Environmental factors affecting operation :
Environmental factor are important since they can affect the crane's stability and operational
safety. Some environmental factors that must be considered are:
1. Ground condition - Operators must be sure that the crane is operated on stableground.
a. Unstable ground will lead to sinking of the outriggers or crawler tracks. The different rates of sinking of the outriggers or crawler tracks will lead to imbalances in the crane's stability. This may cause the crane to topple.
b. Where the ground condition is not sufficiently stable for crane operation, adequate supports must be provided for the outriggers, or matting for crawler tracks.
c. Supports must be substantial, with no gap in between them and sufficiently large to spread the load so as not to overcome the soil bearing capacity. These may be constructed from timber or steel plates.
d. Outriggers should also not rest on manhole or drain covers. As these may not be clearly visible, the lifting supervisor should check with the relevant authority where necessary.
2. Weather and lifting - Cranes should not be operated during bad weather for various reasons.
a. Visibility, which may be low in bad weather, is very important for safe crane operation.
b. High wind on the load and boom imposes additional stresses on the crane structure. This extra loading may become critical if sufficiently large. The crane's boom that towers above the surrounding makes it an ideal lightning conductor.
c. Operating it during thunderstorm will put those working with or nearby it at danger.
d. Operation after daylight hours could be dangerous and should only be carried out if sufficient floodlights have been installed.
3. Crane's proximity to service lines - Extra precaution is needed if the crane is being operated near electrical lines or underground pipelines so that these are not damaged by the crane. Underground pipelines are not visible and should be noted by the lifting supervisor so that the operator can be pre-warned of their locations. The weight of the crane imposed on the ground may be sufficient in certain cases
to burst the lines nearer the ground surface.
4. Proximity to other worker's workplace - As far as possible, the area of crane operation must be cleared of other workers no connected with the operation; and kept so during the entire operation.
5. Crane's proximity to other structures and public areas - Before the crane is being telescoped or slewed, ensure that the crane or load will not come into contact with all structures or other cranes nearby.
a. The impact of a collision can be considerable and may lead to failure of the boom.
b. The "jerk" that follows as collision could also destabilize the crane.
c. A crane must never be allowed to operate over public area unless measures had been taken to clear the area of people or vehicular traffic.