SUR/General/TBT-SUR-007

Setting Out in Live Traffic

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Setting Out in Live Traffic

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-SUR-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Setting out in live traffic involves surveyors working on or near carriageways with moving vehicles.
  • Surveyors are particularly vulnerable because the task demands concentration on instruments, not traffic.
  • Being struck by a vehicle is the primary risk, especially at speeds above 30 mph.
  • Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual sets requirements for signing and guarding at roadworks.
  • A traffic management plan must be agreed before any surveying takes place on live highways.
  • Surveyors often need to stand in fixed positions for extended periods, limiting their ability to move.
  • Hi-vis clothing must comply with BS EN ISO 20471 Class 3 as a minimum on live carriageways.
  • A banksman or lookout may be required to warn the surveyor of approaching vehicles.
  • Night-time setting out on live roads requires enhanced lighting, signing, and personal visibility.
  • The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 requires NRSWA cards for those working in the highway.

Why?

Prevent fatal strikesSurveyors struck by vehicles on live roads suffer fatal or life-changing injuries. Focused instrument work reduces their awareness.
Legal complianceThe Safety at Street Works Code of Practice and Chapter 8 require protective measures for all highway workers.
Duty of careEmployers must provide safe systems of work and adequate traffic management before sending surveyors onto live carriageways.
Do Don't
  • Agree a traffic management plan before setting out on any live road.
  • Wear Class 3 hi-vis clothing complying with BS EN ISO 20471 at all times.
  • Use a lookout or banksman to warn you of approaching vehicles.
  • Position survey instruments away from live traffic lanes wherever possible.
  • Ensure Chapter 8 signing and guarding is in place before starting work.
  • Hold a valid NRSWA card if working within the public highway.
  • Plan the task to minimise time spent in or near live carriageways.
  • Use temporary lane closures where the speed or volume of traffic demands it.
  • Maintain full awareness of traffic movements while operating instruments.
  • Carry out a dynamic risk assessment before each setup position.
  • DON'T enter a live carriageway without traffic management measures in place.
  • DON'T wear anything less than Class 3 hi-vis on a live highway.
  • DON'T become so focused on the instrument that you lose traffic awareness.
  • DON'T set up survey equipment in a live lane without a lane closure.
  • DON'T work on live roads at night without enhanced lighting and signing.
  • DON'T assume drivers can see you, especially at bends or crests.
  • DON'T work alone on high-speed roads without a lookout present.
  • DON'T place tripods or targets where they obstruct visibility for drivers.
  • DON'T walk along a live carriageway to reach your survey position.
  • DON'T ignore changes in traffic speed, volume, or weather conditions.

See also: Chapter 8 Signing and Guarding | Working in Live Carriageways
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