SEA/General/TBT-SEA-022
Fog and Poor Visibility Protocols
Seasonal & Weather › General › Fog and Poor Visibility Protocols
Toolbox Talk
Fog and Poor Visibility Protocols
Fog, heavy rain, and low cloud can reduce visibility on construction sites to dangerous levels. Plant operators cannot see pedestrians, banksmen lose sight of loads, and drivers on haul roads face collision risks. Working in poor visibility without additional controls significantly increases the chance of a serious or fatal accident. This talk covers the protocols that must be followed when visibility drops below safe working limits.
Key Hazards
Pedestrians struck by plant that cannot see them in fog
Vehicle collisions on haul roads due to reduced stopping distances
Lifting operations continuing without adequate visual communication
Workers falling into excavations obscured by fog or mist
Control Measures
- Establish a minimum visibility distance trigger for stopping high-risk activities such as lifting.
- Increase the use of audible warning devices on all moving plant during poor visibility periods.
- Deploy additional banksmen at key pedestrian crossing points and blind junctions.
- Reduce site speed limits and increase following distances for all vehicles on haul roads.
- Ensure all operatives wear clean high-visibility clothing with retroreflective strips.
- Suspend crane and lifting operations if the slinger or banksman cannot clearly see the load.
- Increase temporary lighting at key work areas, junctions, and pedestrian walkways.
- Brief all operatives at the start of the shift on the reduced visibility controls in place.
- Monitor conditions throughout the day and adjust controls as visibility changes.
Remember
- Stop lifting operations if the banksman cannot clearly see the load at all times
- Reduce speed limits and increase following distances on all haul roads in fog
- Wear clean high-visibility clothing with retroreflective strips without exception
- Deploy additional banksmen at blind junctions and pedestrian crossing points
- Monitor conditions throughout the shift and be prepared to stop work if visibility worsens
Applicable Legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · MHSWR 1999 · CDM 2015 · LOLER 1998
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