Safely Operating Mobile Cranes In Dangerous Weather Conditions
As one of the most skilled and reliable crane company in the Melbourne and Geelong area, the professionals at Quinlan Cranes know the importance of safety throughout the entirety of a project. In dangerous weather, safety is more important than ever. Our experts work hard to ensure that crane operations are handled safely regardless of the weather conditions.
Mobile cranes can be used for a variety of moving, lifting and shifting tasks. These cranes can effectively and safely get things done. However, when the weather takes a turn for the worst, there are a few things that you should know. Since safety is among our top priorities, understanding the dangers of inclement weather is a critical part of our crane operation services.
Even though our cranes can be operated on bad weather days, certain precautions should be taken to ensure adequate safety for operators and workers when hiring cranes.
• Rain
• Wind
• Lightning
• Storms
• High-impact adverse weather events
The Most Powerful Safety Tool is Common Sense
On a job site, the most powerful safety tool that anyone can have is common sense. If the weather conditions seem unsafe, operations should be halted. To avoid problems and save time, the best way to protect equipment, crew members, and operators is to thoroughly check the weather conditions and forecast before beginning or scheduling a job on any given day.
We Monitor Weather Conditions Closely
Keep in mind that even on days where the forecast does not predict inclement weather, storms can appear. Rapid changes in humidity, temperature, or wind speeds should be monitored closely. All heavy equipment and machinery operations should be suitably modified or halted until the weather conditions have stabilized.
Rainy Weather
Rain can adversely affect the ability of crane crews to safely continue lifting operations. Our experienced staff will consult with you as to the most safety-conscious and efficient ways to deal with prevailing weather conditions.
In heavy rain, the safest precaution to take is to cease work until the weather eases. Waiting until the rain stops to avoid accidents can also save time on a job in the long run.
High Winds
High wind velocity is another weather component that can impact the performance of a crane. In high wind velocity situations, a crane’s load is likely to shift or swing. When enough wind pressure is put on a crane, it can render safe operation impossible.
Our cranes are fitted with wind velocity meters and our operators will liaise with you when wind speeds exceed safe operational levels. When excessive wind speeds prevail, all crane operations should be paused until conditions have improved sufficiently.
The Dangers of Lightning and Storms
Without question, lightning is the biggest threat to a crane on a bad weather day. The electric current of lightning will usually seek the path of least resistance from the sky to the ground. Since cranes are tall machines, the path of least resistance is often straight down the boom and through the carrier.
Not only is lightning dangerous to the crew members and operators, but it can cause ample amounts of damage to the electronic components of a crane. A crane’s mechanical components may also be damaged by lightning strikes.
Cranes with longer booms are most susceptible to the dangers of lightning strikes. To ensure crew and operator safety, checking the weather in advance before scheduling work is always wise.
Avoiding Risks from Storms and Extreme Weather
In some cases, storms form or move in unexpectedly. In these unavoidable storms, safety must be the number one priority for all crew members and crane operators. As soon as thunder can be heard, the boom of the crane should be lowered. Then, the electric power of all cranes on a job site should be turned off.
Workers should then move to a safe location away from cranes. Workers and operators should not return to the crane until thunder and lightning have completely stopped. Before continuing work, all equipment should be thoroughly inspected for damage. If lightning struck the boom or any other part of the crane, expert advice should be sought before proceeding further…
Regardless of the job that needs to be completed, our team of experienced and motivated crane and rigging professionals know how to effectively tackle a challenge. At Quinlan Cranes, our workers have been trained to handle adverse weather conditions safely.
We will resolve any issues on the ground quickly and efficiently to ensure that jobs are completed as safely and efficiently as possible. In adverse weather conditions, Quinlan Cranes will seek alternative solutions to reduce interruptions to installations and job completion schedules.
We provide various cost-saving solutions for our customers in scenarios of inclement weather. Our capability and competence have earned our company a reputation for excellence in Melbourne, Geelong, and beyond.
When you choose Quinlan Cranes, You can rest assured that your job will be completed correctly and promptly by passionate and reliable professionals!
Visit Crane Hire page for more details.