Weather conditions in Work At height

1. Ensure work at height is carried out only when weather conditions do not jeopardise the health and safety of workers
2. This is an absolute duty
3. Strong winds will be the most common reason for halting work at height.

JEOPARDISE HEALTH AND SAFETY
Jeopardise means endanger the health and safety of workers. So if weather conditions pose a threat to health and safety then stop work. (ie not thermal discomfort and exposure to rain which can be dealt with by
PPE).

EXAMPLE. POWER COMPANY TRYING TO REINSTATE SUPPLIES AFTER A STORM
If workers and access equipment is likely to be blown off or over, wait for improvements. If there is no risk to health and safety then carry on. Thermal discomfort etc can be dealt with by PPE.


OTHER WEATHER EXAMPLES Which could jeopardise health and safety High winds during lifting operations or roof sheet laying Ice, snow or rain causing slippery conditions
CONSIDER OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THE RISK ASSESSMENT (MHSWR DUTIES)
Heat stress risk in boiler room/plant room Exposure to flue gasses on a stack Allow cooling and switch off.