Mobile Cranes in Dangerous Weather

When planning out your projects, it’s crucial to consider the environments you’ll be working in. Weather conditions can significantly affect mobile crane operations, so it’s essential to understand the impact each can have on your work with heavy machinery.

Types of Weather That Threaten Mobile Crane Work

Here are a few types of weather you should stay away from working in:

  • High winds: Heavy winds are one of the most dangerous situations in which to use a crane. These circumstances make it challenging to control heavy loads and increase the likelihood of the crane tipping or becoming unstable.
  • Rain: When it rains, your operators are more likely to experience lower visibility, which can elevate the dangers of collisions. Heavy rainfall also creates slick surfaces that could be potentially hazardous to machine transportation.
  • Thunderstorms and lightning: Working during a harsh storm can pose significant risks to your operation as cranes and elevated jibs are highly susceptible to lightning strikes. If your crane is struck by lightning, you may experience a loss of power, which could render your safety features inoperable.
  • Snow and ice: If you work in colder climates or ones with seasonal changes, you’re likely to experience the effects of cold weather. Cold temperatures, ice and snow will compromise the integrity of various components and also compromise clear vision.

Can Mobile Cranes Get Struck by Lightning?

When thunderstorms are rolling through, your mobile crane has an increased chance of being struck by lightning. This type of equipment is likely the tallest tool on your worksite and tends to be located in isolated and open areas, which are some of the biggest factors attracting lightning. Since metal is a lightning conductor, it’s crucial to call your operators off the job to avoid serious injuries or accidents.

When is it Safe to Use Mobile Cranes?

Understanding when you can and cannot use your mobile cranes is essential to creating a safe and productive working environment. Consider the following weather guidelines to determine whether it’s safe to work:

  • Clear skies
  • Moderate wind
  • Stable temperatures
  • Low humidity
  • Dry ground conditions
Dealing with Dangerous Weather when using Mobile Cranes

Crucial Safety Precautions for Dangerous Weather

Strike the right balance between adverse weather and crane tasks with the following precautions:

Comply With OSHA Standards

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) sets the standards for how worksites should operate when dealing with dangerous weather, like lightning. OSHA requires all managers and supervisors to create a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP). This plan should include a specific safety protocol for outdoor workers made up of factors such as:

  • Steps to be taken after noticing warning signs.
  • Designated safety shelter locations and requirements.
  • Evacuation procedures.
  • Necessary response times.

OSHA lightning standards for working with cranes also mandate supervisors provide detailed training for workers to understand the above requirements.

Monitor Daily Forecasts

Before heading to the jobsite, you and your team should check the weather forecasts. Doing so will help you stay updated on any inclement weather in the area so you can plan and adjust your workday accordingly. Your operators should also watch the sky while working, looking for signs of storms throughout the day. They can also use intuitive weather applications and websites to stay on top of potential weather-related incidents and set alerts when dangerous weather is likely to occur in the area.

Install Lightning Rods

Lightning rods are the first defence against dangerous lightning when working on cranes. In many areas, the weather can change with a snap of your fingers, making it extremely important to outfit your equipment with the necessary precautions. Lightning rods are specialised devices installed at the highest point of a crane that runs the length of your crane to the ground. When lightning strikes, your rod will attract it and allow it to safely travel toward the earth to dissipate. These additions are highly effective and should be professionally installed to protect your operators and equipment in an emergency.

Reach out to Premier Cranes to Learn More About Our Services

If you’re tired of dealing with the weather while working with cranes, you can trust the Premier Cranes & Rigging team to satisfy your project demands. We have an extensive line of mobile cranes ready to tackle various challenges throughout Melbourne and Victoria. Our expert operators have years of experience working with these tools and are meticulously trained to navigate crane projects and weather effects like lightning.

Gain the peace of mind you deserve in your crane projects with Premier Cranes & Rigging by your side. Contact us online to speak with a representative today!

Reach out to Premier Cranes to Learn More About Our Services