Pothole Repair Safety

• Set up signing and guarding to the Code of Practice before entering the carriageway.
• Wear Class 3 hi-vis clothing at all times while working on the highway.
• Use water suppression when cutting out with disc cutters to control silica dust.
• Wear thermal gloves and long sleeves when handling hot asphalt material.
• Limit disc cutter and breaker use to stay below vibration exposure action values.
• Hold a valid NRSWA card before carrying out any work in the public highway.
• Position the works vehicle as a physical barrier between traffic and the work area.
• Brief the team on the traffic management plan and escape routes before starting.
• Apply tack coat with care and avoid skin contact; use gloves and eye protection.
• Compact the repair thoroughly to prevent premature failure and reinstatement defects.

• DON'T enter the carriageway without signing and guarding in place first.
• DON'T turn your back to approaching traffic while working in the road.
• DON'T cut out potholes without water suppression for silica dust control.
• DON'T handle hot asphalt without thermal gloves and protective clothing.
• DON'T exceed vibration exposure limits when using breakers and disc cutters.
• DON'T work in the highway without a valid NRSWA competency card.
• DON'T leave the repair site without removing all traffic management signing.
• DON'T stand between the works vehicle and live traffic lanes.
• DON'T allow tack coat to contact unprotected skin; it causes irritation.
• DON'T leave an incomplete repair open overnight without protection and signing.

See also: Working in Live Carriageways | Hand Laying Asphalt Safety