Planning, Equipment, and Safety for Efficient Street and Road Works

Whatever type of street works you are involved in, it is essential to be aware of your obligations and responsibilities under two primary codes of practice:

• New Roads and Street Works Act
• The Department of Transport’s Traffic Signs Manual, specifically Chapter 8 (part 1) and Chapter 8 (part 2)

This is legislation that applies to anyone conducting any activities that may directly or indirectly affect a roadway of any kind.  Examples of which among others include:

• Highways and Road Authorities
• Utility companies
• Private companies
• Supervisors and managers
• Organisers and planners
• Operatives and groundwork staff

Policies are drawn up and implemented for the protection of pedestrians, road users, cyclists, horse riders, and mobility scooter users.  It is the legal requirement of those organising, managing and taking part in street works to ensure their proactive and continuous protection of both the public at large and the workforce involved in the project.

Preparatory Requirements

As part of the preparation process for street works of any kind, those involved are required by law to:

• Fully understand and comply with all local authority licensing procedures
• Summit a complete plan of pedestrian and traffic management proposals
• Make the necessary arrangements with utility companies to ensure their services are not disrupted
• Ensure that the project and its workforce are covered by appropriate indemnity insurance
• Research and invest in appropriate barriers and safety gear
• Conduct a detailed risk assessment to reduce risk levels as much as possible

During the Project

Additional responsibilities are shouldered by those organising and managing street works projects, which in terms of health and safety for the public and the road users in general are divided into three categories:

Signage

• All road signs must be clearly visible and unobstructed
• Sufficient warning of hazards should be provided ahead of time
• Signage should be strategically positioned and well maintained
• Damages or tampered with signage should be replaced immediately
• Speed restrictions should be made clear and for the warnings provided
• Sufficient illumination should be used to light signs at night

Lighting

• Must be able to operate safely in all weather conditions
• Should provide adequate illumination in all weather conditions
• Installations must be check regularly for safety and potential hazards
• Excessive lighting should not prove intrusive in residential zones
• Efforts must be made to avoid glare or distraction for drivers

Safety Barriers

• Safety barriers should be strategically selected and used in accordance with the location of the project and the purpose they will serve
• They must be strong enough to provide the required protection and stand up to all weather conditions
• Barriers should ideally be highly visible from a distance and/or accompanied with warning signage and advance warnings for motorists
  
  
  

The above represents a basic overview of the fundamentals of the two main codes of practice that apply to street works project – further details can be found on the web page of the act.

For more information on any of power safety products or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at Street Solutions UK today.