The Risks of Operating Cranes in Cold and Windy Weather Conditions
The use of cranes in construction sites and other heavy industries is a common occurrence. Cranes are necessary for lifting heavy loads and performing various operations, however the safe operation of cranes in cold weather can be a challenging task. Cold weather conditions increase the risk of accidents and injuries with various hazards including reduced visibility, poor equipment performance, fatigue in operators and harsh wind conditions that can sway the crane and its load. It is hence vital that crane operators take the necessary precautions and use the right monitoring equipment to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
The Safety Hazards of Wind Conditions on Crane Operation
Wind conditions are a key concern in crane operation and can pose a number of risks such as causing the crane or its load to sway or tip, potentially leading to serious accidents, injuries or damage to the crane and its surroundings. Given the risks involved in operating under strong winds, it is vital to monitor wind conditions and avoid potentially dangerous situations when using a crane.
Some dangers wind can present include:
Wind Gusts: Gusts can cause the crane to sway or tip over, which can be especially dangerous given their size. Wind gusts can be unpredictable, making it challenging to anticipate and respond to them.
Load Swinging: Strong winds can cause the load being lifted to swing or spin out of control, potentially leading to accidents. Load swinging can cause the load to hit other objects or people, causing damage or injuries.
Wind Shear: Wind shear is a sudden change in wind direction or speed and can cause the crane to move or tip over. Wind shear can be caused by various factors such as terrain, temperature and pressure changes.
Wind Chill: Wind chill is the temperature perceived by the body, taking into account the wind speed and temperature. Cold weather conditions combined with strong winds can cause the wind chill to drop to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of hypothermia or frostbite in the operator.
Regulations for Safe Crane Operation and Design in Australia
In Australia, the main regulators responsible for crane safety are the legislative bodies for each jurisdiction such as WorkSafe Victoria or SafeWork NSW. These regulators are responsible for adapting and implementing WHS laws from Safe Work Australia, ensuring that cranes are operated safely and efficiently. Aside from these overarching bodies, crane safety is also managed by a number of other influences such as the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and regulations pertaining to specific applications such as the construction industry.
For specific requirements in crane design, operation and more, Australian Standards including AS 1418 and AS 2550 provide a framework for safety with cranes, hoists and winches. These standards provide specific requirements for crane design, manufacture, testing, operation and more, including those related to wind loading, acting as a resource to help businesses comply with regulations. They cover both general requirements and those for specific applications, such as near live electrical conductors where specific design requirements are necessary to address the risks associated with the intended use.
It is important that cranes be operated only when the wind speed is within the manufacturer's specifications, such as how the limit for mobile cranes is commonly set at 10 m/second (36 km/hour). Alternatively, a competent person may determine the limit by taking into account onsite factors such as the crane's configuration, the size and weight of the load being lifted, and the site specific wind. Limiting and indicating wind speed monitors that can either stop the crane’s motion before it exceeds its limits or indicate this audibly or visually may also be required by certain technical standards, such as in AS 1418.4 for tower cranes. Employers are also required to ensure that cranes are used safely and that adequate controls are in place to manage the risks and avoid reaching the crane’s limits. This includes the need to ensure that crane operators are properly trained, licensed, and that cranes are maintained and inspected regularly.
In addition to regulations that must be followed to operate within the law, various Codes of Practice such as the Mobile Crane Code of Practice and guides such as the Guide to Tower Cranes have been developed to assist businesses in complying with regulation more smoothly, ensuring safe crane operation. These continue to be developed, with the new Code of Practice for Tower Cranes having just been released in June 2023, being a great asset for businesses employing the use of tower cranes.
Wind Speed Monitoring Equipment for Crane Safety
Anemometers can be important tools for crane safety. By monitoring wind conditions and alerting crane operators to potentially dangerous situations, they can be used to help prevent crane accidents. Used to measure wind speed and direction, an anemometer typically consists of a device with cups or propellers that rotate when exposed to wind. The rotation of these parts is converted into an electrical signal, which is processed by the instrument to provide wind speed and direction measurements.
There are several types of anemometers including cup anemometers, propeller anemometers, and ultrasonic anemometers. Cup anemometers are the most common type and consist of three or four cups that rotate around a vertical axis when exposed to wind. Similarly, propeller anemometers, also known as vane anemometers, use a rotating propeller to measure wind speed and direction. Ultrasonic anemometers operate differently to the aforementioned varieties, and instead use sound waves to measure wind speed and direction. Anemometers can also be mounted on cranes, or they can be used as handheld devices. Handheld anemometers are often used by crane operators to check wind conditions before lifting a load as a precautionary measure.
Anemometers are commonly used in a range of applications, including weather forecasting, aviation, marine navigation, and industrial processes. In the context of crane safety, anemometers are used to measure wind speed and provide real-time data to crane operators and other personnel on the job site. This data can then be used identify wind conditions that are unsafe for crane operation, and to take steps to mitigate the risk of wind damage. Anemometers can also be used to monitor wind shear and wind gusts, indicating areas where this may pose a risk to help avoid accidents.
Wireless anemometers such as the Scarlet Tech WL-21 Wireless Anemometer are an effective solution for wind speed monitoring during crane operations. They use advanced technology to measure wind speed, direction, temperature and pressure, providing real-time data that can help crane operators make informed decisions and avoid exerting the crane in poor conditions.
