Workplace Transport and Driving
Traffic routes

Traffic routes

Pedestrians

Deliveries and Loading

Parking and reversing

Every workplace must be organised so that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate safely. Workplace traffic routes must also be suitable for the people and/or vehicles using them, and pedestrian movement counts as 'traffic'. Where vehicles and pedestrians share a traffic route, they must be safely separated. Every workplace traffic route must be constructed so that the driving surface is suitable for the purpose for which it is used. The build quality of outdoor traffic routes should be similar to that required for public highways. General principles for safe traffic routes are that:

they should be wide enough for the safe movement of the largest vehicle permitted to use them (including visiting vehicles)
They should take vehicle height into account. Remember that the height of a vehicle may vary, e.g. when a satellite mast is raised. Potentially dangerous obstructions, such as overhead electric cables, or pipes containing hazardous chemicals, need to be protected using goal posts, height gauge posts or barriers
They should be planned to give the safest routes between arrival, set up or delivery/collection and exit. Try to avoid routes that pass close to such things as unprotected fuel or chemical tanks or pipelines, unprotected road edges, unfenced edges of elevated weighbridges, loading bays or excavations, or anything that is likely to collapse or be left in a dangerous state if hit by a vehicle
They should be constructed of suitable material for the location, the type of traffic, the size of the route, and the ground or foundation it is laid on
They should have firm and even surfaces, and be properly drained; In a production or outside broadcast compound tarmac surfaces may not always be possible but if the potential for the ground to be churned up exists thought must be given to providing temporary surfaces that the vehicles can drive over
They should avoid steep slopes. If steep slopes are unavoidable, they should be properly signposted
They should avoid sharp or blind bends
They should be maintained to provide a good grip for vehicles and people, eg by roughening smooth surfaces, or applying sand to slippery ones.

Visibility

Forward visibility needs to be good enough to allow drivers to see and avoid hazards. Adequate visibility is related to vehicle speed and the distance drivers need to stop or change direction safely to avoid hazards. Additional factors affecting visibility are available light, dust, bad weather, the height of the driver above the road and the arrangement of vehicle windows.

There should be enough visibility at junctions and bends to allow drivers and pedestrians to see anything that might be dangerous. Avoid sharp or blind bends, and where they are unavoidable consider measures such as mirrors to aid vision around corners.

When visibility at a junction cannot be improved sufficiently, stop signs or traffic signals may be appropriate. Alternatively, consider using a one-way system.

Speed

Traffic calming measures should be clearly visible. Many features can be lit or made reflective.

Speed humps are often used to control speed but need to be used with care as they can create hazards of their own.

Speed limits are also widely used, but they need to be sensible and practicable, or drivers will be tempted to break them.

To decide an appropriate speed limit, consider the route layout and road usage. For example, lower speeds will be appropriate where pedestrians are present or where fork-lift trucks and road-going vehicles share the roadway.

Signs, signals and markings

The law requires that road signs used to warn or inform traffic in private workplaces should be the same as those used on public roads, wherever a suitable sign exists. Road signs are set out in The Highway Code.

Use route markings to indicate traffic lanes, route edges, priority at junctions, stop lines, pedestrian crossings and so on, and to instruct drivers (e.g. 'SLOW'). Use warning signs to indicate hazards along the way.

White road markings should be used to regulate traffic flow, and yellow ones parking, using the same types of marking as on public roads. Markings can be made reflective for improved visibility.

Place signs so that people have time to see them, and take appropriate action before they reach the hazard. All signs should be clearly understandable, be easily noticed, clean and well-maintained so that they are visible at all times. Where overhead clearance is limited, consider the use of warning signs. Reflective (and preferably illuminated) signs should be used when they have to be visible in darkness.

Lighting

Every workplace must have suitable and sufficient lighting. Roads, manoeuvring areas, junctions, pedestrian routes and areas, and places where there is regular movement of vehicles or mobile plant all need particular attention.

Where lights are positioned is important, eg lights placed in the centre of loading bays may be blocked by tall vehicles. Lights placed between bays will often be more effective. Where drivers have to reverse towards strong lights, take care that the lights are not placed so that they dazzle the driver, either directly or through mirrors.

Measures may be needed to avoid sudden changes in lighting levels, eg when moving from a dark warehouse to bright daylight.

Housekeeping

Traffic routes must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be kept free from obstruction and from anything that may make a person slip or fall. Keep your workplace clean and free from obstructions. Spilled loads, anything that falls from a vehicle, used packaging, and anything else that creates a risk of falling or tripping should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Workplace Transport and Driving Traffic routes

Workplace Transport and Driving
Traffic routes