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Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 070

S Martin – 09 January 2008

Weather Warning

It is that time of year again when we have severe weather warnings issued regularly across the country.

Today the met office are issuing a severe gales warning for Scotland, with wind speeds expected to
reach 51mph and gusts of 74mph in some regions.

In these winds it is it is inevitable
that we will receive a large
increase in call out’s relating to
wind damaged signware
(canopies in particular).

It is important to remember to always check the wind speed before working at height. Complete a
work at height checklist and use your anemometer – do not work off a tower or sherpascopic steps
above 17mph wind speed (24mph for MEWPs). If necessary, close the site, and advise the site to call
the fire brigade.

It is also likely that we will start to get snow and icy conditions. Snow reduces visibility when driving,
and increases stopping distances. Icy conditions substantially increases stopping distances (by up to ten
times) and can also be very difficult to see. When driving in these conditions, slow down, always leave
a larger gap between yourself and the vehicle in front, use your headlights, and avoid sudden braking,
acceleration or steering.

When working on site in snow or icy conditions, be particularly careful when barriering off the work
area. Be aware that vehicles entering the site may be unable to see clearly, and may be unable to
manoeuvre or stop due to ice. Use your vehicle as a barrier if possible.

Do not work on the site if the visibility is so low that oncoming vehicles cannot see the barriers clearly
or if the area is too slippery to walk on.