Keep Your Overhead Cranes Safe And Operational This Winter
An overhead crane is an important piece of equipment for many industrial, manufacturing, and construction companies. If you will be using your overhead crane outdoors at any point during this coming winter, it's very important that you pay attention to what's going on with Mother Nature and Old Man Winter. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when working with overhead cranes in the wintertime.
Upgrade Your Equipment If Needed
Look at your current cranes and see if they are graded for outdoor use during the winter. If not, it might be time to upgrade your overhead cranes. It's possible to get overhead cranes with built-in features that are designed to help the equipment withstand bad weather. This could mean a sturdier crane that can handle a larger gust of wind or a crane that comes with shields or other attached accessories that will help keep ice and snow at bay. Contact a local overhead cranes supplier to discuss your situation.
Keep an Eye on the Weather and Especially the Wind
Just about any construction company or anyone else who works outdoors during the winter knows the importance of staying up-to-date on the weather. The last thing you want is for your crane to go up into the sky and only then notice that the wind is picking up. You should be checking the weather report on the hour when using an overhead crane during the winter. Even if it looks like calm and clear skies, you never know when things might take a turn during the winter.
Know what the maximum amount of wind your crane can handle is and be prepared to stay well under this limit when checking the local weather. Bear in mind that putting a crane up into the air in between buildings that are close together could create a wind tunnel effect that might make the wind even worse.
Regular Inspection is Critical
You regularly inspect all of your heavy equipment, of course, but it's especially important to stay on top of things when the temperature drops below freezing. Pay special attention to your hydraulics and the rigging and make sure you use de-icing liquid if necessary to keep ice at bay before you allow the crane to go into the air. A frozen crane could move in an unexpected way, and this could be dangerous for everyone on your site.
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