What should the operator do if weather conditions become dangerous while lifting personnel?

When weather conditions become dangerous while lifting personnel, stopping all lifting operations is the appropriate action to take. This is because safety is the utmost priority, especially when human lives are at stake. Dangerous weather conditions, which may include high winds, lightning, or heavy rain, can significantly compromise the stability and control of the load, as well as the safety of the personnel involved.

Continued operations, even cautiously, can lead to increased risk and potential accidents, as the unpredictable nature of severe weather can escalate quickly. Raising the load quickly to safety may not be a viable option, as it may further endanger the workers if they are still in the lift or the area underneath the load, especially if there is instability. Alerting personnel and keeping lifting operations ongoing would similarly expose everyone involved to undue risk.

By halting all lifting operations, the operator ensures everyone's safety, allows for the assessment of conditions, and enables a proper decision to be made once it is deemed safe to continue. This approach aligns with safety protocols and OSHA regulations, which prioritize worker safety above operational efficiency.