, especially when wind and lightning are involved.
Assess the Weather
If you need to use your crane during inclement weather, begin by assessing the weather. If weather conditions aren't affecting the crane, you can begin your project. For instance, if high winds aren't causing the crane to sway, you can move forward with the project. But, if the weather is interfering in any way, postpone the project. If you're not sure about the weather, contact the local weather agency. They can give you up-to-date information on current weather conditions.
Monitor the Changes
If you're working through inclement weather, be sure to monitor the changes. Weather conditions can change quickly in Australia, especially during storms. Some changes to watch for include increased wind speeds, or active lightning strikes near the worksite. If you're dealing with torrential rains, you should also monitor flood conditions. Heavy rains can cause your crane to sink.
Know When to Postpone
If you need to work through inclement weather conditions, know when to postpone the project. If you see changes in weather conditions that affect safety, or your crane becomes difficult to operate, postpone the project as soon as possible. Operating a crane under hazardous weather conditions can pose serious safety risks for everyone involved. Working under these conditions can also do considerable damage to your crane.
For more information about cranes, contact a local company.