Roadside safety in Queensland: a guide for infrastructure contractors

For Queensland contractors embarking on a new project, there are lots of things to get your head around to ensure your team is safe and the job is completed on schedule and on budget.

Infrastructure projects are booming in Queensland as the state begins to adjust to a new normall in the wake of COVID-19.

With a packed project pipeline, the Department of Transport and Main Roads is delivering a 4 year program of work worth $26.9 billion, aimed at helping our economy recover. With projects to update roads, railways and freight connections, the state’s transport networks are set to undergo serious investment over the coming years. Over $20 billion of the total investment will go directly into upgrading and building new roads.

Infrastructure projects across central, North and South East Queensland are helping to future proof the state’s road and rail networks. The knock-on effect of this is that civil and infrastructure contractors are in high demand, with significant approved projects ready to go over the coming years.

Upcoming QLD Major projects:

• Central Queensland: Rockhampton Ring Road, Walkerston Bypass
• Southern Queensland: Cooroy to Curra Section D, Tiaro Bypass
• North Queensland: Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3), Townsville Ring Road (Stage 5)
• Metro: Cleveland–Redland Bay Road, Beerburrum to Nambour (Stage 1) rail upgrade, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3

What infrastructure contractors need to know

The team at Jaybro has put together this comprehensive guide to help contractors with procurement for upcoming projects.

We’ve attempted to include everything you need to know about TMR standards, approvals, regulations and more when purchasing consumables and barriers for your next infrastructure project. This roadside safety guide will give you a good high-level understanding of how to keep your team and the public safe when working on road or rail projects.

In this article you will find:

• General safety information for Queensland’s roads
• Roadwork signs, speed signage and regulations for roadwork speed limits
• Which safety barriers are approved for use in QLD
• Where to buy all the necessary bollards, cones and other safety equipment
• Information on larger equipment such as portable boom gates and VMS trailers
• First aid management on site and the emergency response equipment you need to have on hand
• QLD road safety resources, statistics and graphs

Note that it’s always advisable to source your own information and check with local authorities and regulators. This article has been prepared as a guide only and we strongly recommend you conduct further research.

Staying safe near roads: it’s absolutely critical

As an infrastructure contractor, your business’s reputation depends on how well you deliver a project - and that includes your safety record. When new clients are assessing if you’d be a good fit for their projects, having an excellent safety record is a definite plus.

However, keeping your team safe is only part of the story: contractors also need to consider the public and pedestrians that might be driving their cars or travelling on foot around the worksite. Setting up your site so that pedestrians and motorists aren’t put at risk is critical.

QLD Road safety statistics

With over 33,000 kilometres of road network across the state, Queensland drivers are at risk of death and injury in crashes. In fact, On average 56 people are killed and 317 seriously injured each year on Queensland roads, and that’s only from speed-related crashes. (source).

The risks become amplified when changed conditions are present and distraction is a factor, especially around work sites.

It’s vital that anyone involved in major projects ensures that they do not contribute additional hazards whilst they’re getting the job done. Working within the guidelines of QLD TMR, Worksafe and other regulators will help to minimise any risks associated with road and rail work.

Below is an outline of standard practices for setting up and managing your site safely, along with links to where to buy all the traffic and site safety products you’ll need.

Setting up your infrastructure project

Signposted speeds in Queensland

The QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads is the go-to resource for contractors working on roadside safety projects across the state. It’s wise to always consult the TMR, along with local Council guidelines, Australian Standards and Austroads guidelines when you are considering setting up a project in Queensland.

Regular speed limits in Queensland

The speed limit in built-up areas in Queensland is 50km/h unless otherwise indicated. For roads that carry traffic through suburbs and across towns, a speed limit of 60km/h or higher applies.

Queensland's speed limits are set by TMR based on a number of factors including how many lanes, the surrounding density of houses, any on-road parking, the traffic signals in the area, and patterns of crashes based on historical data.

Changing speed limits for roadwork in QLD

Guidelines for the use of speed limits at worksites are set out in the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Queensland Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (QGTTM).

With a section specifically covering traffic control for roadworks, these documents are your best source of information for how, when and where to close roads, redirect traffic and source suppliers of items like bollards and traffic control bats.

Worksite speed limits should be considered whenever the safety of workers may be compromised by the proximity of traffic. Also, if moving roadwork plant or equipment shares the road through the worksite, or any loose material covers the road surface, this can pose a danger to both workers and motorists.

Whenever speed limits are temporarily changed, they should be clearly communicated to motorists with reflective road signs.

Road safety signs: common signs for road work

Road signs help motorists to navigate safely across the state’s road network. During roadworks, multi message signs are often used to combine 3 different messages in one sign.

Comprising two 600 x 600mm signs and a long 1200 x 300mm sign, these MMS signs can be mixed and matched to create a customised message appropriate for the roadwork being done.

These Temporary road work signs offer contractors an easy way to display roadwork messages.

QLD TMR approved road work signs available from Jaybro include:

• Symbolic workers sign
• Prepare to stop
• Drive safely
• End roadwork
• View all Queensland MMS signs

Ongoing checks for temporary road signs

Checking and maintaining road work signs as the project progresses is an important part of effective traffic control. This ensures clear communication to both pedestrians and motorists as the traffic controller updates relevant signs to immediately match the site conditions.

As the project changes and progresses, a trained traffic controller needs to check, update and maintain the signs around the site to ensure they are still appropriate as the work changes.

This can present its own safety challenges as workers on foot move about the site in close proximity to traffic. In many cases a portable boom gate such as the Portaboom unit can add an extra layer of safety, allowing the traffic controller to remotely control traffic whilst completing sign checks.

Using cones and bollards

Traffic cones and bollards can also be used for a wide range of applications in infrastructure and roadwork projects. All of these simple products are instantly recognisable by motorists, adding to the level of safety around the site.

Cones and bollards are used to define the traffic path past or through work areas, ensuring motorists follow a specific path.

Traffic cones

Traffic cones or witches hats should be Standards & TMR approved such as the 700mm reflective traffic cone.

Bollards

Popular plastic bollards include the orange ‘T-top’ bollards are paired with either a 6kg or 8kg base to prevent them from tipping over in the wind.

Barrier boards for lane closures

Barrier boards are striped yellow and black boards that are used to close lanes or roads. When combined with either one or two metal legs, they provide an easy-to-see indication to motorists that an upcoming lane or street is closed for repair, maintenance or construction.

Barrier boards feature alternating stripes in yellow and black. Made from plastic or timber, the yellow striped pattern is achieved by applying reflective material. Plastic barrier boards are often preferred by traffic control professionals as they are lighter and easier to set up on site.

Styles of barrier boards available include:

• Median barrier boards with Class 1 reflective tape
• Uni-directional (double-sided) barrier boards with Class 2 Reflective tape

More traffic delineators are available to view here.

Controlling traffic with VMS and Remote controlled boom gates

Using portable boom gates for remote access control

Infrastructure sites are often spread over huge, sprawling areas, with multiple points of access and often crossing multiple public thoroughfares. Your site requires easy access by workers, delivery trucks and large equipment, but it also needs to be closed off to the general public.

This is where new traffic control solutions such as portable boom gates can be useful. The Portaboom allows remote controlled gated access to large sites, as well as helping contractors to manage pedestrian movements along footpaths and cycleways near the worksite.

The Portaboom is operated by remote control, meaning traffic controllers can stand out of the way of traffic in a safe zone. Automatic sensors are available to allow even more remote control on your site, and with pedestrian lights and traffic light accessories, you can customise the Portaboom to your needs.

In traffic applications, this portable boom gate significantly reduces the risks of motorists ignoring Traffic Controllers or temporary traffic light signals. It is TIPES certified by the Australian Roads Research Board (ARRB) for use on all Australian roads.

• Portaboom specifications for QLD contractors

Managing changed traffic conditions with a VMS

Variable message signs or VMS help to give motorists advance warning of changed conditions or a reduced speed limit. When choosing a VMS, look for one that is easy to program with different messages, can be tracked and monitored via Google Maps.

Jaybro supplies a few different styles of Variable Message Signs - take a closer look online.

Barriers suitable for Queensland’s roads and highways

TMR regulations for road barriers

Safety barriers physically separate the work area and the roadway and help to stop out-of-control vehicles from encroaching into the work site. They are designed to redirect errant vehicles back into the line of traffic and come in a range of different styles including concrete, steel and plastic.

These tough temporary safety barriers are installed around infrastructure projects and at worksites along roadways to protect workers from passing traffic, and protect vehicle occupants from hazards within the worksite.

Of course, barriers alone should not be relied on as the only safety measure. Other protection devices such as temporary traffic lights, reduced speed limits and variable message signs should combine to create a clear and obvious work zone.

Safety barrier selection and design is an intricate process that requires the application of sound engineering judgement and risk assessment - taking into account a range of different factors and guidelines is best left to experienced professionals.

Always review the QLD TMR Detail Sheets, which note any product-specific limitations of each barrier.

Roadside protection for QLD’s roads and freeways

Temporary safety barriers are must be listed in TMR’s Accepted Road Safety Barrier Systems and Devices list.

Approved safety barriers for use in road applications include:

• Deltabloc TL-3 jersey barriers - approved by TMR to 80km/hr
• Lo-Ro TL-2 water cable barrier - approved to 70km/hr

Barriers for short term repair and maintenance jobs

Concrete barriers are typically the first choice for higher speed zones: TMR has approved the Deltabloc DB80 barriers for roads up to 80km/hr.

However - if you are working on lower speed rated roads, local council roads or on other small projects, a concrete barrier may be overkill for your needs. If you only require MASH TL-2 protection, a water-filled barrier will most likely do the job.

These barriers are tough and lightweight enough to move easily when empty, but when filled with water they provide a solid barrier that safely deflects out of control vehicles travelling up to 70km/hr.  Lo-Ro barrier provide this level of protection.

Barrier limitations

It’s important to understand that no barrier is 100% foolproof. It’s possible that an out of control vehicle could still enter the worksite and cause serious damage, so it’s critical to ensure all workers are aware of the risks in working in the road corridor.

Setting up the necessary exclusion zones so that workers don’t get too close to the barrier when working will help to increase the effectiveness of the barriers. This space is known as the working width and is specified in the Road Safety Barrier Systems list mentioned above.

Temporary fencing for construction sites

Along with safety barriers, contractors usually need to secure the entire perimeter of their site with temporary fence panels. For long term projects, it’s often more economical to buy rather than hire your fencing, as your fence panels can be moved from site to site and larger sites don’t have the storage space restrictions of smaller local jobs.

Whatever you choose, make sure your temporary fencing meets Australian Standard AS4687 ‘Temporary Fencing and Hoardings’. Having a strong and reliable temporary fence in place is as much about site security as it is about public safety.

Site managers bear great responsibility for the safety of their construction crews, but preventing the public from entering the site is also necessary to avoid WH&S issues. Choosing fencing with an anti-climb mesh can help to deter thieves and vandals.

Note that your fencing should be erected in such a way that it doesn’t cause an additional (and unintentional) hazard.

Fence feet (also known as bases) should be placed so that they don’t become a trip hazard, and wherever long runs of fencing are used they should be braced to prevent them tipping over in high winds.

Fences like the Fortress 2000 Series and 3000 Series offer peace of mind for contractors because they meet all the safety and standards requirements of Queensland contractors. Find more details in the links below.

• 2000 Series Economy temporary fencing panels
• 3000 Series Standard temporary fencing panels

Keep your team safe: accident and first aid response

So, what if something does happen on site and you need to respond to an emergency situation? It’s critical to have the right first aid and emergency response gear on site to minimise the harm.

First aid

The contractor must supply an appropriate number of first aid kits, and place them in an obvious, easily accessible location. They must be clearly identifiable and never locked away.

Appropriate first aid facilities will vary according to the site, the activities being undertaken, and the number of workers, however, it’s usually best to locate first aid kits close to areas where there is a higher risk of injury. All team members need to be advised of their location, and this is typically done as part of a site induction or OHS induction.

It’s important to remember that anyone on site - not just contractors - may need to access the first aid supplies, so take into account the potential number of people on site including subcontractors, visitors, delivery drivers and anyone else who may be in the area.

Emergency response equipment

Along with first aid kids, other equipment that can help reduce the severity of accidents or injuries should be included in your site.

This includes equipment such as emergency showers and eyewash stations which are designed to help manage chemical burns. They work by flushing away chemicals and other damaging liquids that may be accidentally splashed on a worker.

Defibrillators or AED’s are also recommended at construction sites in case of a cardiac arrest incident. Modern defibrillators are simple to use and come with voice guidance so that even someone who is not trained in their use can provide first aid.

If your site is in a remote area or there is a body of water nearby, you may need additional emergency supplies including life vests and life rings in case of a water-related incident. Remote sites may need extra survival equipment, snake bite kits and other specialised equipment for remote rescues such as flares or large reflective sheets.

Avoiding environmental damage on site

There are a few essential items that every site needs in order to comply with workplace health and safety regulations, environmental protection laws and more. Having a solid plan in place will ensure you have the right clean up equipment on hand to prevent harmful substances from entering drains and waterways (not to mention saving you from EPA fines).

If your work involves activities that include land development, civil construction, subdivision, demolition, decommissioning, earthworks, maintenance, repair or renovation, it’s likely that you’ll need to take a close look at QLD environmental laws and regulations before undertaking this kind of work.

Silt socks and silt fencing

Using a combination of silt and runoff protection such as silt socks, silt fencing, coir logs and litter traps in drains prevents contaminated runoff from gradually exiting your site and running down into stormwater channels.

These easy to use traps and socks can be put in place before heavy construction starts, protecting drains, gutters and watercourses.

Trash screens and traps are particularly useful in trapping any litter or material that does happen to get washed out of the site and is not caught by silt fencing and other on-site methods.

Plus, by reducing blockage risks further down the line, there is less requirement to replace damaged pipes in the future. Pipes are often damaged by the scouring effect of hard rubbish, and large particles of concrete or sediment can be carried at high velocity inside pipes, chipping away at the interior.

Noise pollution

Don’t forget about noise pollution too: you may need to consider using sound blocking products in addition to curtailing activities during sensitive hours and using insulated machinery.

Equipment such as sound blankets can be fixed to temporary fencing to dampen the noise emanating from your site.

Asbestos remediation work

Dealing with asbestos carries a whole separate set of risks and should only be undertaken by experienced and licensed contractors.

Some of the considerations include whether the asbestos needs to be removed or can be capped with a geotextile layer, for example when it is located in contaminated soil. Working with asbestos-contaminated sites brings its own challenges, and the risks shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Refer to the Queensland guidelines on asbestos for detailed information, but always make sure you’ve got the proper equipment if you do need to carry out asbestos removal.

Conclusion

A lot of factors come into play when you are setting up a safe, successful project.

Always make sure you refer to your local safety guidelines, Council requirements, Australian Standards and TMR’s road and traffic guidelines to ensure you complete your projects as safely as possible.

And when you need products to help you get the job done, get advice from the experts. The Jaybro team has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supplying some of Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects.

Our team are on hand to offer advice and guidance to ensure you get the right products for your individual application. Jaybro is located in Eagle Farm and we deliver FAST right across Queensland. Call us today on 07 3056 1701 for fast, friendly and affordable service.