Cranes are essential equipment that make it possible to lift and move heavy loads on construction sites worldwide. Whether you want to build dams, bridges, or skyscrapers, these complex yet amazing machines will ensure all your operations run smoothly. However, when it comes to using a crane, you have got two options – purchasing a crane for your project or renting cranes from a crane rental company. While buying a crane is expensive, hiring it from a service provider can be an economical option. And, should you be living in Perth or nearby areas and are looking for a company that provides the best shutdown crane services in Perth, you can consider getting in touch with us. At ABC Crane Hire, we offer a wide range of cranes and provide licensed operators trained to operate the equipment efficiently.
Having said that, safety is one of the most important aspects you need to consider when operating the crane. Using a defective crane or operating a crane in bad weather conditions risks potential damage to the equipment and can injure your workers. This blog will discuss different weather conditions and how you can handle crane operations in such situations.
Top 5 Tips for Operating Cranes in Extreme Weather Conditions
Should you want to reduce the risk of damage and injury, you must know how to handle cranes in bad weather conditions. Here are some useful tips for you.
- Lightning
As cranes are good conductors of electricity, they are more likely to be struck by lightning. A lightning strike can cause total power failure and damage the electrical systems of a crane. So, as soon as you hear the sounds of thunder, stop the work and take shelter far away from the crane. You can also use a thunder detector to find out the exact location of the lightning and take proper safety measures.
However, experienced crane rental service providers recommend that once the lightning has stopped, you must inspect the crane thoroughly to check for possible damage.
- Excessive Rain
Apart from lightning, you also need to look out for excessive rain. Rain reduces the visibility of the staff operating the crane and makes the construction site slippery. Moreover, if the water enters the various parts of the cranes, it’ll affect their functioning and lead to costly repairs.
- Wind
If the wind is extremely high, it can hamper the stability of the crane and cause loads to swing. This could result in tipping failure or may even cause the load to drop, leading to fatal or serious accidents. Remember, cranes can operate in high winds but only up to a certain speed. Hence, before renting a crane, make sure to take into account various factors, including the lifting capacity. Some cranes like rough terrain and all-terrain cranes can operate better in winds than others.
Did you know, if you engage ABC Crane Hire’s shutdown crane services in Perth, the team will provide you with an instruction manual and a manufacturer’s recommendation for maximum wind speed during operations?
- Heavy Snow
Operating a crane in low temperatures or snow not only affects the crane’s lift capacity and maneuverability but can tensile strength & cause failure. Hence, if there’s heavy snow, it’s best to wait until the condition improves.
- Extreme Heat
In extremely hot conditions, a crane’s engine can potentially overheat or fail to work properly. Moreover, it can affect the ability of crane operators to operate the crane safely. If the temperature inside the cabin gets too high, the operator may begin to suffer from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to check the crane’s engine coolant and fluid levels to ensure all the parts are in proper working condition. You can also opt for a fully functioning air-conditioner on the crane to help the operator maintain proper hydration during the summer season.
Wrapping Up
There you go. Now that you know the safety tips for operating cranes in bad weather conditions, you just have to follow these precautions to ensure the smooth completion of your project. If you have been looking for a company that provides the best shutdown crane services in Perth, your search ends here with ABC Crane Hire. Being the leading crane rental company, we provide a wide array of well-maintained cranes at competitive rates. To get in touch with us, visit ABC Crane Hire or call at (08) 9524 5502.