Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 - Part 2- Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations) - Operations 2009.pdf/16

GENERAL The forward visibility available to drivers passing through a road works site may unavoidably be restricted because of temporary structures provided as part of the works, e.g. scaffolding around a bridge support. It is essential to ensure that any such unavoidable reduction of visibility is kept to a minimum at all times. Existing visibility through the site and at side road junctions should not be impaired under any circumstances by the placing of temporary huts or other movable objects. A temporary reduction in the speed limit throughout the works may be appropriate where forward visibility is reduced by unavoidable works. See Part 1: Design, Section D3.7.

Consideration should be given, at the planning stage, to the method to be used for escorting or diverting wide loads. On designated Abnormal Indivisible Load (AIL) routes, consideration should be given to providing early notification to known AIL operators of the timing and limitations which will apply during the works, to enable operators to plan their load movements. Guidance on the escorting of abnormal loads is provided in the Highways Agency “Code of Practice: Self-Escorting of Abnormal Loads and Abnormal Vehicles”. See References (Appendix 3).

Following the installation and operation of a significant section of static temporary traffic management or the significant alteration of an existing layout where established traffic patterns are being amended, consideration should be given to carrying out an interim Stage 3 Safety Audit, (see HD 19 "Road Safety Audit" (DMRB 5.2.2)).

A project-specific detailed method statement should be prepared for the implementation, maintenance and removal of the detailed traffic management arrangements.

Generic method statements should only be used as a base document for production of the project specific method statement. They should always be reviewed and adapted to address the particular circumstances of the site and the specific activity proposed.

The method statement should be prepared by the organisation responsible for undertaking the works activities. Its formulation should take into account the available resources, including the skill, knowledge and experience of the various elements of the workforce. For each activity, the method statement should identify the resource implication, both human and equipment.

Where the method statement sets out activities which interact with those of other organisations, detailed liaison shall take place to facilitate co-operation and ensure a cohesive operation. Such liaison is likely to include the police, the Highway Authority and the organisation responsible for construction of the works.

To ensure sufficient scope in the production of the method statement, consideration will need to be given to points raised throughout this document. In particular the following issues should be addressed. 14
 * Working period – the amount of work which can be carried out in one working period should be considered.
 * Work during the hours of darkness – traffic flows and other factors dictate that some traffic management activities are conducted during the hours of darkness. Such operations require additional pre-planning, resources and procedures to those needed for daytime activities. Refer also to Section O3.9.
 * Positioning of vehicles – if parking the vehicle in a live traffic lane is unavoidable, a risk assessment shall be carried out and, for works on dual carriageway roads, consideration should be given to utilising an Impact Protection Vehicle (see paragraph O5.5.5), or a vehicle-mounted road works sign to diagram 610 or 7403. See also Section O8.1 which gives guidance on single vehicle works.