Haul roads are the main routes for heavy plant and vehicle movements across construction sites. A poorly constructed or maintained haul road causes vehicle rollovers, axle-deep bogging, and increased collision risk. Keeping haul roads in good condition is essential for safe plant operations, efficient material movement, and dust control. This talk covers the requirements for building and maintaining haul roads on UK sites.
Key Hazards
Vehicle rollover from rutted, potholed, or cambered haul road surfaces
Plant bogging down in soft or waterlogged sections of the haul road
Dust clouds reducing visibility and causing respiratory exposure
Collisions at junctions where haul road sightlines are restricted
Control Measures
Construct haul roads using suitable granular material compacted to a firm, even surface.
Design the road width to allow safe two-way passing or provide dedicated passing places.
Install drainage ditches alongside the haul road to prevent water pooling on the surface.
Grade and maintain the road surface regularly using a grader or towed scraper.
Repair potholes, ruts, and soft spots promptly to prevent vehicle instability.
Damp down haul roads during dry weather to suppress dust using a water bowser.
Set and enforce speed limits appropriate for the road surface and traffic volume.
Ensure adequate sightlines at all junctions and provide signage for priority and turning.
Restrict pedestrian access to designated crossing points with banksman control.
Remember
Construct haul roads from compacted granular material with drainage alongside
Grade and maintain the road surface regularly to prevent ruts and potholes developing
Damp down haul roads during dry weather to control dust emissions across the site
Enforce speed limits and provide signage at all junctions and crossing points
Restrict pedestrian access to designated crossings with banksman control at all times
Applicable Legislation: CDM 2015 · Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 · HSG144 (Safe Use of Vehicles on Construction Sites) · Environmental Protection Act 1990