Work safely in windy conditions

There’s been a lot in the news this week about the effects of extreme wind in the UK, and elsewhere in Europe, with the arrival of the latest named storm. With so much structural damage to trees, scaffolding, power lines and buildings, those responsible for putting things right will be out in force.

It may seem to be stating the obvious, but it’s still worth acknowledging the fact that working outdoors in windy conditions carries extra risk, even when you’re used to working at height. It’s all too easy to get thrown off balance by a sudden gust when you’re busy concentrating on the job in hand or trying to get something finished. 

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, you’re legally required to check that weather conditions are conducive to working at height.

While you’re in more danger the higher you go – 70% of fatal falls at work happen at heights of just 2m or above, working at height doesn’t always mean at a great height. There are added risks at ground level too from flying debris, garden fences, trampolines (we saw some blown onto railway tracks this week) and wheelie bins which can crash into machinery.

Aerial platforms such as boom lifts, cherry pickers, telescopic boom lifts, scissor lifts and other MEWPs are particularly hazardous when used outdoors in strong winds.  If you don’t recognise these dangers then there is a real risk of serious injury, or worse

Clearly, identifying aerial platform and boom lift hazards is an important part of safe MEWP operation.

If your job is essential, and you must work at height in windy conditions, then there are a few straightforward tips to help you and your workforce mitigate the risk.

1. Keep a close eye on the hourly weather forecast and, where possible, avoid working when the wind is at its strongest.
2. Avoid sudden gusts taking you by surprise by wearing a harness connected to an anchor point – and make sure your harness has been inspected (read more about this later!)
3. Winds over 18mph can effect your balance and move small pieces of metal around. Ensure that tools and all loose materials on your platform are secured safely.
4. An aerial platform offers a better level of safety than a ladder. If you don’t have one, consider investing in one or renting one.
5. Check your machine is suitable for outdoor use (maybe it has an indoor/outdoor occupancy rating) in the manufacturer’s instructions and has a wind rating decal.
6. Ensure your machine has a suitable base for added stability by checking the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Wear eye protection to prevent particles getting into your eyes.
8. Secure hard hats properly with chin straps as they could be blown off.
9. Non slip boots with plenty of traction are highly recommended too.
10. If carrying any flat materials, such as banners, be aware that these can easily catch the wind, even acting as a sail. Use tag lines when hoisting loads with large flat surfaces.
11. Inspect an aerial lift before raising the platform in high winds. To keep the lift stable, set outriggers on pads or level ground and set the brakes with outriggers. Also, use wheel chocks on sloped surfaces.
12. Workers must stay within the weight and reach limits of an aerial lift. They should travel only when the lift is lowered.
13. Do not operate hoisting equipment in winds exceeding 31mph without supervision or guidance from the machine manufacturer.
14. Only work at height if it is safe to do so!

According the the HSE, three levels of inspection are recommended when using a safety harness:

Pre-use check

At the beginning of each shift check there are no visible or surface defects. Any defects should be brought to the attention of your employer.

Detailed inspection

A formally recorded inspection should be undertaken at least every 6 months. However, for frequently used equipment it is suggested that this is increased to at least every 3 months, particularly when the equipment is used in arduous environments (eg demolition, steel erection, scaffolding, steel masts/towers with edges.

Interim inspection

These are also in-depth, recorded inspections and may be appropriate in addition to pre-use checks and detailed inspections. Interim inspections may be needed between detailed inspections because the employer’s risk assessment has identified a risk that could result in significant deterioration, affecting the safety of the lanyard before the next detailed inspection is due.

The need for and frequency of interim inspections will depend on use.

Examples of situations where they may be appropriate include risks from arduous working environments involving paints, chemicals or grit blasting operations or risks from acidic or alkaline environments if the type of fabric the lanyard is made from cannot be determined (some fabrics offer low resistance to acids or alkalis).

If you are not already familiar with it, the Beaufort scale below explains how wind makes objects behave allowing us to make sensible safety decisions when working at height.