Top tips for operating construction machinery in warm weather

construction machinery

If you have a job coming up and need to operate construction machinery during the summer, then this blog post is for you. We often say to avoid operating plant equipment during summer, however for most construction companies, we understand that this isn’t possible. Find out how to prepare your machinery for scorching sunshine, and things to take into consideration with our top tips.

WILL YOU BE OPERATING CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY DURING WARM WEATHER?

We have put together our top tips for operating during warm weather, and what you should be aware of. 

Check that the air con is working properly

Most enclosed construction machinery, such as diggers and telehandlers are fitted with an air conditioning system. We strongly advise that during the warmer months, operators ensure that the machines are checked frequently and repaired if necessary. Due to health and safety reasons, it’s not advisable to have the cab door open whilst in operation. Having working air conditioning is the next best thing!

Give machines time to cool down

It is wise to allow machines to cool down in idle mode before completely switching off. This in turn will permit oil to flow around the machine still and lubricate vital parts of the machine. If the machine is turned off this will prevent the flow of oil. When operating in warmer temperatures, important parts of the machine will be particularly hot and will need additional time to cool down. 

Switch to idle mode or turn off equipment

If operating during a warm day, we would advise putting construction machinery into idle mode or switching off completely. Operators often leave machinery on for even a few minutes instead of switching off. This will cause the machine to get hotter, and again cause issues for vital parts. 

Fill fuel tanks at the end of the day instead

Fuel related issues happen frequently during the warmer months. We would always advise refuelling your construction machinery at the end of the day if possible. If refuelling is required, operators are at risk of fault codes and performance issues. Hot fuel in a machine attracts moist air, and if it seeps into the tank, it could mix with the fuel. This could be a costly fix if gone unnoticed or frequently maintained. 

Avoid using equipment during peak hours

Although the construction machinery will more than likely be used on a construction site, we would recommend trying to avoid operating during peak hours. The sun is at its hottest between 10am and 3pm. This is also the time that extra pressure is put on machines as they are at risk or overheating or even damaging certain parts. It’s also a good idea for operators to keep an eye on the thermostat within the machinery to ensure it doesn’t unexpectedly overheat. 

Take care of yourself

Lastly, the most important tip, make sure you take care of yourself!

Although there is no maximum working temperature, we understand that working during the heat can be hard. Especially on an open construction site, which is directly in the sun. Make sure regular breaks are taken where possible, and remember hydration is key. 

BOOK ONTO OUR NPORS TRAINING COURSES TODAY

Unfortunately it’s not as easy as just knowing the best tips to operating during certain weather conditions. Be in the know when you book onto our NPORS accredited courses

Our experienced instructors are able to carry out the following types of courses:

  • Excavator courses
  • Construction roller courses
  • Telehandler training
  • Dumper truck courses
  • Health and safety courses including first aid

We provide plant training courses for anyone who uses or will be operating plant equipment and machinery in the civil engineering, construction and utilities industries. Even if you have no previous knowledge or experience, we can cater the course duration to ensure you receive the information you need to successfully pass.

CONTACT THE DIGGERLAND PLANT TRAINING SCHOOL TEAM

Here at the Diggerland Plant Training School we can run construction courses in all weathers. Come rain or shine, our instructors can provide operators with all of the relevant information they need to use construction machinery safely. 

Our instructors are more than happy to travel to a site to conduct training, or carry out NPORS training courses at any of our 4 UK locations in Kent, Devon, Durham or Yorkshire. We are also open from 8am – 6pm, 7 days a week, and we can work around dates and times to suit you.

Please feel free to email us today if you have any questions about any of our courses. We can train a group of employees as well as individuals. Course dates will be dependent on minimum numbers. Contact us to find out more.

Alternatively, you can give us a call on: 01634 295355 to book onto any of our construction courses.