Crane News

Common Challenges in Crane Operations

Crane Rentals | Jun 13 / 24

In British Columbia, crane operations are vital to the construction and development sectors; however, they come with a unique set of challenges, largely due to the region’s diverse geographical and infrastructural landscape. At Eagle West Crane & Rigging, we frequently navigate these hurdles to ensure safe and efficient project completions. Some of the most common challenges in crane operations within the province that you should be aware of include:

Diverse and Rugged Terrain

British Columbia’s terrain varies significantly, from coastal areas and valleys to rugged mountains and dense forests. Operating cranes on such varied terrain requires meticulous planning and adaptation. Cranes must be equipped with suitable stabilizers and often need custom setups to ensure stability and safety. The transportation of heavy crane components to and through these terrains also poses logistical challenges, often requiring specialized vehicles and comprehensive route planning.

Urban Density and Infrastructure

The high density of urban areas poses significant challenges for crane operations. Narrow roads, overhead wires, and limited space for setting up cranes make urban projects particularly complex. Additionally, the ageing infrastructure in some urban centres can limit the weight and size of equipment that can be safely transported and used onsite.

Luckily, Eagle West Crane & Rigging offers a diverse range of cranes for rent, including stiff boom cranes, hydraulic all-terrain cranes, as well as folding booms, and mobile cranes, making it easy to find the right crane for your project requirements.

Weather Conditions

British Columbia’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain, fog, and snow affecting working conditions, operation safety, and visibility. Various weather conditions impact crane performance significantly. Crane operators must be vigilant and prepared to pause operations if weather conditions deteriorate. This not only affects project timelines but also requires operators to be highly skilled in handling adverse conditions.

Environmental Regulations

The province’s commitment to environmental conservation means crane operations must adhere to strict regulations to protect local ecosystems. This is particularly challenging in areas close to water bodies or in ecologically sensitive regions where construction activities are highly regulated. Compliance with these environmental standards often requires additional planning, monitoring, and sometimes even modifications to project plans.

Safety Standards and Training

Maintaining high safety standards is crucial, especially given the inherent risks of crane operations. British Columbia’s safety regulations are stringent, requiring operators to undergo extensive training and certification. Keeping up with these evolving standards and ensuring all personnel are adequately trained demands constant attention, and our crane operators are fully compliant.

If your construction project is facing any challenges, our experts can offer full assistance. Simply contact us at the location nearest to you or fill out a contact form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as we can.