BSG Weather Alert – Secure Your Site

With weather conditions expected to worsen this weekend and during the winter months, we would like to remind our members about the potential impact on site operations. BSG recommends companies follow the guidance below.

BSG Recommendations

Scaffold Inspection

It is the scaffold users/hirers responsibility to ensure that all scaffolding has been inspected as follows:

• Following installation/before first use
• At an interval of no more than every 7 days thereafter
• Following any circumstances liable to jeopardise the safety of the installation, eg high winds

All scaffolding inspection must be carried out by a competent person whose combination of knowledge, training and experience is appropriate for the type and complexity of the scaffold. Competence may have been assessed under the CISRS or an individual may have received training in inspecting a specific type of system scaffold from a manufacturer/supplier.

A non-scaffolder who has attended a scaffold inspection course, eg a site manager, could be deemed competent to inspect a basic scaffold structure.

The scaffold inspection report must note any defects or matters that could give rise to a risk to health and safety and any corrective actions taken, even when those actions are taken promptly, as this assists with the identification of any recurring problem.

Temporary Works 

Any scaffold or temporary structure, such as site hoarding, Heras fencing, false works should also be checked it meets the design and inspected by a competent person each time it is exposed to conditions likely to cause deterioration, for example, following adverse weather conditions.

Therefore, BSG recommends inspections should be carried before the arrival of any high winds and again before putting back into use.

Roof Works

Is there a wind speed above which roofing work should stop? Do not consider going on any roof in poor weather conditions such as rain, ice, frost or strong winds (particularly gusting) or if slippery conditions exist on the roof.  Winds in excess of 23mph (Force 5) will affect a person’s balance.

All Working at Height

Any working at height planned during these adverse weather conditions should be reassessed and the additional hazard from very high winds should be considered.

For example, mobile alloy tower scaffolds should not be put into use if wind speeds exceed 17mph.

Lifting Operations

BSG recommends that all lifting operations are suspended during these high winds.

The HSE advises against carrying out crane operations with wind speeds over 25mph and where gusts are forecast over 35 mph.

HSE Guidance

Please also see the enclosed HSE guidance for your reference: HSE Guidance

If your company has any questions about preparing your site, particularly during adverse weather conditions, site operations, please don’t hesitate to contact us at BSG: enquries@bsgltd.co.uk, Tel 0300 304 9070