FAQ

Traffic management is the job of controlling traffic through and around hazardous areas and protecting vehicles, pedestrians and workers. By using signs and signals traffic controllers can safely direct vehicles and pedestrians through the traffic hazard or work area.

All traffic management operations must follow a Traffic Management Plan or Traffic Guidance Scheme. The plan normally includes a traffic guidance scheme, worksite hazard assessment and details of the works (where, what and how long, etc.).

• Protect personnel, road users and pedestrians.
• Guide road users safely through, around or past the worksite.
• Provide proper warnings of changes in the road surface, driving conditions and of people or machinery engaged in work.
• Reduce the impact of the works on traffic and others likely to be affected.
• Reduce disruptions to public transport.
• Communicate details of works and possible impacts on traffic.

Traffic management plans (TMP’s) include:

• Details of the location, nature and duration of the works
• Traffic guidance scheme/s
• Worksite hazard assessment
• Permits
• Environmental considerations
• Vehicle movement plan (VMP)
• Aftercare management

This shows, on a diagram or sketch, the physical location of traffic control signs and devices being used to guide traffic around a work area or temporary hazard.

This may include:

• Warning signs.
• Road and footpath closures.
• Detours or sidetracks.
• Traffic controllers.

The most important health and safety rules for traffic controllers are:

• State and territory traffic management legislation.
• Regulations and codes of practice.
• Australian Standard AS1742.3: 2019: MUTCD Traffic Control Devices for Works on Roads.

Austroads Guide To Temporary Traffic Management

The Austroads Guide to Traffic Management has 13 parts and provides comprehensive traffic management guidance for practitioners involved in traffic engineering, road design and road safety. The guide is restricted to traffic management advice and refers only briefly to issues more appropriately addressed in other guides.

TfNSW – Traffic Control at Work Sites Manual v6.

Issue 6.1 of TCAWS provides the requirements for temporary traffic management at Transport construction and maintenance work sites in line with recent industry and national practice updates. The manual applies to works that are delivered directly by Transport or on behalf of Transport by our delivery partners (eg contractors and subcontractors). TCAWS Issue 6.1 aims to improve the safety of road workers and road users as they interact with these roadwork sites in NSW.

-Australian Standards – The AS1742.3:2019 MUTCD – Part 3 provides technical specifications and guidance for the setting out of temporary traffic control signs and devices used at road works. The Standard also provides standard diagrams for traffic guidance schemes across a range of work activities and worksites.

• The Australian Road Rules, 1999
• WHS Act 2011 & WHS Regulation, 2017
• Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) (Road Rules) Regulation, 1999

Working on Local Roads:

• Managed by council
• Section 138 (Council permit)

Working on State Roads:

• Managed by TfNSW
• Road Occupancy Licence (ROL)

Is a site-specific statement that must be prepared before any high-risk construction work is commenced.

It covers the job and safety responsibilities of each member of a work group.

Is a review of how a job is done. It includes information on how to reduce the risk involved in completing the work, similar to a SWMS.

Is a detailed document outlining the risks and hazards associated with handling chemicals and other materials.

The SDS will contain details that can help you to identify:

Basic details of the chemical or material – name, type and identification number.

Hazards associated with use of the material – whether it is flammable or corrosive.

Safe handling and storage procedures – PPE to use, sealed containers or storage temperatures. 

Emergency procedures – what to do if the chemical or material gets out of hand.

Disposal procedures – suggestions for removing the chemical or material from the site.

Environmental controls could include:

• Soil and water management, including clearing and grubbing tasks, erosion and sediment control, drainage management and water licensing.
• Waste management.
• Environmental sensitivity and heritage factors.
• Air quality.
• Flora and fauna management, including protected species management.
• Demolition management, including dust control, noise management, vibration minimisation and blasting requirements.
• Vegetation protection.
• Stormwater management.
• Weed control measures.
• Chemical and hazardous substance storage requirements.
• Other requirement relevant to tasks and activities.

Environmental protection requirements are part of every worksite. Make sure you check with your supervisor about what environmental issues need to be managed during your work.

The plan will outline the steps and processes needed to prevent or minimise damage to the environment through the use of machinery and equipment.

Where aspects of traffic management may have an environmental impact, procedures should be applied in accordance with the project environmental management plan to minimise any impact.

Whenever:

• Work affects traffic on public and private roads.
• Work affects parking areas.
• Access to construction sites needs to be restricted from public traffic.

Traffic controllers are used when signs and devices will not be enough to provide for safety, public convenience and traffic management in and around the worksite.

• Provide safe travelling conditions for road users.
• Provide a safe workplace for workers and plant under their control.
• Be familiar with and follow the provisions of legislation and organisational requirements.
• Maintain traffic control in emergencies and other difficult situations.

A hazard is a thing or situation that causes injury, harm or damage.

When you start checking for hazards, make sure you look everywhere. A good way to do this is to check:

• Up high above your head.
• All around you at eye level.
• Down low on the ground (and also think about what is under the ground).

The best way to control hazards is to use the Hierarchy of Hazard Control. The hierarchy of hazard control is a range of options that can eliminate or reduce the risk of hazards.

This table shows you the 6 different types of controls in order from most effective (1) to least effective (6):

Isolation of the worksite using fences or barriers is the best way of providing for the safety of workers and the general public. However, where this is not possible, appropriate traffic control methods should be selected to protect workers from traffic.

Passage of traffic through a work area should only be permitted where both the traffic and the work can be adequately controlled.

Traffic controllers or traffic signals should be employed as necessary to slow traffic on the immediate approach to an active work area, to stop traffic for short periods when required for the movement of plant or other operations, or to control single line flow.

Certain traffic control devices require authorisation from the Road Traffic Authority. This includes temporary works speed limit signs for speeds less than 40 km/hour and traffic signals.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is clothing and equipment designed to lower the chance of you being hurt on the job. It is required to enter most work sites.

Because of the potential hazards associated with working on or next to road worksites, all personnel and visitors to such worksites will be supplied with the relevant protective equipment by their employer. High visibility equipment and clothing must be worn on site at all times.

This equipment and clothing should meet the relevant standard and comprise the following items:

• High visibility clothing:
  • Fluorescent high visibility vest, shirt, jacket or overalls (day use only).
  • Retro-reflective outer garment (night use only).
• Safety footwear.

Also as required:

• Safety helmets (hat or cap type) that comply with the current Australian Standard.
• High visibility cloth hats where safety policy permits.
• Approved skin protection (sunscreens).
• Wet weather clothing (high visibility).

High visibility clothing must meet the requirements of AS/NZS 1906.4:2010 – Retro-reflective Materials and Devices for Road Traffic Control Purposes; High Visibility Materials for Safety Garments.

Make sure any PPE you are wearing is in good condition, fits well and is right for the job. If you find any PPE that is not in good condition, tag it and remove it from service.

Tell your supervisor about the problem and they will organise to repair or replace the PPE. 

The Traffic Management Plan should state the types, sizes and numbers of signs and devices required for the project.

Signage and warning devices required at all sites are:

• Temporary warning signs.
• Regulatory and traffic cones.

Temporary warning signs are used to alert the public of changed conditions ahead. For example:

• Roadwork ahead.
• Prepare to stop.
• Workers (symbolic).

AS 1742.3:2019 is the accepted reference for the selection and use of any traffic control signs and devices on worksites.

Other signs and devices that may be used depending on the work include:

• Warning signs.
• Vehicle mounted signs and flashing lights.
• Guide signs.
• Hazard markers.
• Arrow boards.

Dimension D is a measure of distance in metres. In traffic management it is used to determine the taper lengths, the position of warning signs and devices and also determining the sight distances along the road so that road users have sufficient time to absorb the roadwork specific messages, understand the changed traffic conditions and take necessary actions.

Dimension D is calculated by expressing the speed in metres for the zone preceding to where the Dimension D will be applied, this may be either the existing posted speed or a reduced roadwork speed limit.

The existing posted speed limit may be used to determine Dimension D throughout the work site, provided the PWZTMP qualified person has determined that there is higher risk of poor driver compliance with speed zones and where space allows.