Winter presents a unique set of challenges for rigging operations, with cold temperatures, ice and snow affecting both equipment and working conditions. Ensuring safety during these months requires meticulous planning, understanding of the environment, and adherence to safety protocols.
Inspect Equipment Thoroughly
Before the first cold snap, do a thorough inspection of your rigging equipment. The changing temperatures can cause metal to deform or become brittle. Look for any cracks, deformities or signs of wear that would jeopardize the safety of your rigging operation. Replace suspect components before you get to work.
Prepare for Wind, Snow and Ice
Even if you’re used to mild winters, you can still encounter challenges from severe weather events, like the North Texas Blizzard of 2022.
High winds can catch suspended loads and make them difficult to control, while ice buildup on your equipment can create slip-and-fall hazards for your crew. Monitor weather forecasts closely, store equipment appropriately and have a plan to safely pause operations if the weather is too hazardous.
Account for Reduced Lifting Capabilities
Warm up equipment before operating to prevent malfunctions, check surfaces around cranes for slush and ice, cover your equipment with a weather-resistant tarp and store hardware and wire rope in climate-controlled areas.
Consult manufacturer guidelines and have a backup plan if you need to pause your operations. It is better to be overly prepared than not prepared enough.
Protect Your Crew
Verify your workers have cold-weather PPE, such as gloves, hats, insulated coveralls and waterproof boots. Provide warm areas for them to take breaks and rotate crews so that no one is working out in the cold for too long.
Without the proper protection, colds and illnesses are more likely to spread among your crew. Having too many people out sick can significantly delay your operations. Reduce this risk by establishing a winter action plan.
Demand More from Your Rigging This Winter
Don’t let the winter weather catch you off guard. Prep your rigging, protect your crew and get more done with professional rigging products from Southwest Wire Rope.