Flagpole safety in Finland

A flagpole is a tall structure on which the wind exerts large forces, and installing and maintaining it involves digging, lifting and sometimes electrical work. This guide describes what the Building Act, Tukes and other sources say about flagpole safety.

Requirements of the Building Act

There is no separate law on flagpoles, but under section 29 of the Building Act a structure must also meet the essential technical requirements that are essential to safety if its failure could endanger people. In addition, building must follow good building practice. The requirements apply to the pole even when no building permit is needed. Permits are described in the guide to flagpole installation.

In practice, the manufacturer designs the pole and foundation for a certain flag size and wind load. When a larger flag than the manufacturer states is raised, the force on the pole and foundation increases.

Wind and storms

The wind exerts a force on the flag, which is transmitted through the pole to the foundation. A long pole acts as a lever, so the strain at its base is large. According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, the flag should not tear on the pole, and so the flag is not raised in strong wind or a storm. According to the Association, flag flying is easier in windy weather if two people are present.

After a storm, the condition of the pole, its fixings and the foundation are customarily checked visually. A pole that leans, a crack in the pole’s surface or a loose tilting base are signs on which the use of the pole is commonly suspended until the fault has been investigated. Repairs are described in the guide to flagpole repair.

Electricity and lines

Overhead lines near the pole are a hazard during erection and when the pole is lowered, since a long pole can touch a line. The location is therefore usually chosen so that the pole cannot reach the lines if it falls.

According to Tukes, an ordinary electricity user may not carry out fixed electrical installations. An ordinary electricity user may, however, install extra-low-voltage lighting systems, for example at 12 volts, following the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions. Mains-voltage lighting and buried cable are work for an electrical professional. Lighting is described in the guide to flag lighting.

Buried cables and pipes

According to Johtotietopankki, the locations of underground cables and pipes are checked before digging, and a location enquiry is made at least three working days before digging begins. Cables can be marked on the ground by a marking service. According to Johtotietopankki, the marking is an aid and does not remove the digger’s responsibility in case of damage.

Lifting and lowering

A long pole is heavy and awkward to handle. A tilting pole is usually lowered and raised by at least two people, with free space in the direction of the fall. Larger aluminium and steel poles are usually erected with a lift. Working at height from ladders is one reason why tilting poles are common: their top can be serviced from the ground. The mechanics are described in the guide to flagpole mechanics.

Regular inspection

According to Suomalaisuuden Liitto, regular care of the pole and checking the fittings is appropriate for example every spring after the winter. Winter ice and snow loads and ground frost can put a strain on the pole and foundation. Maintenance is described in the guide to flagpole maintenance.

Poles at businesses and housing companies

The owner or occupier of the property is responsible for the safety of poles in public places. An internal halyard pole with a lockable hatch reduces the risk of vandalism. More information is in the guide to flagpoles for businesses.