What’s the risk?

It goes without saying that working outdoors can be dangerous – whether there’s wrecking balls flying around or bricks falling from high places, there is an element of precaution in every part of a building site. When it comes to weather, one might not think about how it might affect the progress of a building site (apart from when it’s raining!). As it happens, out of all the external factors, weather is one of the crucial factors in determining safety, avoiding damage, and preventing delays.

What’s the solution?

So, how can we stop the unpredictable nature of weather from getting in the way? Richard Paul Russell Ltd offers a variety of products that are appropriate for a range of budgets, with our own WeatherFile systems being a professional solution to weather monitoring.

Using state-of-the-art sensors such as the Gill WindSonic, MetConnect, WindObserver or MaxiMet, construction sites are able to gather data on a full suite of weather parameters including: wind speed & direction, precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, pressure and solar radiation. Each WeatherFile unit has the option to add GPS compatibility and a compass – which makes it easy to see data from a variety of locations.

With optional alarm function, sites can set customisable alerts to certain weather conditions so that you never work in dangerous conditions.

How do I know when it is safe to use a crane?

Wind is the biggest determining factor of whether it’s safe to use a crane. The GMX 240 provides data on wind speed and direction using a solid state ultrasonic sensor. An electronic compass comes as standard, calculating apparent wind, WMO wind averages and gust data. The optional GPS adds the benefit of a true wind measurement, height above sea level, latitude and longitude and simplifies installation by automatically locating the sensor position We also offer more advanced versions of GMX sensors that provide data on a larger range of weather parameters.

The LCJ range also provides a more portable solution to wind monitoring and tend to use less power than Gill instruments. The LJC Capteurs CV7 excels on lower power and provides highly accurate wind data.

Need something more specific?

RPR Ltd hosts a range of different brands of weather stations including Kestrel, Gill, Calypso and LCJ that specialise in the manufacturing of wind and weather systems.

The Kestrel 5200 is a construction workers best friend, and is a quintessential example of an affordable, construction-focused weather meter. With state-of-the-art technology, the Kestrel 5200 carries built-in evaporation rate calculations and displays the result direct to screen with no human calculation or interpretation errors. This data enables effective decisions regarding addition of additives to the mix or curing adjustments, preventing costly plastic shrinkage cracks. The integral anemometer allows you to monitor and log on-site wind speeds ensuring safe operation of cranes. The heat index calculations can be utilised to advise on safe working conditions, rest periods and rehydration volumes.

Too hot to work?

If heat and humidity is your primary concern, you may want to try a Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker. These trackers use Wet Bulb Globe Thermometers to give you data on the ‘real feel’ in both shaded and direct sunlight areas. By connecting to the LiNK app, you can access live data and download it so you can analyse the best time of day to take a break.

Another option is the Kestrel Drop D3 is designed to monitor and record a full suite of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, heat index, dew point temperature, station pressure, density altitude and pressure trend in a variety of indoor, outdoor and industrial applications. The Drop D3 is small and portable and has a hook for you to hang it wherever is most appropriate.

Something else?

Kestrel, Gill and LCJ offer a whole range of environmental meters and specialise in a range of industries including sporting, environmental and agricultural industries. If you’d like to learn more about our range, take a look at our website or give us a call.