Summer Heat and Rigging Work Heat Stress, UV Degradation, and Load Safety

Summer Heat and Rigging Work: Heat Stress, UV Degradation, and Load Safety

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for rigging and crane work, but it also brings serious risks. High temperatures can weaken equipment, slow down workers, and increase the chance of accidents. When it’s hot outside, both human and material limits are tested. From UV damage to slings to heat exhaustion among crew members, summer demands extra attention to safety.

This article explains how heat affects rigging gear and worker performance. It also offers practical tips to protect crews and equipment when the temperature rises.

Heat Weakens Focus and Endurance

Working in extreme heat takes a toll on the body. Crew members may sweat more, lose focus, and get tired faster. This makes it harder to handle equipment properly, follow instructions, and stay alert near moving loads.

Heat-related symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or confusion can show up quickly. These signs often go unnoticed until someone collapses or makes a dangerous mistake.

Supervisors should encourage regular water breaks, shaded rest areas, and shorter shifts when needed. Crew members should also watch out for each other and speak up if they’re not feeling well.

Heat Stress Is a Jobsite Hazard

Heat stress can lead to serious health issues like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For rigging crews, the risk is even greater because they work outdoors, wear heavy gear, and often move around steel, concrete, or machinery that holds heat.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

  • Headaches
  • Fainting
  • Weakness
  • Cold, pale skin
  • Rapid heartbeat

If not treated early, this can turn into heat stroke, a medical emergency. To prevent it, stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and use cooling towels or fans when available.

UV Rays Break Down Synthetic Slings

Most synthetic slings, like nylon and polyester, are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. When exposed to sunlight for long periods, these slings can weaken without showing visible damage. That’s why older slings often fail during summer lifts.

UV damage may appear as:

  • Faded color
  • Brittle texture
  • Cracks or stiffness
  • Loss of flexibility

Even if a sling looks okay, too much sun exposure can make it unsafe to use. It’s important to rotate slings regularly, store them away from sunlight, and replace any that show signs of wear.

Temperature Affects Sling Load Ratings

Heat can reduce the strength of slings, especially if they’re made from synthetic materials. A nylon sling that works well at 70°F may lose some strength when temperatures reach 100°F or more.

For example:

  • Nylon slings may lose up to 15% of their strength at 194°F (90°C).
  • Polyester performs slightly better in heat but still breaks down over time.
  • Chain and wire rope slings handle heat better but can still degrade with poor maintenance.

Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature limits. Avoid laying slings on hot surfaces like steel plates or asphalt, and don’t leave them in the sun when not in use.

Hot Surfaces Burn Skin and Melt Materials

During summer, crane hooks, chains, and metal rigging gear can get dangerously hot. Touching these parts without gloves can lead to burns. At the same time, sling coatings or synthetic loops may melt or stick to hot surfaces.

To prevent this:

  • Use gloves when handling metal equipment.
  • Place protective covers or pads between slings and hot surfaces.
  • Avoid storing gear directly on sun-exposed decks or containers.

Heat-resistant slings or pads can also help when lifting objects that have been baking in the sun.

Heat Reduces Alertness and Increases Mistakes

Fatigue from heat doesn’t just make people tired, it affects their judgment. In rigging, that can mean missing a signal, tying a knot incorrectly, or standing too close to a suspended load.

When workers are overheated, even small tasks can become risky. That’s why it’s important to rotate crew members in and out of the hot zone and assign the most focused workers to critical tasks like signaling and hooking.

Inspect Equipment More Often in Summer

Summer conditions demand more frequent equipment checks. Daily inspections should focus on sling damage, gear warping, and loose fittings caused by heat expansion.

What to look for:

  • Fading, cracking, or melted sling fibers
  • Stretched or deformed hooks and shackles
  • Corroded metal from humidity or sweat

Keep an inspection log and remove any damaged gear immediately. A failed sling or broken shackle during a lift can lead to disaster.

Store Rigging Gear Properly

Storing slings and gear in the wrong place is a common mistake. Heat and sunlight can shorten the life of even high-quality equipment.

Best storage practices:

  • Keep synthetic slings in cool, shaded, dry locations.
  • Hang gear to allow air circulation.
  • Don’t leave slings in the back of a pickup truck or on a hot concrete slab.

Cover storage bins and keep trailers ventilated to avoid heat buildup.

Crew Communication Is Key

Summer fatigue can make people quiet or withdrawn. But on a jobsite, silence can be dangerous. Clear communication is more important than ever when the heat is high.

Supervisors should:

  • Check in with team members regularly.
  • Repeat safety messages about hydration, breaks, and heat signs.
  • Assign extra spotters to watch for heat-related problems.

Encourage a “speak-up” culture where anyone can call out unsafe conditions, especially in extreme weather.

Plan Lifts Around the Heat

When possible, schedule the most demanding lifts during cooler hours, early morning or late afternoon. Avoid lifting heavy or sensitive loads during the hottest part of the day (typically 12 PM to 3 PM).

Review weather forecasts, and watch for heat advisories. If the temperature or humidity becomes dangerous, don’t be afraid to pause work until it’s safe to continue.

Conclusion

Summer heat doesn’t just make rigging work uncomfortable, it adds real safety risks. From weakened slings to tired workers, the hazards increase when the temperature rises. Crane operators and rigging crews must adapt by using heat-smart practices, staying hydrated, and inspecting gear more often.

With a few changes in habit and better planning, teams can stay productive and safe, even during the hottest months of the year. Don’t let heat catch you off guard, treat it like any other hazard, and stay one step ahead.

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