The Beaufort Scale is important when working at height externally. What does it measure?

The Beaufort Scale is crucial for those working at height externally because it specifically measures wind speed. This scale provides a way to assess wind conditions, which can significantly impact safety when performing tasks such as construction, maintenance, or any work done from heights.

Understanding wind speed is essential for several reasons: strong winds can increase the risk of falls, cause equipment to sway, and lead to hazardous working conditions. The Beaufort Scale translates wind speeds into descriptive categories, ranging from calm conditions with minimal risk to stormy conditions where working at height may be unsafe.

While temperature, wind direction, and humidity are important environmental factors to consider in various situations, they do not provide the direct information needed to evaluate the safety risk associated with working at elevation caused by wind conditions. Thus, the focus on wind speed aligns with ensuring safety protocols are followed for activities involving heights.