Who determines the maximum wind speed a crane can safely operate in?

The manufacturer is the correct choice for determining the maximum wind speed at which a crane can safely operate. This is because crane manufacturers conduct rigorous testing and engineering analysis to establish safe operational limits for their equipment, including environmental factors such as wind speed. These specifications are typically outlined in the crane's operator manual and are based on the design characteristics and intended use of the crane.

Understanding these limits is crucial for maintaining safety on the job site, as exceeding the recommended wind speed can lead to dangerous conditions, including loss of control or tipping of the crane. Therefore, operators and site personnel rely on the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the crane is used safely and effectively under varying weather conditions.

While the other roles such as the site manager, operator, and safety officer play important parts in overseeing safe crane operation, they do not typically establish the technical safety limits regarding wind speed; that responsibility lies with the manufacturer who understands the mechanical and operational limitations of their equipment.