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Box 200 Central Falls, RI 02863


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Little Known Facts about
Windsocks
There are many interesting facts that people do not know about windsocks. You know those
flag-like things you see at airports, highways and chemical facilities. If your knowledge on these
is limited, read on to discover little known facts about the windsock.
1. It Helps the Pilots
An aviation windsock is a common sight at an airport. At runways, they serve as an indicator of
the direction of wind and its velocity. This is crucial information to pilots as it helps them make
calculated decisions while landing or taking off.
2. It Serves as a Tool to Calculate Wind Speed
A windsock is also an instrument to gauge wind speed. The FAA has defined rules concerning
the calculation of wind speed using a windsock. According to FAA, if a wind blows through a
windsock at a speed of 17 mph, it will flap in a full horizontal direction.
3. It is Essential at any Chemical Facility
A windsock pole is also used near chemical plants. This helps the authorities to determine the
direction of the wind so that they can prevent the exposure of toxins in the air. This way,
chemical plants will be able to minimize environmental hazards and save humans from the
negative effects of pollutants.
4. It Comes in Colors and Stripes
Windsocks are produced in bright colors. This makes them visible even from a distant area.
They also come in stripes that indicate the purpose they are designed for.
Keep these pointers in mind and you will become an authority on windsocks whenever they
come up in a conversation.



Mailing Address P.O. Box 200 Central Falls, RI 02863
E-mail us: - sales@safetyflag.com
CALL US TODAY - 800-648-6926


A Look at the Three Common Types of Windsock
Windsocks are conical instruments that are used to determine the speed and velocity of air.
They have been used by the Romans for this purpose and later in Japan and China as part of
their respective traditions. Today, their uses depend on their application. There are currently
three types of windsocks: Industrial, Airport and Decorative.
Industrial Windsocks
The industrial windsock is the most common type of the windsocks used today. They serve as
an instrument to find the direction of the wind in areas that are prone to chemical toxins. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provide specific rules on the
manufacturing and uses of the industrial windsock.
Airport Windsocks
The aviation windsock is another common type of windsock. This type is usually visible in
airports where they serve as a tool to determine the direction of the air. Technically, they help
pilots in landing and take-off. They are produced in vinyl fabric that makes them strong and
durable as required in the setting of an airport. Most often, you will find orange windsocks at
the airport.
Decorative Windsock
Apart from the functional aspect of a windsock, it can also be used as a way to celebrate
festivals. The Japanese have been using the Koinobori, a carp windsock, to celebrate Childrens
day. America is another country where you will find decorative windsock in many national and
international festivals.
Whether you are a homeowner or the safety in charge at an airport or factory, make sure to
pick the right type of windsock.



Mailing Address P.O. Box 200 Central Falls, RI 02863
E-mail us: - sales@safetyflag.com
CALL US TODAY - 800-648-6926


Everything to Know About Windsock Flags
A windsock is a kind of balloon that is used to gauge the direction and speed of the air. It is
often seen at airports, oil fields and chemical plants. If you have seen one, you should know
that it determines the direction of the wind. However, windsocks are still an enigma for some
people. To those people, here is a quick introduction of the windsock:
Background
The use of windsock can be dated back to 100 A.D when the Romans used them to represent
their army. However, the more contemporary form of windsocks is related to the Japanese and
Chinese cultures where they were used to celebrate Childrens Day and were called koi noburi.
The Japanese and Chinese used to place these flags on a bamboo pole. Each windsock hanged
on the pole represents a member of the family.
Common Sights
Orange windsocks are often sighted at seaports, mountain roads and airports. They are a great
help for hikers and sailors and help them determine air directions while navigating a route. In
addition, they are used in oil and chemical fields to assess the chemical hazards of the site in
case of a gaseous leakage.
Gauging the Direction of Wind
The most common use of windsock involves measuring the direction of wind. The direction is
determined by the narrower point. For example, if the end point is towards the north, the wind
comes from the south.
Determining the Speed of Wind
There are two common types of windsock: (1) Aviation windsock and (2) Marine windsock.
They are used at airport and seaports to calculate the wind speed. They are attached to a
windsock pole against the direction of the wind. When the wind blows through it, the angle
that the windsock is attached to determines the speed of air.
These are some of the things you should know about windsocks,

Mailing Address P.O. Box 200 Central Falls, RI 02863
E-mail us: - sales@safetyflag.com
CALL US TODAY - 800-648-6926

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