The UK has been hit by a series of severe storms in recent months, bringing high winds, heavy rain, and flooding across the country. These extreme weather conditions have caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, highlighting the importance of proper safety measures on construction sites—especially when it comes to scaffolding.
With high winds posing a serious risk to scaffolding stability, it’s crucial to understand how to keep structures secure, minimise damage, and ensure the safety of workers and the public. In this guide, we’ll explore scaffolding and high winds and the best practices for keeping safe during storms.
How High Winds Impact Scaffolding
Scaffolding is designed to be strong and stable, but when gale-force winds hit, even well-constructed scaffolding can be at risk if it’s not properly secured. Some of the key dangers include:
🔹 Increased Wind Pressure – High winds create lateral forces that push against scaffolding, potentially causing it to sway or collapse.
🔹 Loosening of Components – Strong gusts can loosen ties, clamps, and bracing, leading to instability.
🔹 Falling Debris – Winds can dislodge materials and tools from scaffolding, creating hazards for workers and pedestrians below.
🔹 Foundation Weakness – Heavy rain and flooding can soften the ground, affecting the stability of scaffolding bases.
During the recent storms, we’ve seen scaffolding structures collapse in several UK towns and cities, often due to poor securing or failure to take preventive measures. With the frequency of extreme weather increasing, it’s more important than ever to ensure scaffolding can withstand strong winds.
How to Secure Scaffolding Against High Winds
To minimise the risks associated with stormy weather and high winds, make sure your team follow these essential scaffolding safety practices:
1. Use Proper Anchoring and Ties
One of the most effective ways to keep scaffolding stable in high winds is by securing it to a solid structure. This can be done using:
✔️ Wall ties – Secure the scaffolding to the building at regular intervals to prevent movement.
✔️ Anchor points – Additional anchoring helps reinforce stability, especially in exposed locations.
✔️ Counterweights – For freestanding scaffolding, adding counterweights can help resist wind forces.
2. Install Bracing for Extra Support
Diagonal and horizontal bracing helps to distribute wind loads evenly across the scaffolding, reducing the risk of tipping. Without proper bracing, scaffolding can become weak and vulnerable during strong gusts.
3. Inspect and Maintain Scaffolding Regularly
Routine inspections before, during, and after storms are crucial for identifying potential weaknesses.
🔍 Before storms: Check for loose fittings, missing components, or damage that could compromise stability.
🔍 During storms: If possible, monitor scaffolding to ensure it remains secure.
🔍 After storms: Inspect for any signs of movement, loosened ties, or structural damage before allowing workers to return.
4. Secure Sheeting and Temporary Covers
While scaffold sheeting and netting are useful for weather protection and dust containment, they can act like sails in high winds, catching gusts and increasing the risk of scaffolding collapse. Before a storm, securely fasten sheeting to prevent excessive wind resistance.
5. Secure Loose Materials and Tools
High winds can easily pick up loose boards, tools, and debris, turning them into dangerous projectiles.
Always:
✔️ Store materials in designated safe areas away from scaffolding.
✔️ Use tool lanyards to prevent items from falling.
✔️ Ensure toe boards are in place to stop objects from slipping off platforms.
6. Know When to Stop Work
In extreme weather conditions, it’s sometimes safest to stop work altogether. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that scaffolding should not be used when wind speeds exceed 23mph (Force 5 on the Beaufort scale). If winds become dangerously strong, workers should evacuate the scaffolding and wait until conditions improve.
Legal Requirements for Scaffolding and High Winds
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers and site managers must ensure that scaffolding is:
📌 Properly designed and installed to withstand expected weather conditions and ensure no damage to property
📌 Regularly inspected by a competent person before use, weekly, and after extreme weather.
📌 Adjusted or reinforced when wind speeds increase.
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines, legal consequences, or serious accidents.
Why Choose SBB Scaffolding for Secure and Reliable Scaffolding?
With the UK experiencing more frequent storms and stronger high winds, it’s vital to choose a scaffolding provider that prioritises safety.
At SBB Scaffolding, we ensure all our scaffolding structures are:
✔️ Designed to withstand high winds and adverse weather
✔️ Installed by trained and experienced professionals
✔️ Regularly inspected and maintained for maximum safety
✔️ Compliant with all UK health and safety regulations
Don’t take chances with scaffolding safety—trust the experts at SBB Scaffolding to keep your site secure in all weather conditions.
📞 Call us today to discuss your scaffolding needs.
Stay safe. Stay secure. Choose SBB Scaffolding.
