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Cold-weather rigging operations demand heightened hardware application awareness. When temperatures drop between 0°F (-18°C) and -40°F (-40°C), standard rigging procedures require slight modifications to maintain safe working conditions and prevent equipment failure.

Why Cold Weather Rigging Requires Special Attention

Lifting hardware becomes more brittle in extreme cold, and equipment behavior (I.E. tackle blocks) changes significantly.  Low-temperature factors increase the risk if not properly managed through enhanced procedures and increased vigilance.

5 Essential Cold Weather Safety Recommendations

1. Eliminate Shock Loading Through Controlled
Lifting

Always perform lifting at a slow, steady rate. Shock loading, which is dangerous in any condition, becomes potentially catastrophic in cold temperatures. The reduced ductility of materials in extreme cold means sudden load applications can cause immediate failure without warning.

Best Practice: Use gradual acceleration and deceleration of the lifting gear. Trained operators should avoid sudden stops, starts, or direction changes during lifting operations.

2. Increase Maintenance Schedules for Bearing-Equipped Hardware

Cold temperatures retard lubrication effectiveness. Equipment containing bearings requires more frequent maintenance to ensure proper function and prevent seizure that could lead to sudden load shifts or drops.

Safety Protocol: Establish cold-weather maintenance schedules with increased inspection frequency. Verify lubrication effectiveness before each shift in extreme conditions.

3. Implement Enhanced Surface Inspection Protocols

Consider periodic dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection. Cold temperatures can accelerate crack propagation, making surface defects more dangerous than in higher ambient temperatures.

Inspection Focus: Pay special attention to high-stress areas, previous repair locations, and any surface irregularities that might propagate under cold-weather operation.

4. Surface Defects

Carefully inspect fittings for nicks, gouges, or cracks. Indications that might be manageable in normal temperatures become failure initiation points in extreme cold.

Field Application: Remove and tag any questionable hardware from service. When in doubt, consult Crosby technical support.

5. Prohibit Modified or Welded Hardware in Cold Applications

 Any field modified lifting hardware loses it’s cold-temperature ratings. 

Welding or other modifications alter the metallurgical properties that enable safe operation in cold weather.

Safety Standard: Maintain strict inventory inspections to prevent modified hardware from entering cold-weather service areas.

Critical Temperature Thresholds

Standard hardware service limit: -40°F (-40°C) 

Below -40°F (-40°C): Requires specialized Cold Tuff products or engineering consultation.

Emergency Response Considerations

In brutal cold conditions, equipment failure can quickly become a life-threatening situation. 

Ensure:

• Immediate access to backup equipment
• Emergency communication systems remain functional
• Personnel have appropriate cold-weather protective equipment
• Evacuation procedures account for extreme weather conditions

Remember: Proper preparation prevents accidents. In cold-weather rigging, there are no second chances when safety protocols are ignored.

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For technical questions, please contact us at 1-800-220-8509 or crosbytechsupport@kitocrosby.com