What should be done if visibility is significantly reduced during lifting operations?

Delaying the operation until visibility conditions improve is the best course of action when visibility is significantly reduced during lifting operations. Safety is the primary concern in such scenarios, as poor visibility can lead to misunderstandings and accidents. It’s crucial that all personnel involved in the lifting operation can see clearly, not only for communication but also for assessing the environment and ensuring that everyone is safe.

Continuing the lift slowly, while it may seem to be a plausible solution, can still lead to increased risk; operators and signal personnel may not have a full view of the lift’s path or the surroundings, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Using more signal personnel might also provide some assistance, but if visibility is severely impaired, adding more people does not necessarily enhance safety or improve the situation. Switching to verbal commands could complicate communication further, especially in noisy environments or where distances are considerable, making it harder for everyone to hear and comprehend instructions clearly.

In conclusion, delaying the operation allows for the restoration of safe working conditions, ensuring that all personnel have adequate visibility to perform their tasks effectively and safely.