All Industrial Services Inc. of New Jersey| 190 Boundary Rd, Marlboro, NJ 07746
quote@rbaker.com| 732-222-3553|         
 
All Industrial Services Inc. of New Jersey| 190 Boundary Rd, Marlboro, NJ 07746
quote@rbaker.com| 732-222-3553|         
190 Boundary Rd, Marlboro, NJ 07746 732-222-3553
asset recovery, rigging team with sling and interior demolition

Crane & Rigging Operations and Safety During Winter

Rigging Operations, Winter Safety, Rigging Contractor

Winter is here, and as always, frigid temperatures, ice, and snow have the potential to create hazards that require crane and rigging personnel to take special precautions. These safeguards apply not only to riggers, millwrights, and crane operators like those employed here at R. Baker & Son (not to mention any worker involved in construction), but to rigging equipment and the crane itself. 

Crane & Rigging Equipment Winter Precautions

It goes without saying that cold weather can had negative effects on cranes, rigging equipment, and other heavy machinery. Warm up equipment before operating to help prevent malfunction and ensure that hydraulic fluids are not thick and sluggish. Check surfaces on and around the crane for accumulated snow or ice. Check the crane’s load chart for information on cold weather operation, as extreme temperatures can compromise crane equipment and reduce capacity. Use high-grade fuel or add fuel conditioner appropriate for the equipment. Protect the engine from snow and ice with a weather-resistant tarp when not in use to prevent condensation that can affect operation or cause corrosion. In addition to cranes, ensure that trucks, tools and heavy equipment can start and run properly in freezing weather to reduce worker exposure. 

Crane & Rigging Personnel Safety

Whenever possible, work should be managed accordingly to avoid extreme winter conditions. Walkways and stairways should be cleared, salted, and sanded on at least daily basis, and more often when necessary. Ice and snow melts and refreezes overnight, so salting and sanding should be done in the morning before work begins. Snow should not be piled too high to prevent collapse.  Warm areas should be provided for breaks. 

Rigging crew members should dress appropriately for cold, wet, snowy, or windy weather and should learn to recognize signs of cold stress and frostbite in themselves and others. Staying dry is important, because moisture and dampness, including sweat, can increase the body’s rate of heat loss. Wear layers; for inner layers, wool silk, and synthetics work better than cotton. Avoid tight clothing, which can reduce blood circulation. Hats should cover the ears, and gloves should be worn to protect hands and prevent loss of dexterity. Drink warm, sweetened fluids to keep the body warm. 

While it is a given that alcohol should never be consumed on any jobsite, at any time, it’s worth mentioning that alcohol should never be used to keep warm during off-hours, either. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol actually lowers the body’s core temperature and increases the chance of hypothermia.

Full News Archive

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

Recent News

Environmental Solutions for Dismantling, Decommissioning and Demolition
Eco-Friendly Solutions for Dismantling, Demo & Decommissioning

Demolition, dismantling, or decommissioning of industrial facilities is a complex process that requires meticulous planning and execution. These sites often contain hazardous chemicals, substances,...
Selective Demolition and Rigging at Process Plant
Selective Demolition and Rigging at Process Plant

R. Baker & Son recently performed selective demolition and equipment rigging for a process plant construction project. The selective demolition was necessary to prepare the existing facility to...
Chiller and Cooling Tower Installation at a South Jersey Hospital
Rigging Success: Chiller & Cooling Tower Installation at a South Jersey Hospital

Recently, R. Baker & Son team was faced with the task of installing a new 1200-ton chiller and double cell cooling tower at a South Jersey hospital. The project was referred to us by a trusted...
Industrial Workers Rigging 2024
Celebrating a New Year from R. Baker & Son

As a new year begins, we reflect on our deep appreciation for all our employees, associates, contractors, vendors, and customers. Our founder, Ruby Baker, started R. Baker & Son in 1935 during...
Define Demolition Scope and Budget
Maximizing Your Demolition Project - Tips to Define Scope|Budget

Often on large construction and renovation projects, the demolition portion of the Scope of Work is vague or poorly defined. It’s not uncommon to see a boxed-out area on drawings with only a...
Machine skates and heavy load movement - Rigger
Rigger's Guide to Machine Skates - Role in Heavy Load Movement

In the realm of rigging, machine skates, also known as moving skates, roller skids, or dollies, have been used in one form or another throughout history. In their various forms, these devices are...
excavator at demolition site, questions about demolition contracting
Seven Key Questions Clients Want to Know About Demolition

When it comes to demolition projects, ranging from total building teardowns to selective demolition and everything in between, clients are faced with the challenge of finding the right demolition...
Interior Demolition Project - School Converted to Residential Units
Interior Demo of Old School for Conversion to Residential Units

An architect that R. Baker & Son has collaborated with reached out to us with a special interior demolition opportunity in South Jersey. The project held sentimental value for her as it involved...