Why does nobody talk about the new wind speed rules for mobile cranes?

I used to just eyeball the trees and flags before lifting. That changed last spring when a sudden gust on a job in Spokane nearly tipped my 80-ton crane. Now I check the live weather app every 15 minutes and won't lift if it's over 20 mph, period. The company rule book says 25, but I don't trust it after that day. My crew thinks I'm too careful, but I'd rather be safe. Has anyone else had a close call that made them change their wind limits?

4 comments

4 Comments

martinez.paul1mo ago

Used to wing it too, but a close call last year made me check the app constantly now.

adam4141mo ago

Right? My phone's weather app is basically my boss now. One gusty day and you're chasing your tarp down the street.

dylan_ward24d ago

That app has saved me more times than I'd like to admit. I remember one job where the forecast said 15 mph winds but it felt like 25 on the ground near a big building. The tarp started lifting and I had to abandon the setup halfway through. Now I'm the guy checking three different apps before I even load the truck. Your mileage may vary, but I'd rather look paranoid than lose another tarp.

abbyhall1mo ago

Yeah, I read a trade article that said a lot of old company wind limits are based on outdated data.