You’re all set to do a lift early in the morning on your site in Paramatta. Everything’s ready. The container is packed, the lift zone is prepped, and the crane hire team is on standby. But as the sun rises over Sydney, a strong coastal breeze kicks in out of nowhere. Within minutes, the operation is called off.
It’s not uncommon for otherwise perfectly planned crane lifts to be brought to a halt by Sydney’s rapidly changing weather.
Like it or not, weather conditions play a critical role in determining whether lifting can be done safely. Here’s why the elements can (and should) bring even the most well-planned lifts to a halt.
Wind
Strong winds are dangerous for crane operations, as they create unpredictable forces on both the crane and the load. Even a moderate gust can cause a container to sway, compromising the balance and increasing the risk of a collision or tip-over.
Professional crane operators will use wind metres to constantly monitor conditions, with most cranes having specified wind limits. Mobile cranes are usually specced at around 32-47 km/h.
Beyond these limitations, it’s simply unsafe to lift, and professional crews won’t gamble with the wind, no matter how tight the deadline.
Rain
Rain might not seem like a deal breaker, but wet surfaces make it harder for trucks and cranes to gain traction, especially if they’re working on soft or uneven ground. Rain can also reduce visibility, which is critical for accurate lifting and for seeing hand signals.
More importantly, rain can increase the risk of electrical hazards, particularly if you’re lifting around power lines. At Top Gun Cranes, our team will assess not just how much it’s raining, but how it affects the whole worksite, to determine if it’s safe to lift or not.
Lightning
Lightning is a red line that no one in the lifting business wants to cross. Cranes are tall metal structures and, as such, act as ideal lightning rods. If lightning is detected within a 10 km radius from the lifting site, then all lifting activities will immediately be suspended. This is non-negotiable, as no lift is worth risking anyone’s life.
Site Conditions After A Weather Event
Operations may not immediately resume after the bad weather has passed because mud, puddles, and unstable ground can still prevent cranes from stabilising properly. The ground conditions need to be reassessed before any lift can go ahead.
Top Gun Cranes offers professional crane hire services throughout the greater Sydney area. If you’re looking for an experienced crew and top-tier mobile cranes, then contact us today.