Barricades and Warning Devices
Safety planning calls for first things first. The first step in construction is the planning of traffic flow through or around the work areas. Many sources of injuries involving the public and the workers during Highway Construction are:
Collision with construction equipment
Pedestrians falling into open excavation work
Driving into open excavation work
Driving into work areas
Entering danger zones such as the swing area of a crane or track hoe.
Barricades and other warning devices will reduce the chances of such accidents. Barricades are usually of two types, the fence type, and the horse type. The fence type barricade is recommended for use as a roadblock and around heavy equipment. The horse type is used for all other purposes.
Barricades should be properly striped for visibility. It is recommended that stripes be six inches wide and inclined at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal. Equip barricades with lights for night visibility. Signs should conform in shape, size, and color to the recommended specifications. Signs should be used freely to designate work operations, approach to the operation, warnings, speed limits, etc.
Flagpersons are important in controlling the safe flow of traffic. Flagpersons should place themselves where they will be visible to oncoming traffic for at least 500 feet. They must be visible to traffic at all times. High visibility vests should be worn by all flagpersons. They should stand on the shoulder opposite the roadblock or in the blocked lane, never in the traffic lane, and should face traffic at all times. Flagpersons should use their traffic control devices correctly and not haphazardly.
Remember, Barricades, Signs, and Lights are important to the safety of the traveling public through the Jobsite. Never move a barricade unless necessary and remember to replace it when finished with your work. If you see a problem with a barricade, light, or sign, fix it or report it to your supervisor.
Remember…Safety is first