08.01.2004

HSE pushes steel windload standards

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is pushing for steel building designers to agree industry-wide standards for windloads during construction, in the wake of Conder Structures being fined £100,000 after a 16-year old worker was killed by a girder brought down by strong winds. (see latest news section, Juanuary 6, 2003)

The HSE's investigation into Condor revealed that there is no industry consensus on a safe norm. Designers state that maximum wind loads varying from 25 to 80 miles per hour as a safe limit.

In the Conder case, Judge Christopher Metcalf said: "I find it extraordinary that there are no clear guidelines for the industry for levels of wind tolerance, nor are there clear protocols nor guidance for precautions to be taken when these structures are free-standing."