What should you do if you experience sudden changes in weather conditions while working at height?

Ceasing work and securing yourself to an anchor point until conditions improve is the best course of action when faced with sudden changes in weather while working at height. Adverse weather can greatly increase the risk of accidents or injuries, such as slips, falls, or equipment failure. By stopping work and securing yourself, you prioritize safety and reduce the risk of injury caused by potentially dangerous situations like high winds, rain, or lightning.

Taking shelter and securing yourself allows time to assess the situation without exposing yourself to unnecessary hazards. It ensures that you remain safe until it is deemed safe to resume work. This approach is a fundamental principle in the risk management process for rope access technicians where prioritizing safety over productivity is paramount.

The other options could lead to unsafe practices, such as continuing work despite worsening weather or attempting to descend rapidly without proper securing, which could further endanger you and your team. Asking teammates for their opinions does not provide a concrete action plan for ensuring safety and could lead to delays in decision-making. This reinforces the importance of having clear protocols in place for sudden weather changes when working at height.