It is necessary when carrying out road maintenance and operations to put in place temporary traffic management measures.
Optimising safety, road space, and work efficiency while helping to minimise road user congestion, delay, and inconvenience is what the guidelines within Chapter 8 traffic regulations (the official traffic signs manual) will provide.
Setting out a code of practice that helps to ensure safety at all times, the information included in Chapter 8 can be essential when it comes to the most appropriate signage to be used, sign placement within the works area, and chapter 8 fencing.
It is intended to provide a minimum standard of good practice that should always be achieved.
Managing traffic effectively and safely
To help support temporary traffic management design, there are two guiding principles in Chapter 8 to help.
- Design – focusing on the arrangements needed for temporary traffic management to help facilitate maintenance activities in response to temporary situations.
- Operations – considering the planning stages, management, and participation in order to implement, maintain, and remove the arrangements put in place for temporary traffic management.
The first document ultimately looks to ensure the safety of your workforce and the travelling public, while the second is how to keep traffic moving as freely as possible.
Of course, full risk assessments must be carried out throughout any projects and before works start.
Traffic management also needs to include and take into consideration:
- The needs of pedestrians
- How long the works will be scheduled for
- Consultation with the local Highway Authority
- Holidays or busy periods
- Public transport routes
- Police and emergency service access
Know your site information
It’s important you know the design and layout of your works like the back of your hand. You need to be aware of any buildings or structures you may impede or factors that may hinder and slow down the project/works maintenance.
Included in this overview, you will also need to have information on peak traffic periods, what alternative routes will be available, what is the current pedestrian usage, is there any information on existing safety barriers? What is the location of existing traffic signs and road markings, have you considering the needs of residents and businesses, accident records, if there are any road restrictions, overhead power lines, underground or overhead services, etc.
Chapter 8 fencing and sign regulations
Chapter 8 Barriers
Chapter 8 fencing is an excellent and the most used type of fencing for works that are carried out on the road. The durability of this plastic fencing makes it extremely robust, flexible, and lightweight.
Making it ideal for road use.
Chapter 8 barriers are available to hire as standard or with anti-trip feet depending on your space and your requirements. They can also be easily linked together via the linking pin system or plastic clips.
Chapter 8 traffic management signs
When it comes to traffic management signs, the regulations and guidelines within Chapter 8 make things very clear.
Signs need to be visible to those that need to see them. But they must not become an inconvenience or obstruction to anyone using the footpaths or roads.
A grass verge, (where available), is usually considered a good location.
Signs during works can include:
- Traffic management signs
- Regulatory signs
- Warning signs
- Driver information signs
- And where necessary, diversion signs
No matter what sign you use, all Chapter 8 traffic signs must comply with TSRGD2002, unless the additional authority has been granted from the Department of Transport and Highways Agency.
Chapter 8 also states the size of the signs that must be used too.
These sizes can vary for single carriageways compared to double carriageways, so it’s important to constantly check what is most suitable for your project and works.
Placement is also important.
For example, on single carriageways, the distance between warning signs should be between 275 and 400m. However, on dual carriageways, this distance is 2 miles, 1, if queuing is anticipated.
Health and Safety
To be compliant with Chapter 8, on roads with a speed limit of 50mph or more, there must be clearance between the edge of your works and the part of the road being used by traffic, a clearing of 1.2m.
If this isn’t feasible, then a restriction to the speed limit must be put in place, even speed humps and chicanes can be used.
All staff who are responsible for traffic management signs should be appropriately trained and experienced. Wearing appropriate clothing and complying with BSEN471 Table 1, Class 2, or 3.
Ultimately Chapter 8 is the primary reference guide for utility companies, local authorities, street work contractors, and anyone who is involved in street works.
For further information on how we can support your project and works, and for Chapter 8 barrier hire contact Site Fencing today, we’d be happy to help.
Read the next blog: Different styles of Chapter 8 barriers
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