CROSS Safety Report
Metal panel blown off roof
This report is over 2 years old
Overview
During some exceptionally gusty winds, a metal roof panel was blown off an office building roof onto a railway station roof below.
Key Learning Outcomes
For construction professionals:
- Consider introducing a quality management procedure for the inspection of safety critical fixings for panel systems, particularly for those installed at high level or on roofs
For civil and structural design engineers:
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Careful consideration needs to be given to the fixing of panels and cladding systems, particularly in areas subjected to high wind suction pressures
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If possible attend site to inspect the installation of these systems and their fixings
Full Report
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During some exceptionally gusty winds, a metal roof panel, which had been in place for a number of years, was blown off an office building roof onto a railway station roof below. The panel formed part of an air handling plant room roof. It appeared to have been fixed along one side only to allow for removal for maintenance.
The fixings seemed to have pulled out of the supports and the panel blown down onto a railway station roof a few storeys below. The winds at the time could almost be described as a 'mini tornado', says the reporter, and blew up very quickly.
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Expert Panel Comments
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All panels and similar features must be securely fixed. High winds in city centres are not unusual. In this case, there could have been collateral damage if the object has fallen through the station roof and either hit a pedestrian or a train.