01.08.2019

Guide to working in wind

The UK based Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists (ATLAS) has published new guidance entitled Wind Guidance Note for Working at Height.

Developed by M J Fuller & Associates and reviewed by ATLAS’ Council and Safety & Access Committee, the new document – which can be downloaded by clicking here - has been developed to help companies and individuals minimise risks associated with working in windy weather conditions by highlighting the best practices as part of an effort to educate on how and when to carry out such work. The document is primarily intended for steeplejack and lightning conductor engineers, but elements of the guide will be useful to almost anyone who regularly works at height.

The guidance aims to assist with understanding wind and its behaviour, provide an onsite point of work risk assessment and advice on what tools can be used for recording and measuring wind. The note refers to a number of publications on the risks of working at height, but one of the key objectives of the document is to provide simple guidance which does not overload the reader.

ATLAS honorary life vice president Mike Fuller said: “It is vital that those working at height are equipped with up to date, technical guidance to ensure the correct safety measures are in place to minimise risks. However, it is also important that the published guidance notes are coherent and simple to understand. The core principal of this document was to simplify and compile existing guidance on working at height in wind to enable operatives to assess their working conditions accurately.”