How the Kestrel 1000 Pocket Wind Meter Keeps Scaffolding Workers Safe

June 18, 2018 Monica Devlin Comments

Scaffolding is an essential piece of construction equipment. It’s designed to access hard-to-reach places for tasks such as painting or it can support loads such as brick or stucco. Safety is critical for the use of scaffolding, especially when it comes to OSHA regulations. The Kestrel 1000 Pocket Wind Meter is an ideal tool for keeping scaffolding workers safe in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

What is the Kestrel 1000 Pocket Wind Meter?

The Kestrel 1000 is one of the best instruments on the market for measuring wind speed. It accurately measures and displays current wind speeds in m/s, ft/min, km/h, mph, kt. The measurements are displayed on a large and clear LCD screen.

Wind measurements are traceable according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

What’s Defined as High Winds?

High winds speeds are subjective. It depends on how comfortable the worker feels with high wind gusts, the tasks they’re performing, the personal judgment of the onsite project manager, and other environmental factors.

However, The National Weather Service defines breezy and windy differently. Breezy conditions are classified as winds between 15 and 25 mph. Conditions with winds of over 25 mph are considered windy.

OSHA's Guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry enforces the following information with working in high winds on scaffolding:

"Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and those employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens. Wind screens shall not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed."

Using the Kestrel 1000 to Determine Wind Speed for Scaffolding

Using the Kestrel 1000 Pocket Wind Meter is fast and simple. The device is calibrated before leaving the factory, requiring little-to-no effort for construction workers to measure wind speed for scaffolding.

Simply turn on the device and scroll through the options to select current wind speed, average wind speed, or maximum wind speed. You’ll then select your mode of measurement, such as MPH. The unit automatically turns off if it’s not activated within 45 seconds.

Get the Ideal Wind Meter for Scaffolding

Those in the construction industry benefit from this pocket wind meter for its spot-on accuracy, reliability, and rugged design. Choose the Kestrel 1000 Pocket Wind Meter for scaffolding and more.

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Monica Devlin