How The Weather Affects Crane Lifting
Do you need a mobile crane, but are unsure if environmental factors linked to your job site will play a role in crane lifting? Well, the simple answer is yes.
As far as mobile cranes go, these marvellous machines are generally available in four principal formats: truck mounted, rough terrain, crawler or floating. The type of mobile crane you need for a particular task will often depend on a wide variety of variables, such as weight, access and of course, the environment you need to use one in.
Opting for a mobile crane is often a great way to cut down on the expenses of a construction project and is generally considered to be a necessary evil. Of course, it’s also usually the cheaper alternative when compared to the costs of buying, storing and maintaining one yourself. However, even if you do opt to rent one as a means to get the job done, it’s crucial to remember that tasks linked to crane lifting are often at the mercy of the weather.
Environmental Conditions That Influence Crane Usage
From construction to manufacturing to shipbuilding and material loading, cranes are used in a wide variety of settings, sectors and projects. Like any piece of machinery or equipment, safely working with cranes is slightly more complex than pressing the “on” button, and weather conditions influence their effectiveness and safety much more than the average person often realises.
According to Safe Work Australia, there are around 240 serious injury claims every year that are related to working with cranes. If you want to avoid becoming a statistic, many workplace accidents can be avoided by minimising your exposure to risks before the job starts and taking note of your surroundings, such as the weather conditions. As a general rule, the below environmental factors are often serial offenders when it comes to heightened dangers associated with crane lifting.
Wind - High winds during crane lifting procedures can cause the load to swing. As this can place an enormous amount of pressure and an unnecessary load on the crane, worst case scenarios include this causing the load to drop, or even result in tipping failure. While every mobile crane will come with a manufacturer’s recommendation for maximum wind speed during operation which should be strictly adhered to, get the right advice from your rental provider and postpone if the weather is too windy - especially if you’re lifting at significant heights.
Lightning - While many mobile cranes are often formidable in size, the boom attached to them quite literally represents a lightning rod. In the event that you spot lightning on a job site or if you can hear thunder, lower the crane boom as much as possible and turn off power connected to the crane. The operator and any nearby workers should then seek shelter at a far distance from the crane, and any other metal equipment onsite. Before returning to work using the crane, be sure to conduct a thorough safety inspection to check for any electrical damage or faulty ropes.
Rain - Visibility plays a large role in maintaining a safe working environment while using a crane, and without it, work should cease immediately until the rain or fog clears. Damp or wet working areas also increase the chance of a slip or fall, so be sure to take extra precautions when moving in and out of the cab. Significant rainfall can also change the terrain of the job site, with excess mud or rocks having the potential to wreak havoc on the initial work approach. Be sure to check the clutch and brakes as well for any potential water damage.
When working with any form of mobile crane provider, “safety first” shouldn’t be negotiable - it’s an essential. More often than not, a less than ideal mobile crane hire company could very well cause more headaches than they do solutions, so it’s important for consumers to do their research and partner with a reputable provider - but where do you find one?
Sourcing Outdoor Cranes In South East Queensland
Lindores Mobile Cranes (LMC) are a mobile crane and labour hire business that has unequalled experience in the construction industry spanning two generations. In operation since 2007, we’re a family owned business and are also proud owners of Brisbane’s only Humma crane.
Google reviews and even peers within the industry are always a good starting point to ensure that a mobile crane hire company is a reputable business provider. At Lindores, we’re not only too happy to show you the feedback from our customers, but it’s something that we’re actually quite proud of.
At LMC, we pride ourselves on knowing what our customers require, and aren’t afraid to think outside of the box with suggestions in order to reduce costs and increase productivity. If you would like to explore your options regarding crane hire in South East Queensland or aren’t quite sure where to start, get in touch with us today.
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