Staying safe while working at height is already a hard task in itself, but the risks only get greater when you add bad weather to the mix. Wind, ice, snow and other adverse weather conditions pose a serious threat to safety for those working on site. This blog will explore some of the risks associated with these weather conditions and what you can do to keep yourself and others on site safe.
Is It Legal To Work in Bad Weather?
Every country has different regulations when it comes to working at height in bad weather conditions. For example, in many countries it is illegal to work on a roof covered with snow or ice as this is deemed unsafe; whereas in countries that experience a lot of snowy weather, working on a snowy roof is incredibly common.
Make sure you always check the safety precautions that are drafted by the local legislators where you are working.
Wind
Strong winds can cause both people and loose materials to be blown around, increasing the risk of slips and falls as well as injuries to workers from falling debris. Wind can also make it difficult to hear, which can lead to dangerous miscommunications and workers being unaware of approaching vehicles or machinery. For these reasons it is imperative that you check wind conditions at the height you will be working at in order to account for any instability of people or objects this could cause.
Lightning
When working at height, the worker is often the highest point of a structure, meaning that they are more likely to be struck by lightning, should it occur. Work should always be suspended as soon as possible at the first sign of thunder and lightning.
Snow
Snow and ice can cause a multitude of risks when working at height. For example, in freezing temperatures, systems made of stainless steel can easily freeze and lose their functionality. To combat this, you should try to manually remove as much ice as possible and dry the frozen parts with a towel or cloth to prevent corrosion. Never use any form of heater to defrost or dry a fall protection system, this can further damage the equipment and make it unsafe to use again.
When working on an icy surface, it is crucial that you move carefully and watch your feet to avoid slips and falls. You can also grit the area to improve traction. It is also essential that you wear appropriate clothing when working at height in icy conditions. Low temperatures can cause muscles and nerves to cool down, leading to loss of coordination and strength in your limbs - this is something you never want to experience while working at height.
Rain
Rain can leave surfaces slick and slippery, so extra care should always be taken before working at height in wet conditions. Rain can also cause corrosion to safety equipment, so workers should always remember to dry their kit when coming in from work in the rain. However, never use a heater to dry a fall protection harness as this could cause the webbing to melt and weaken, putting your safety at risk.
Sun and Heat
Although a nice sunny day is probably the best weather to do work at height, the sun brings with it a set of its own risks. Most permanent fall protection systems are made from metals like stainless steel and aluminium. These metal parts can expand and deform when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time, compromising their safety. Roof materials can also melt in the sun, weakening the structure and causing workers to slip, trip or fall.
Before any work at height takes place, the supervisor on site should always take a moment to explain the fall hazards on the job alongside the current weather conditions and any additional risks it can bring. If weather conditions begin to turn for the worse, work should always be suspended until a later date.
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If you want to learn more about working at height safety, check out our recent blog on where do most falls from height occur or contact us at Safety Harness Direct and a member of our team will be happy to help.
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