Crane Rental Tips For Hurricane Season
Posted on: 7 June 2019
The summer months usher in the beginning of hurricane season in the Atlantic. High winds and the threat of flooding can make it challenging to complete any industrial project that you may be working on. This is especially true if you are planning to rent a crane during your project.
Cranes make it easy to move heavy loads from the ground to elevated work areas, but these complex machines require special care during operation. Make sure that you are prepared to protect yourself and your equipment this hurricane season.
Check Your Insurance
Adequate insurance coverage is critical whenever you are renting a crane, but it becomes especially important during hurricane season. You need to carefully read through your policy to determine if coverage applies to rented equipment.
If your existing policy does not offer enough coverage to replace a rented crane in the event of hurricane damage, you will need to speak with your insurance agent or the rental company. Additional insurance may be required to offer you full protection during hurricane season.
Return the Crane Before a Storm
One of the ways that you can avoid being held liable for any damages a crane may sustain during a hurricane is by returning the crane to the rental company before a storm hits. You need to carefully monitor the weather conditions and track storms on an hourly basis to determine if your work site is in the path of an incoming hurricane.
Schedule a time to have your crane picked up by the rental company before the storm arrives, then sign a new rental agreement to access the crane again once the storm has subsided.
Secure the Crane
If you opt to keep a rented crane on-site during a hurricane, you must know how to secure the machine to provide maximum protection. Cranes should be secured underneath a shelter whenever possible to protect them against damage caused by flying debris.
If no shelter large enough to accommodate the crane is available on your work site, you can protect the crane by disassembling it and strapping down all components. This should keep the crane firmly in place, regardless of how strong the wind blows during a hurricane.
Renting a crane is a viable option for companies that don't have the capital to invest in the purchase of their own crane. If you plan to rent a crane during hurricane season, be sure that you are prepared to protect yourself and the machine during a storm.
Reach out to a crane rental service to learn more.
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