Say this

  1. Wind is stronger high up. The lifting plan must use the wind speed limit from the crane maker's manual. Watch the anemometer (WSH Council, Safe Lifting CoP).
  2. Stop lifting when the weather gets worse. Do not lift in thunderstorms or when wind sways the load (WSH Council, Safe Lifting CoP).
  3. Lightning: stop outdoor work once you hear thunder or see lightning. Get down and into a building or lightning-protected shelter (WSH Council and MOM).
  4. Supervisors watch the NEA lightning and wind alerts on the myENV app and warn the crew (WSH Council and MOM).
  5. When the crane is left out of service, the slew brake must be released so the jib can turn with the wind. A locked jib can take more wind load than it is built for (UK HSE).
  6. Before a storm, land loads, lower and tie down loose materials, and secure anything that could blow off the deck.
  7. After the storm, check the ground and the crane before work starts again (WSH Council, Safe Lifting CoP).

Ask the crew

  1. Where do we get the wind limit for our crane?
  2. What do you do when you hear thunder?
  3. Why must the slew brake be released when the crane is left for the night?
  4. What do we check before lifting after a storm?

Show them

  • Show the anemometer reading in the cab or on the display.
  • Show the myENV lightning alert on a phone.
  • Point out the nearest lightning-protected shelter.

Sign-off

Site: ______________________   Date: ____________   Briefed by: ______________________

NameCompanySignature

Sources

  1. Code of Practice on Safe Lifting Operations in the Workplaces, WSH Council.
  2. Preparing for Adverse Weather Events, WSH Council and MOM.
  3. RR1172: Mechanical assessment of tower crane slewing brakes, UK HSE.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

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