Preparing Cranes for Winter Conditions 

// December 17, 2024

Preparing for winter and cold conditions for mobile or tower crane operations involves key steps to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. Here’s a guide on how to get ready: 

1. Inspect and Maintain Equipment for Cold Weather

• Lubricants and Fluids: Switch to cold-weather lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and greases that perform better in low temperatures. Make sure all fluids are rated for the expected winter conditions. 
• Battery Maintenance: Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, so ensure batteries are in good condition and replace them if necessary. 
• Fuel Systems: Use winter-grade fuel for diesel-powered cranes and consider adding anti-gel additives to prevent fuel from freezing.
• Inspect Hoses and Seals: Cold weather can cause rubber components like hoses and seals to become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Inspect these thoroughly and replace any worn or damaged parts. 

2. Operational Adjustments for Cold Weather

• Warm-Up Periods: Allow extra time for crane warm-up periods. Hydraulic systems, engines, and other components should be gradually brought to operating temperature before use. 
• Load Capacity Adjustments: Cold temperatures can impact the crane’s load capacity. Review manufacturer guidelines for operating cranes in cold weather and adjust load limits accordingly. 
• Wind Speed Monitoring: Winter winds can be more severe, especially in open areas. Monitor wind speed regularly. Stop operations if wind speeds exceed the safe operating limits for the crane. 
• Ice and Snow Removal: Regularly clear ice and snow from the crane’s boom, cab, platforms, and other surfaces to prevent slipping hazards. Remove snow and ice from loads before operations because they can add weight. 
• Weather Predictions: Consider adjusting deliveries or any high-risk activity around predicted poor weather, such as high winds, snow, sleet, hail or heavy rain. 

3. Ground and Site Preparation

• Frozen Ground Risks: Operating mobile cranes on uneven ground conditions can be particularly challenging. Frozen ground can become unstable when it begins to thaw, so it’s essential to monitor ground conditions regularly. Use crane mats or outriggers to ensure stability. 
• De-icing and Snow Clearing: Keep access roads, crane pads, and work areas free of ice and snow. Use de-icing agents or gravel to increase traction for crane movement. 
• Visibility: Visibility can be reduced by environmental conditions such as shorter daylight hours and snowstorms. Ensure adequate lighting on the job site and have contingency plans for operations during times when visibility is poor. 
• Preparation for Time Away: Plan how equipment and materials will be stored and protected during times when sites will not have regular activity over the holiday season. 

4. Emergency Preparedness

• Emergency Kits: Equip cranes with emergency kits that include thermal blankets, extra clothing and first-aid supplies in case an operator is stranded or needs to stop operations in cold conditions. 
• Communication Plans: Cold weather can lead to unexpected shutdowns. Ensure that operators have reliable communication tools and emergency protocols in place in case of equipment failure or accidents. 

5. Regulatory Compliance

• WorkSafeBC and Local Regulations: Ensure compliance with local safety regulations, including guidelines for working in extreme weather conditions. Follow specific requirements from BC Crane Safety and WorkSafeBC related to cold-weather operations. 
• Pre-Operational Inspections: Cold weather may require more frequent inspections to ensure that cranes and mobile equipment are functioning correctly. Keep a log of these inspections and address any issues immediately.