Resources

Wind Tracker™
The windsock system that will help protect your interests and minimize your exposure to liability.

Resources

Windsock Implementation:

Where should we install our windsocks?

Wind Direction & Speed Chart
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Ensuring the safety of workers during emergency evacuations hinges on the careful selection of the installation location and height for Wind Tracker™ windsocks.

For use by personnel on site the key factors are line of sight, and the primary location of a possible incident in relationship to the designated areas of reasonable safety. In other words, “Where did it happen, where am I going to go, and can I see the wind on the way”.

Positioning the windsock in a location with unobstructed visibility is crucial. This ensures that emergency responders and workers can quickly and accurately assess wind conditions, aiding in decision-making during evacuations. Placing the windsock in a clear line of sight from evacuation points enhances its effectiveness.

Take into account the designated evacuation routes and areas where workers gather during emergency situations. Installing wind measurement devices along these routes provides real-time information on wind direction and speed, aiding in the safe navigation of evacuees away from potential hazards.

What height should we install our windsocks?

The Wind Tracker™ System should be installed within the routes of evacuation and at a height not to exceed 30 feet (10 meters) above grade for proper performance, safety, and accuracy.

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A commonly suggested mounting height for windsocks is around 10 feet (3 meters) above grade. This standard height is often utilized in aviation settings and aligns with regulations for consistent wind reporting at airports.

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Our research shows 15-18 feet above grade to be the most effective height for monitoring wind movement and speed near or around buildings and structures.

Installing the Wind Tracker™ Windsock System at high elevation where unobstructed wind conditions prevail will not demonstrate the actual wind movements in, and around the area of evacuation, and may lead to persons exiting the site or area in the wrong direction.

How many windsocks should we use at our location?

One windsock should be visible by workers when using an exit. The Wind Tracker™ can be seen up to 1/4 mile away, however obstructions along the evacuation route may necessitate the need for one or more additional windsocks.

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For inbound traffic such as helicopters, and first responders one or two elevated windsocks may be all that is required. They should be visible from the air taking into consideration the approach.

Additional Things to consider:

Redundancy and Reliability: Consider installing multiple windsocks at different locations within the facility to provide redundancy and ensure reliability. This redundancy helps mitigate the risk of device failure and ensures that wind information is available from various vantage points, enhancing overall safety during evacuations.

Integration with Emergency Protocols: Align the installation with established emergency protocols and procedures. Ensure that wind information from the devices is integrated into the facility’s emergency response system, allowing for seamless communication and coordination during evacuations.

Training and Awareness: Educate workers and emergency responders about the significance of windsocks in the evacuation process. Promote awareness of how wind conditions can impact safety and provide training on interpreting the information provided by these devices.

OSHA (Appendix C to 1910.119) Compliance Guidelines and Recommendations for Process Safety Management states: “Unwanted incidental releases of highly hazardous chemicals in the process area must be addressed by the employer as to what actions employees are to take. If the employer wants employees to evacuate the area, then the emergency action plan will be activated.

For outdoor processes where wind direction is important for selecting the safe route to a refuge area, the employer should place a wind direction indicator such as a windsock at the highest point that can be seen throughout the process area. Employees can move in the direction of cross wind to upwind to gain safe access to the refuge area by knowing the wind direction.”

Wind Tracker windsock set

Technical Resources:

FAQ
Product Installation Guides
Wind Tracker™ Product Sheet
OSHA Color Codes

Windsock Applications:

Industrial & Hazardous Material Handling
Aviation & Airfields
Emergency Response & Safety
Maritime & Water-Based Industries
Agriculture & Environmental Management
Correctional & Government Facilities
Construction & Heavy Equipment Operations
Recreational & Outdoor Sports
Railway & Transportation Infrastructure
Waste Management & Hazardous Material Disposal

Wind Tracker™ – Detects Low Wind Movement

Exceeds OSHA standards
Detects wind below 1 mile per hour
Strongest windsock constructions
No tools required, assembled
No metal cages to jam or maintain
Industry Standard Size
Storm Tough® Construction
LockGuard™ Stitching
Made in the USA!

Reliable & accurate for Evacuations, Emergency Action Plans (EAP), Commercial Use, Industrial Airport Windsocks, Oil fields, etc.US Patent 5,701,840

Why Do I Need a Windsock?

A windsock provides an immediate visual indication of wind direction, helping employees and emergency responders make informed decisions when conditions change. Unlike electronic wind measurement devices that rely on batteries, sensors, or external power, a windsock is always operational and requires no electricity to function. This simple, dependable design makes a windsock one of the most reliable tools for improving situational awareness and supporting emergency preparedness in any outdoor environment.

OSHA Requirements

While OSHA does not specifically require every facility to install a windsock, many employers use them to support workplace safety and emergency preparedness. Facilities that handle hazardous chemicals, ammonia refrigeration systems, or other airborne hazards often incorporate windsocks into their Emergency Action Plans to help employees quickly determine wind direction during an emergency. A windsock is a simple yet effective safety tool that complements OSHA’s goal of protecting workers from recognized hazards.

EPA Recommendations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages facilities that store or use hazardous materials to develop effective emergency response plans that minimize risks to employees, the public, and the environment. Although the EPA does not specifically mandate the use of windsocks, knowing real-time wind direction is an important part of responding to airborne chemical releases. A windsock provides a dependable visual reference that can assist emergency personnel in making informed response and evacuation decisions.

Best Windsock Height

For the most accurate wind indication, a windsock should be mounted where it receives clean, unobstructed airflow while remaining highly visible. Based on our experience and field testing, an installation height of approximately 15 to 18 feet above grade provides the ideal balance between visibility and wind exposure for most industrial and commercial applications. Local site conditions should always be considered to ensure the windsock is clear of nearby obstructions.

Windsock Placement

A windsock should be installed where it is easily visible to employees, visitors, and emergency responders while also receiving the best possible airflow. In most applications, visibility is the primary consideration, but placement should also avoid nearby buildings, trees, or large equipment that may disrupt natural wind patterns. Selecting a location that balances visibility with unobstructed wind flow ensures the windsock provides the most accurate indication of prevailing wind direction.

What Size Windsock?

The Wind Tracker™ windsock is available in a single 24″ x 60″ size, which we have found through extensive testing to provide the ideal combination of visibility, responsiveness, and durability when manufactured from high-quality nylon fabric. This size performs exceptionally well across a wide range of wind conditions, making it suitable for industrial facilities, emergency response applications, and general commercial use without the need to offer multiple flag sizes.

Tubular vs. Flat Windsocks

Traditional tubular windsocks rely on a fabric tube supported by a rigid metal cage, while the Wind Tracker™ features an innovative flat windsock design that eliminates heavy metal components. The flat design responds quickly to changing wind conditions, requires less maintenance, and avoids the corrosion issues commonly associated with metal support rings. Its lightweight construction, durable plastic hardware, and highly visible profile provide dependable wind indication while offering a simpler, longer-lasting alternative to conventional tubular windsocks.

Wind Speed vs. Wind Direction

Although often associated together, wind speed and wind direction serve different purposes. Wind direction identifies where the wind is traveling and is essential for emergency response, evacuation planning, and hazardous material incidents. Wind speed measures the intensity of the wind and influences operational decisions in many industries. A windsock primarily indicates wind direction while also providing a visual estimate of relative wind speed based on how fully the windsock extends.

Emergency Action Plans

A windsock is an important component of many Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), providing instant wind direction information during fires, chemical releases, hazardous material incidents, and other emergencies. Because it is always visible and requires no power source, employees and emergency responders can immediately identify safe evacuation routes and determine the safest approach to an incident. Including a windsock in an emergency preparedness program helps improve situational awareness and supports faster, more effective decision-making.

Hazardous Material Response

During a hazardous material release, understanding wind direction is critical for protecting personnel and limiting exposure to airborne contaminants. A windsock provides an immediate visual indication of prevailing wind direction, allowing emergency responders to establish safe evacuation routes, incident command locations, and response strategies without relying on powered equipment. Its simplicity, reliability, and continuous operation make it an essential safety tool for facilities that handle hazardous materials or other potentially dangerous airborne substances.