The following are what we understand to be the maximum HSE recommended wind
speeds for roofing operations as at Jan 2002. All speeds in miles per hour.
STOP WORK Average wind Gust speed
Bitumen and 23 35
mastic asphalt pouring.
Handling slates, tiles,
felt,battens, sheets
and boards.
(nb bitumen flow from a boiler outlet tap will be deflected well below this speed)
Handling & laying of 17 ` 17
sheets longer than 5 m
Lightweight materials incl
GRP & insulation boards.
Work on unprotected 23 35
scaffolding involving
vertical slating & tiling.
EXTREME CARE
Handling felt rolls.
Use of hot bitumen. over 17 over 26
Cladding or decking over Any speed Any speed
20m length.
Wind speeds usually increase with height and local speeds
can be further increased by the effects of other buildings,
funnelling of wind between structures, suction effects and
even the effect of aircraft which can create a vortex -
this isn't generally known but can be strong enough to
rip slates & tiles off a roof.
There is also the risk of suction on the leeward side of
a structure, so watch the wind direction too!
As a general precaution you might consider noting wind
speed & direction and the exact location where the
measurement was taken in case you have to show that you
exercised 'due care'! Again, take and record measurements
at the place where the work is being done,
not on the ground outside the site office!!
These figures are given in good faith but we take no responsibility for
errors. You should check to satisfy yourself that they are
correct and also ensure that there are no local conditions that create