Roc Tan's Safety Information
Use With Awareness, Designed for Safety
Roc Tan windsocks are built to endure tough environments—but like any high-visibility or elevated equipment, proper installation, inspection, and safety considerations are essential to ensure reliable function and avoid injury or property damage.
This page outlines important safety notes, best practices, and usage guidelines for windsocks installed on poles, towers, telescoping systems, and mobile applications.
General Safety Precautions
| ⚠️ Hazard | ✅ Safe Practice |
|---|---|
| Pole or tower tipping | Always secure mounts with appropriate anchors or base pads for expected wind loads |
| Electrical interference | Install poles clear of power lines; maintain 10+ ft clearance from all energized wires |
| Sock entanglement | Ensure preload systems are installed correctly to keep socks open and free of twisting |
| Lightning risk | Use grounded metal poles where lightning protection is required in exposed areas |
| Climbing risk | Do not climb Roc Tan towers or poles; use tilt or telescopic lowering for maintenance |
| Sock obstruction or drag | Keep sock clear of obstructions like fences, walls, trees, or signage |
Site Assessment Recommendations
Before installing your Roc Tan windsock system, consider the following:
- Wind Exposure: Avoid installing in zones of turbulence (behind buildings, silos, etc.)
- Ground Conditions: Ensure base is level and capable of supporting intended hardware
- Public Access: Install out of reach in public zones, or use signage/barriers as needed
- Visibility: Ensure sock is clearly visible from intended observation point(s)
- Lighting: Use sock lights for nighttime visibility in aviation or hazard sites
Safety signage and nighttime visibility enhancements may be required by local bylaws or Transport Canada.
Hazard Zones & Industry-Specific Notes
Roc Tan windsocks are often installed in hazardous environments such as:
🛢️ Petrochemical facilities
⚠️ Spill response or hazmat zones
🚨 Emergency staging areas
🚁 Helipads
🏭 Industrial rooftops or silos
In these environments, it’s important to:
- Follow internal safety protocols and PPE use during installation or maintenance
- Ensure clear approach zones around pole or tower bases
- Mount windsocks with non-sparking tools and fasteners in flammable areas (where applicable)
- Consult Roc Tan for custom sock materials (e.g. antistatic or flame-resistant variants)
Safe Windsock Sizing
Larger windsocks exert more wind load on poles and mounting hardware. Always ensure:
- Poles and mounts are rated for the sock size and regional wind conditions
- Preloads are properly tensioned to prevent sock wrapping
- Sock diameter and length match the intended hoop or swivel system
Not sure what size to use? Contact Roc Tan for safe sizing recommendations for your site.
Safe Maintenance Procedures
Roc Tan windsocks are designed for low maintenance, but routine checks should include:
- Inspect sock for tears, UV degradation, or fraying
- Check hoop and preload rods for rust or loosened fasteners
- Ensure pole or tower base is secure and vertical
- Verify sock is swiveling freely without binding or obstruction
- Confirm any lights are functioning properly (if applicable)
Use telescoping poles or tilt towers to safely lower the unit before servicing.
⚠️ Never climb hardware.
Safety Labels & Compliance
Many Roc Tan windsock systems are designed to comply with:
- Transport Canada TP312 (aviation)
- FAA AC 150/5345-27 (U.S. airfields)
- Local OH&S or provincial industrial safety codes
Custom configurations can include:
⚠️ Safety labels
🔌 Lighting certifications
📄 Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
🧰 Hardware test data on request
Safe by Design, Built in Canada
From engineering to final assembly, Roc Tan builds windsock systems with safety, reliability, and field performance in mind—backed by decades of real-world usage in some of Canada’s harshest industrial sites.
✅ Tough materials
✅ UV-safe textiles
✅ Reinforced seams and stress zones
✅ Fail-safe swivels and friction-free bushings
Safety Questions? Need Help with a Custom Setup?
We’re here to support your safe windsock deployment.
🧾 Request safety data, installation specs, or site-specific sizing assistance.