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CROSS Safety Report

Metal shed blown off roof

Report ID: 536 Published: 1 April 2016 Region: CROSS-UK

This report is over 2 years old

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Overview

During some very gusty winds, a metal shed which had been placed on a ninth floor terrace, was blown down to the street below.

Key Learning Outcomes

For building owners and managers:

  • Any objects that have the potential to be blown off a balcony or roof terrace should be adequately tied down

  • Consider appointing a suitably qualified engineer to carry out an assessment to ensure the object is adequately secured

For all built environment professionals:

  • If you notice a potential safety issue not during the course of your work, consider reporting it to the owner or tenant

Full Report

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The Full Report below has been submitted to CROSS and describes the reporter’s experience. The text has been edited for clarity and to ensure anonymity and confidentiality by removing any identifiable details. If you would like to know more about our secure reporting process or submit a report yourself, please visit the reporting to CROSS-UK page.

 

During some very gusty winds, a metal shed which had been placed on a ninth floor terrace, was blown down to the street below. The shed had been placed on a terrace, along with some patio furniture to form an amenity space for a commercial building. During the winds, the shed was lifted over a 1.1m high balustrade and fell to the street.

It is not known whether there was anything in the shed at the time, but the shed weighed 30kg and was not fixed down. The furniture and shed had been placed without considering the effects of wind, or reference to a structural engineer, says the reporter.

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