In our previous post, we reviewed the environmental impacts to consider when operating lifting equipment in cold weather. These can be reduced by taking certain precautions. However, we must not forget the operators working with and around the machines, whose needs must be taken into account.
The cold weather is also affecting crane operators, so all necessary precautions must be taken to enable them to carry out lifting tasks safely and efficiently.
Working at low temperatures is a big inconvenience for workers, which can cause work processes to be rushed. Examples include insufficiently thorough safety checks or moving loads with cranes that exceed the lifting weight adjusted for low temperatures.
Since these omissions can lead to dangerous situations and in addition to the human workforce, can even endanger the integrity of lifting equipment, you should always be well prepared for the low temperature conditions.
This includes any Measure, equipment or equipment to ensure the wellbeing and health of staff, from winter clothing, to more frequent rest periods in the warming rooms, to keeping the crane cab at an optimal temperature.
As indicated in the in our previous post we have written, in cold weather it is very important to remove accumulated snow and ice, both from lifting equipment and cargo. But the fight against icing does not stop there.
Care should be taken to ensure that any areas or routes used by workers have adequate slip protection. In the event of thawing, the ground can become muddy and unstable, which is an important factor for mobile cranes, so checking the condition of the ground and taking the necessary precautions is essential for safe lifting operations.
In addition to low temperatures, another feature of working in winter is the increase in the number of hours worked after dark. Good visibility and visibility must be ensured at all times.
This includes lighting the work area, ensuring that machinery lighting and lights work properly and that people working in the area are visible. During the winter, it is common for visibility to be limited by snowfall or rain in addition to early darkness.
It is worth making a plan of what work can be done in such cases and when to stop work completely.
An essential part of being prepared for work in cold weather is to have extra clothing, perhaps thermal blankets, on hand in case of extreme cold.
However, it is already the weather-independent expectation that the necessary means are available in case of an emergency, such as first aid equipment or the need to ensure and monitor the availability of communication networks in the event of breakdowns or accidents.
