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Mikejones1983  
#1 Posted : 15 October 2014 13:09:57(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Mikejones1983

Hi guys,

Sorry for asking so many questions as of late, just wondered if anyone had any experience of highways work and safety issues and environmental issues in relation to this sort of work? I have an interview for a contractor next week so I am just researching aspects of the job for my interview.

as always, any advice is greatly appreciated.

Regards

Mike
Canopener  
#2 Posted : 15 October 2014 13:18:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Canopener

Mike, I have some, mainly in relation to litter picking.

Depending on the work and/or the type of road, this could be covered under 'chapter 8' or the new 'red book' (among other things)
peter gotch  
#3 Posted : 15 October 2014 13:31:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Mike - the new "red book" is at https://www.gov.uk/gover...eet-works-and-road-works

HSE Web Communities
Paving, Road and Highways Supply Chain Project

Setting out and removing traffic management

Kerbs - manual handling, cutting (dust, noise etc)

Bitmac - fumes, burns, machinery

etc.

Lots of information on HSE website.

JohnW  
#4 Posted : 15 October 2014 16:27:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

Mike, I have worked with street works contractors.

Peter has given you the important link and subjects. The subject of road signage/barriers and pedestrian segregation etc is dealt with under the NRSWA Chapter 8 (but the interview won't expect you to know all about that, just awareness).

You could familiarise yourself with some of the tools they use and have knowledge of PUWER; 360deg excavators, soil compactors, jackhammers, Stihl saws, floorsaws, tarmac vibrating plates, HIAB trucks.

Show a knowledge of HAVS and how to do medical assessments and document trigger times EAV/ELV.

Know about the risks of silica dust and noise. Saws should have a water/dust suppression device.

Know about the risks of striking utility cables and pipes, risk of electrocution and flash fire. There's a tool known as Cat+Jenny for detecting mains electric, needs an annual calibration

Know about the PPE for all the above.

The big issues these days are training street operatives, silica dust, HAVS, avoiding utility strikes, protecting the public.

Good luck!
Mikejones1983  
#5 Posted : 15 October 2014 16:33:47(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Mikejones1983

Thanks very much for all the advice guys, I have ordered the book suggested and am researching all other areas, the job is on a stretch of motorway and is a 3 year project and would be a huge step up for me, hence why I am nervous and seeking the advice of you guys.

Thanks
JohnW  
#6 Posted : 15 October 2014 16:38:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

Mike, I have never worked on motorways, but there's standard ways of setting up a site on a motorway. The problem I always had was trying to do the Chapter 8 thing on narrow estate roads and country lanes, and what to do when we couldn't comply with Chapter 8.

Good luck !
RP  
#7 Posted : 15 October 2014 19:17:29(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
RP

Note: chapter 8 is not issued under the New Roads and Streetworks Act. chapter 8 is guidance on best practice.

I would suggest that you also look as the contract requirements for working on HA roads. National highway Sector Schemes 2, 5, 12 and 18 are a good starting point, but just for an overview on accreditation requirements. all sector Schemes also link to CSCS (sadly)

Good luck
Steve e ashton  
#8 Posted : 15 October 2014 20:59:26(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Steve e ashton

And - if it's a 'live motorway' job - it may be necessary to understand that you would be committing an offence when you stop your vehicle or walk or work on the motorway except in an emergency, unless authorised or under direction of a policeman... Being authorised means carrying a 'motorway pass'. In Scotland they're issued by Transport Scotland but I guess it'll be the Highways Authority in England and Wales? The passes are personal and must be carried at all times or an offence is committed - you cannot work under authority of someone else....

Or - at least - this was the position around five years ago when I was involved in early stage planning for some works on the M90... And the bridge pillars are now in place - already looking like a legacy project all involved will be proud of.
bob youel  
#9 Posted : 16 October 2014 07:41:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

Some great advice here and dealing with members of the public where neither you nor the HSE has any control over is another area to consider


PM me if U want as I have extensive experience of these areas and I am happy to mentor etc.
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