Heat stress is one of the major causes of health issues experienced by crane operators. A crane cabin is crammed with electronic panels and a control system adding to this issue. Operators suffer from heat stress due to prolonged exposure to sun and harsh industrial environments.
The average temperature of a crane cabin can go up to 90 °C. Operators in such conditions are unable to make cognitive decisions and may fail to follow safety protocols.
Let us learn what heat stress is and how it builds up inside a crane cabin.
What is Heat Stress?
Heat stress is a physiological condition when a human body heats up more than it can cool down. Prolonged occurrence of this condition in hot and humid environments increases the core body temperature.
In humid conditions, sweating will not be able to cool down a crane operator. He would rather be dehydrated and might lose consciousness. On the other hand, wearing protective gear and sitting inside a crane cabin multiply heat stress.
Here are the factors that can develop heat stress inside a crane cabin.
Environment
Sun exposure during the summer season and direct radiation from heavy machinery can cause heat stress in crane operators.
Clothing
Operators have to wear protective gear as per safety protocols. Helmets, reflective surfaces, and suits add up to increase heat stress.
Impact of Heat Stress on Crane Cabins
Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the following issues.
Discomfort
Above all, a crane operator has to make accurate decisions while operating a crane. Heat stress causes discomfort and improper cognitive functioning.
Water condensation
Accumulating water vapour inside a crane cabin condenses on the control panels, engine, and fuel tank. It can lead to major operational issues causing disasters.
How to Avoid Heat Stress in Crane Cabin?
Crane operators must be protected from prolonged sun exposure. Long-sleeved shirts along with protective gear are a must apart from canopies over the cabins. Air conditioning is the key to avoiding heat stress and securing heavy crane operations onsite.
A modern crane AC provides a cool cabin environment for operators to avoid heat stress. The latest technology can withstand harsh conditions of metal industries, mining, ports, etc. Such crane AC units are energy-efficient too despite being exposed to such extreme environments.
These modern crane ACs meet the existing challenges of cabin spaces with these features.
- Tight fin spacing in the AC design increases the cooling capacity of a unit
- Better heat rejection due to fin size resulting in faster and long-lasting cooling effect
- Vibration-proof joints that make crane AC units more durable to survive heavy machine operations
- Automatic de-dusting makes the AC work longer and better
- Remote monitoring with a built-in IoT system to make future-ready crane cabin ACs
Installing an AC unit in a crane cabin will make a safe environment for operators to work. Here are the benefits of air conditioning in a crane cabin.
Benefits of Air Conditioning Crane Cabins
Pleasant cabin temperature enhances performance
Crane operators play a major role in heavy industries. Their decisive role contributes to the productivity of an entire operation. So, an air-conditioned cabin will offer optimal conditions where a crane operator can concentrate and make proper decisions.
The pleasant environment results in enhanced performance and contributes to the overall workflow of heavy industries. The AC unit must be paired with double-glazed windows and sealed inlets.
Dust and gas-proof air conditioning
Cabin ACs have filters to not let toxic industrial gases and dust enter a crane cabin. Such ACs provide a safer environment for the crane operators to work in diverse environments. AC filters also prevent air soiling inside a cabin to protect electronic panels and control systems.
Humidity control
Cabin ACs can also control the level of humidity inside a crane cabin. They maintain the internal humidity of a cabin at the ambient level to protect the operator and control systems.
Final Words
Checking the heat stress symptoms and body temperature of crane operators from time to time is a crucial step. However, installing a crane cabin AC is the smartest way to ensure decision-making and enhance productivity.
Tempcon Crane AC: Your Go-to Heat Stress Solution
Tempcon offers the latest crane cabin ACs with compact and energy-efficient designs. Its corrosion-resistant AC units adapt well in metal industries, factories, smelters, and plants. Contact us for energy-efficient crane AC solutions today!
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