Construction sites come with an inherent level of risk due to the nature of the work. It requires an extensive amount of physical labor and the utilization of heavy machinery, and this equipment must be handled with care to keep workers and everyone on the job site safe and protected.
One of the most common pieces of heavy equipment found on these construction sites is a crane. Cranes can range in size from mobile cranes attached to work trucks and tower cranes that stand tall over the job site. While operating a crane, it is important to not only abide by safety regulations but also keep an eye on the weather.
Certain weather patterns can impact the safety of crane operations, and it is important to be aware of these patterns and when it is time to put a pause on work due to the weather.
If you need to use a crane for a construction job but are not sure what to do in the event of severe weather, you are in the right place. This post will go over specific weather conditions that you need to keep an eye out for while operating a crane as well as some safety tips to keep yourself and others safe while on the job.
Understanding Extreme Weather Conditions
If we are talking about construction work and operating heavy machinery, then why bring up the weather? Is it really that Important? As a matter of fact, it is a very big deal. Serious weather patterns can make working conditions dangerous and lead to serious accidents and injuries from damaged equipment or cranes toppling over.
Weather patterns can vary depending on the time of year and where you live. Springtime can be a little rainier while summer can bring in potential storms. But when does it shift from just a little bit of rain to extreme weather conditions that make crane operating dangerous?
There are a few factors to keep in mind, and one is the severity of the weather patterns. A drizzle of rain is not much cause for concern, but if it is raining cats and dogs then that needs to be taken seriously.
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Start Enrollment ProcessFind The Right Location For YouThe Impact of Weather on Crane Operations
Different weather patterns pose different kinds of problems and threats for crane operators on a construction site. It is important to be aware of the risks that each of these imposes while operating a crane so that you can be prepared to take the appropriate actions. If the weather is severe enough, safety comes first. No job is worth risking your life or the lives of others on the site.
Some of these severe weather conditions to look out for include the following.
- High Winds: Because cranes are exceptionally tall and designed to reach places up high, they can be very susceptible to winds. Strong winds can push against a crane and cause it to become unbalanced, leading to it potentially falling over. Many cranes have wind speed indicators to determine when wind speeds are serious enough to put a stop to work.
- High Temperatures: Cranes, like many pieces of heavy machinery, do not have much in the realm of air conditioning. If temperatures outside get too hot, this can put workers at a serious risk of heat stroke and other injuries caused by overheating. Hydraulic fluids in the crane can also be impacted by severe temperatures.
- Low Temperatures: On the opposite end of the spectrum, temperatures that get below freezing can lead to frostbite and other injuries. Cranes do not provide much protection from the cold, even in the cabin, which is why it’s important to keep an eye on the thermometer when operating a crane.
- Lightning Strikes: Cranes are essentially giant metal sticks operated by a series of controls. During a lightning storm, they can quickly become makeshift lightning rods and put operators at serious risk of electrocution. If lightning strikes nearby, step away from the metal stick.
- Rain: While a small drizzle of rain is not too big of a problem, heavy rainfall can saturate the ground and create mud and an obscured field of vision. Cranes can easily sink into mud and become unbalanced, tipping over in the process. Wet surfaces also reduce traction, making it more difficult for mobile cranes to maneuver around safely.
- Fog: Fog can obstruct your view while you operate a crane, making it more difficult to see potential hazards or obstacles in the way.
- Crane Operation at Night: While not necessarily a “weather” condition, operating a crane at night poses just as much of a risk as these other conditions. Your field of vision is significantly limited at night, making it more difficult to navigate around obstacles and avoid potential hazards.
Tips for Maintaining Crane Safety in Extreme Weather Conditions
Now that we have gone over the specific dangers and risks that come with operating a crane during various severe weather conditions, what can you do about it? Are you meant to just stop working every time there is a gentle breeze or a droplet of rain? Not necessarily.
There are preventative measures you can take before even stepping into the crane that can help keep you and others safe. There are also specific safety measures that you can take in the event you find yourself in the middle of a severe weather situation.
Pre-Operational Inspections
Performing pre-operational crane inspections can make sure that your crane is working properly and that there are no potential issues or concerns. These inspections include checking for wear and tear on any of the crane components as well as making sure that workers do not go over the crane’s load rating at any point.
Specific Weather Conditions Safety Tips
- High Winds: Do not operate cranes in winds stronger than what is recommended, and make sure that all loads are properly secured.
- Night Operation: Be sure that there is adequate lighting with floodlights and light towers.
- Rainy Days: Try to move the crane to a sheltered area or use temporary coverings. Make sure that the cabin has windshield wipers properly installed.
- Foggy Condition: Due to limited visibility, keep the crane at a safe distance and slow down lifting and slewing speeds.
- Thunderstorm and Lighting: At the first crack of thunder, pause all work until conditions improve. Make sure that the proper lightning rods are installed on exceptionally tall cranes.
- Snow and Ice: Be sure to use salt or grit to improve traction on icy patches. Also, make sure that the equipment can handle working in those lower temperatures.
Become a Certified Crane Operator
Do you want to be a certified crane operator? The Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC) offers a tower crane operator training program to teach you the skills necessary to pursue your crane operator certification. Our campuses are located in California, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Washington state.
If you have any questions about our crane operator training program, the admissions process, or any other concerns, visit our website or get in touch with us! We are more than happy to help you every step of the way as you pursue your crane certification!
