When hiring a tower crane, it’s important to ensure you’re factoring in how the weather can affect crane operation into your timelines and scheduling. Here are a few ways weather can impact operations…
High winds
One of the biggest factors that can delay a build is high winds. High winds can have many effects on a tower crane. The main effect it has is causing difficulty when positioning a load, particularly when the surface area is large relative to the weight or a high degree of precision is needed e.g. pre-cast elements, planks, etc.
Tower cranes have a maximum wind speed that they can operate in. To operate safely, tower cranes mustn’t be used if they either exceed their maximum wind speeds or the wind speed does not enable the specific load being lifted to be safely controlled at all times.
High temperatures
In high temperatures cooling fans for the electrical components may need to be uprated. The crane’s cabin may need air-conditioning and sun blinds
It’s important to monitor the temperature to make sure it’s still safe to use the equipment and for the crane operator to operate.
Lightning
Lightning can pose a high safety risk when operating a tower crane. In the event of lightning the driver stays in the cab. No lifting should take place whilst lightning is happening nearby. The crane is earthed so the driver is safe but a banksman putting a load on the chains could be at risk.
As a tower crane is high, it can act as a earthing mechanism for the lightning to run through it. In the case this happens, the tower crane will need to have a safety check, as a lightning bolt can cause issues with a tower crane’s electrical system.
When operating a tower crane, the weather should be monitored. This will help you to ensure the crane can be operated safely and efficiently.
At Bennetts Cranes, our team are highly experienced in all-weather conditions and are on hand to answer any crane-related questions. We also have our own in-house repairs and maintenance teams including highly skilled tower crane electricians and mechanics. Get in touch today to hire your next tower crane – https://www.tower-crane.co.uk/contact-us/
