Windsocks are a critical part of a Safety Management System
Major industrial sites must have advanced safety systems to manage major incident risks like explosions, fires, chemical releases, and breaches effectively. Windsocks are crucial in these systems, showing wind direction and aiding in safe evacuations during emergencies.
Requirements for industrial windsocks usually follow local rules, especially for Major Hazard Facilities. They often use Safe Work Australia guidelines. One important rule is creating a Safety Case, which outlines how to handle hazards and risks.
While Safety Cases may differ by location, there are general principles for the use of Windsocks, also called Wind Direction Indicators, based on established practice.
General principles for Windsock setup
- the Windsock should be erected within the site to clearly show the wind direction in the event of an accident;
- the Windsock should be of a sufficient length to be visible across the site and placed at strategic points around the perimeter and/or on high structures;
- multiple Windsocks may be required in order to provide proper coverage across the site;
- the Windsock should be checked from time to time to ensure that tree growth or new building installation has not affected the visibility of the Windsock;
- the Windsock should be installed on a swivelling or hinging pole to reduce the impact of working at height issues; and
- in the event of an incident (usually signalled by an emergency alarm), immediately observe the Windsock and evacuate across and upwind to the nearest and safest muster point.
Chlorine, Ammonia & Toxic Gases
Windsocks are a mandatory piece of equipment at sites where a leakage of hazardous gas could be a danger to personnel and surrounding environments.
Our Windsocks are ideal to assist workers and the public to determine wind direction in order to relocate to a safe area. The recommended colours are neon orange or neon yellow.
Water Processing Stations
Often chlorine, ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and other chemicals are used by State Governments in the processing of water. Each instrumentality will have its own specific requirements such as those set down by the Water Corporation of Western Australia which, in summary, requires that:
- the pole specification is designed to exceed the highest wind speed expected for the site. This will determine the height, size and weight of the pole and length of the windsock;
- Windsocks to be a minimum of 900x300x150mm;
- Fabric to be either: if white, WeatherMaxLT or if orange, Sunbrella;
- the Windsock Assembly to be installed at all locations whether the off-site risk potential is significant;
- the Windsock Assembly to be located within the site, able to be seen clearly from the main entry gate;
- For ground-level installations a ground or mid-hinging pole to be used for ease of maintenance; and
- For elevated installations a Swivel Light Pole or similar to be used for ease of maintenance.
- Windsocks Australia provides Windsock Assemblies around Australia to groups, including Water Corporation of Western Australia, Lachlan Shire Council, Sydney Water, Midcoast Water Services, South Gippsland Water, Suez Water and Cowra Shire Council.
Swimming Pool Operators
Swimming pool operators use chemicals (oxidisers and corrosives) like chlorine and others. These chemicals must be carefully stored in accordance with Work Safe Requirements and, again in the case of leakage, it is critical to know the wind direction.
Windsocks Australia has provided and advised on a number of Windsock Assemblies for swimming pools around the country.