We all know that weather can be unpredictable, and protection against the elements is probably the main reason you’ve made the decision to get a shelter in the first place. Whatever type of building you’re considering, it’s important that it will be able to stand up to the toughest conditions.
In the vast expanse of Australia, the climatic conditions can vary greatly. This creates a multitude of weather scenarios that can potentially impact the performance of your shelter. From scorching sunlight to torrential rain, from fierce winds to hail and lightning, the elements can be relentless. Ensure your shelter can withstand any challenge from Mother Nature, giving you peace of mind and confidence in its resilience. By examining its wind ratings, you can be confident that your sanctuary can endure even the harshest of winds.
Choosing a shelter without proper compliance to local wind ratings may result in damage during storms or sudden gusts. An unsuitable shelter can also be a safety hazard for any people who are working in it, or those in the surrounding area.
Whenever you purchase or hire a shelter, you should always check that it conforms to the wind ratings for your area, especially if you are planning to use it in a coastal region. If you aren’t familiar with wind rating codes, it can be a bit confusing. Here is a brief explanation of how Australian wind ratings work.
What are wind ratings?
As part of Australian standards, different regions have different wind ratings. Structures must adhere to the specified ratings; otherwise, they risk structural failure. There are four different ratings, depending on the level of wind that is possible in each different area.
Wind ratings are calculated based on a number of different factors. These include:
- Geographical location. Certain areas are designated ‘tropical’ areas, these areas have a higher likelihood of encountering severe storms and winds. The northern coastline of Australia is particularly vulnerable to severe weather.
- Level of exposure. Coastal areas usually get more wind than inland areas as they are more exposed, so they have a higher wind rating. Some inland areas that are more exposed also have higher wind ratings.
- Importance Level: This refers to what the building is used for, and how frequently it is occupied by people. Level one, the lowest usage rating, applies to buildings with low hazard potential or risk in case of failure. Level four, the highest usage rating is used for structures that are associated with hazardous materials or are essential to post-disaster recovery.
- Likelihood of cyclones. Cyclone-prone areas have a higher wind rating than other areas. A shelter that is located in a cyclone-prone area needs to be able to withstand extreme high winds.
In Accordance With AS/NZS1170.2:2021:
In compliance with Australian standard 1170, it’s essential that any shelter matches the wind region for the area it will be used in. Each designated wind region has a maximum wind speed that your shelter will need to be able to withstand if it’s going to conform.
These are:
- Region A: This is the most common region in Australia. Shelters located in these areas need to be able to withstand winds of up to 147.6 km/h.
- Region B: Shelters located in these areas need to be able to withstand winds of up to 177.5km/h.
- Region C: For cyclone-prone areas, structures that are built in this region need to be able to cope with winds of up to 204.5km/h
- Region D: This makes up a very small area of Australia, and are areas that are prone to severe tropical cyclones. These shelters need to be able to handle wind speeds of up to 247.7km/h.
Ensure machinery and workers’ safety by selecting a shelter with an approved wind rating for your specific working region.
Check your wind rating on the map below.
Allshelter Wind Region Map
At Allshelter, we can help you find the perfect shelter for your needs. Call us today to discuss your requirements.
