MAKKAH — Cranes involved in the Grand Mosque expansion project were kept anchored during Tuesday's heavy rainfall and thunderstorm, Makkah Arabic daily reported on Wednesday. An architect from the expansion project construction company said new safety and security regulations are in place after the fatal crane crash incident during Haj. "Construction projects do not stop operations during unstable weather. However, fool-proof security measures are taken to ensure that all construction activities are done in a manner that is safe for workers and civilians," he said. The Ministry of Labor has ordered that cranes should not be at a 90 degree angle during unstable weather. "During Tuesday's thunderstorm, all cranes were kept at a 30 degree angle. The construction team was informed of the thunderstorm beforehand by the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment," said the architect. He said a supervisory committee has been formed to monitor construction activities during unstable weather conditions. However, Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Architects Committee Head Yahya Kowshak said safety and security regulations should be applied all the time. "Cranes should never be erect when not in use. Supervision is required during construction. Appropriate precautions should always be taken to avoid negligence," said Kowshak.
