SEA/General/TBT-SEA-020
Working in High Wind Conditions
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Toolbox Talk
Working in High Wind Conditions
High winds create serious dangers on construction sites. Cranes and MEWPs have strict wind speed operating limits. Unsecured materials, sheeting, and hoarding can become airborne projectiles. Scaffold sheeting acts as a sail and increases loads on scaffold structures. Working at height in wind is more difficult and more dangerous because balance is affected and materials are harder to control. Wind speed must be monitored continuously and trigger levels for stopping specific activities must be set and enforced.
Key Hazards
Crane and MEWP overturn from exceeding wind speed operating limits
Unsecured materials, sheeting, and panels becoming dangerous airborne projectiles
Workers blown from exposed positions at height or losing balance on platforms
Scaffold collapse from increased wind loading on sheeted or netted structures
Control Measures
- Monitor wind speed using an anemometer and check forecasts at the start of every shift.
- Set clear trigger wind speeds for stopping cranes, MEWPs, lifting, and work at height activities.
- Secure all loose materials, sheets, and panels against wind displacement at the end of every shift.
- Reduce scaffold sheeting or netting area if wind loading approaches the design limits of the scaffold.
- Stop all crane and MEWP operations when wind speed reaches the limits stated in the lift plan or manual.
- Brief workers on the wind speed trigger levels and the activities that must stop at each threshold.
- Store lightweight materials such as insulation boards and sheet materials in a sheltered enclosed location.
- Inspect scaffolds, hoardings, and temporary structures after every period of high wind for damage.
- Consider rescheduling exposed height work to calmer periods where the programme allows flexibility.
Remember
- Wind speed must be monitored continuously and trigger levels for stopping work must be enforced.
- Cranes and MEWPs have strict wind speed limits that must never be exceeded regardless of programme pressure.
- Unsecured lightweight materials become lethal projectiles in strong wind — secure everything at the end of each shift.
- Scaffold sheeting increases wind loading dramatically and can cause scaffold collapse if limits are exceeded.
- Working at height in wind is more dangerous because balance, grip, and material control are all affected.
- After every high wind event, inspect scaffolds, hoardings, and temporary structures before resuming work.
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Work at Height Regulations 2005 · LOLER 1998 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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