If wind increases during a lift, what is the correct course of action?

• A. Stop lifting, assess new conditions, and adjust or suspend the lift per plan.
• B. Reduce speed slightly and continue the lift.
• C. Ignore wind and complete the lift quickly.
• D. Lower the load only after reaching the target height.

Answer: (A)

When wind increases during a lift, the safety-first move is to stop, reassess, and adjust or suspend the lift per the plan. Wind changes the load’s behavior and the crane’s stability in ways that can cause sudden sway, collisions, or tip risks. Pausing gives you a chance to check the current wind speed and gusts, confirm whether they are within the project’s limits, and decide the next steps with proper authorization. Depending on the plan, you might wait for wind to subside, re-evaluate the lift path, or modify parameters (like travel direction or hoist rate) before resuming.

Continuing at a reduced speed doesn’t adequately address the dynamic effects of gusts, so it’s not a reliable fix. Ignoring wind is unsafe and violates fundamental safety requirements. Lowering the load after reaching the target height doesn’t resolve the risk of wind affecting the lift while it’s in progress.