Scaffolding contractors in northern parts of the UK face a second spell of disruptive weather this weekend after the Met Office named Storm Boelo.
The announcement on Thursday 22 October identifies Boelo as a separate weather system from Storm Austen, which is expected to affect southern areas on Thursday night and Friday.
Yellow wind warnings cover Scotland, parts of northern England and Northern Ireland over Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. Heavy rain is also forecast as the system moves in from the Atlantic.
Weekend warning periods
The Met Office warning for Scotland and northern England runs from 18:00 BST on Saturday to 21:00 GMT on Sunday. Gusts of 55–65mph are expected widely, with exposed coastal locations potentially reaching 70–80mph or more.
Northern Ireland has a separate warning from 18:00 BST on Saturday to 15:00 GMT on Sunday. Forecast gusts are 50–60mph widely and 65–75mph in exposed areas.
The different time zones reflect the clocks going back on Sunday morning.
The warnings identify possible flying debris, building damage, power cuts and disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services. Forecast details may change before the storm arrives.
Austen warning starts earlier
Meanwhile, the amber warning associated with Storm Austen has been brought forward to 01:00 on Friday 23 October. The wider yellow warning now includes western Wales and ends at 17:00, while another yellow wind warning covers a large area of England and Wales from 10:00 to 21:00 on Friday.
Scaffold inspections
For scaffold users and hirers, the forecast brings existing inspection responsibilities into focus. HSE guidance says scaffolding must be inspected after circumstances liable to jeopardise its safety, including high winds, as well as before first use and at intervals of no more than seven days.
The guidance also says sheeting or debris netting must not be added without informing those responsible for design and erection, so they can ensure the scaffold is designed for it.
