How to Operate a Crane In Bad Weather

Operating a crane is a job which requires nerves of steel and an eye for precision at the best of times, yet when this profession is combined with adverse weather conditions, the job requires a whole other level of expertise. As we head into the colder months, NMT Crane Hire explains how to operate a crane when the weather takes a turn for the worst?

Strong Winds

Unsurprisingly, the most pressing issue presented to crane operators is strong winds. Being such tall and slender obstacles, strong winds pose an imminent threat to the stability of a crane. Despite being equipped with counterweights of varying sizes to cope with different conditions, cranes are typically restricted to lifting in conditions in excess of 20 mph. The typical industry practice will see most lifts postponed if winds creep up to and around the 15 mph mark to err on the side of caution.

Due to the stature and structure of a crane, there is no definitive answer as to how to operate a crane is windy conditions. The general rule of thumb will be to wait until the wind settles as health and safety is the priority of any lift.

Thunder and Lighting

When storms are brewing, there are a number of other problems which must be considered by crane operators. Although there are no official guidelines which offer guidance for operating in thunder and lighting, it is generally advised to abandon any lifting once thunder is detected at least 10 miles away. If the last sighting of thunder has been detected 10 miles away, the very next strike could be in your location, no matter if it is raining or not. As cranes are large metal structures, they are more likely to be struck by lightning as they are conductors of electricity, which is why abandoning the crane once thunder and lightning have been detected is advised. Do not return back to the cockpit of the crane until 30 minutes has passed since the last thunder strike. Again, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Contact

For more information on how to operate a crane or other industry-relevant topics, head over to our news page. If you wish to learn more about our services, contact NMT Crane Hire on 0800 026 6985 or leave us a message via our online contact form.

The Components Of a Crane’s Design

To help construct and sculpt buildings and all shapes and sizes, a crane’s design has to be sophisticated enough to be able to adapt to the needs and requirements of any project. Having been developed over centuries, the crane’s design has reached a stage where no project is too big, but what are the components of a crane’s design which enable contractors and builders to build bigger and bigger? NMT crane Hire outline all the features and components which make these machines a mainstay on every construction site.

Jib

Arguably the most practical element of a crane’s design, a jib is the arm of the crane which is responsible for lifting and manoeuvring the materials around the site. Although there are many different variations of jibs, including luffing jibs and fixed jibs, the main premise of this component is to hold and suspend the materials attached to the cranes…

Hooks

Although this feature may not compare to the other components in terms of size, hooks are undisputably just as important. Used to connect the materials to the crane, hooks are suspended from a hoist rope and can be connected to various points of the crane, depending on the size and weights of the materials.

Weights

Especially in the case of tower cranes, one of the main downfalls of a crane’s design is the potential for the structure to capsize. Cases of these tragedies are extremely rare, however, largely due to the role of weights on a crane. Placed at the rear end of the crane, these weights are designed to counter the weight of the materials being lifted, and an extensive level of care is taken to determine the appropriate amount of weight needed for the crane.

Operating Cabin

The control centre of a crane, the cabin is the area of the crane which houses the operator, as well as the controls, anemometer, scales and other essential features. Typically located above the sewing unit of a crane, the cabin is one of the most important elements to a crane, purely for providing an office for operators to carry out their work.

Our knowledge of cranes and their design features stems from over 30 years of industry practice with these machines. If you wish to enquire about over services, contact NMT Crane Hire today on 0800 026 6985 or message us via our online contact form.

The Five Most Interesting Crane Facts

Although they may be a staple part of our everyday landscapes, there is often more than meets the eye when it comes to cranes. In our latest blog post, NMT Crane Hire unearth some of the most interesting crane facts and shed light on what makes these machines so efficient and so fascinating.

Crane Fact 1. They Share their Name With a Bird

There is a reason why your google search for ‘cranes’ may throw up images of a long-necked bird, and that is because these machines were inspired by this slender creature. As one of the tallest man-made tools, it is clear to see how these machines drew inspiration from the tallest flying bird in the world.

Crane Fact 2. A Crane’s Jib Mimics a Human Knuckle

Continuing with the theme of nature, a crane’s articulating jib has been designed to copy the natural movement of a human finger. To help manoeuver materials in tight spaces and to allow for a wider range of movement, the crank in the crane’s neck, formally known as a jib, was designed around the shape of a human’s finger to help the machines hook products and hoist them at a more acute angle.

Crane Fact 3. Humans or Animals Used To Power Cranes

Before the 19th century and the invention of the steam engine, humans and animals, such as horses, would be used to generate power for the crane to be able to function. Nowadays, however, with the inventions of internal combustion engines, humans can sit comfortably within the cabin and operate it from there with much more ease.

Crane Fact 4. Cranes Were Invented By The Ancient Greeks

As mentioned in our earlier blog entitled ‘The History of the Crane,’ the earliest models of these machines were created and designed by ancient Greeks. Used to help construct buildings and monuments, as well as to shift large quantities of materials, the Greeks put the wheels in motion for what has become one of the most frequently used machines in construction.

Crane Fact 5. Cranes Build Themselves

Unlike any other piece of machinery, cranes can literally build themselves. Workers secure each unit of the crane as it is lifted up piece by piece, and once the control panel has been installed, the crane uses its own functions to help attach the various other components that make up the whole structure.

Contact NMT Today

We hope you have enjoyed this list of the 5 most interesting crane facts. To find out more about our crane hire services, contact NMT Crane Hire today by calling us on 0800 026 6985.

The Day to Day Life of a Crane Operator

Construction cranes are a feat of engineering, so it is no surprise to learn that operating these machines is an intricate and complex science. To understand how these machines are handled and manoeuvred on a daily basis, NMT Crane Hire outlines the routine practices of a crane operator.

1. Assemble the Crane

Before anyone goes climbing up to the operating cabin, the first job is to set up and assemble the crane. Crane operators are responsible for driving trucks and materials to worksites and aiding the assembly process. This process consists of blocks and outriggers to prevent capsizing, bolting the boom sections together to extend or modify the boom for pile driving or high lifting, depending on the job.

2. Safety Checks

Once the crane has been assembled, the next step is for the crane operator to carry out routine safety checks. These checks consist of checking for any signs of visible damage or wear and tear to the wire ropes, hooks and every other part. The responsibility of assessing the conditions also falls to the crane operator. Due to the nature of the machines and their structure, operators must err on the side of caution and only use the crane if the conditions are suitable. Take a look at our previous blog to find out How to Operate a Crane in Bad Weather.

3. Operate the Crane

Finally, after the crane has been assembled and all the checks have been carried out, it is time to get to work. With a typical shift lasting between 8-12 hours, a crane operators lift of tasks consists of lowering materials into place, lifting and manoeuvring them by demand of the site manager, and aiding the general construction of every project.

To find out more about this line of work, contact NMT Crane Hire today by calling us on 0800 026 6985 or by leaving us a message. You can also browse all of crane operator vacancies here.