TRF/Site Traffic/TBT-TRF-025
Chapter 8 Signing Lighting and Guarding
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Chapter 8 Signing Lighting and Guarding
Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual sets out the requirements for signing, lighting, and guarding at roadworks on UK highways. Failure to comply puts both workers and road users at serious risk of injury or death. Every operative working on or near a public highway must understand the basic principles of Chapter 8 layouts and their role in maintaining them throughout the shift.
Key Hazards
Workers struck by vehicles entering an unprotected work zone
Road users failing to see inadequate or missing warning signs
Collisions caused by insufficient advance signing distances
Night-time accidents from poorly lit or unlit road closures
Control Measures
- Install all signs, cones, and barriers in accordance with the approved Chapter 8 layout drawing.
- Check that advance warning signs are placed at the correct distances for the road speed limit.
- Ensure all signs are clean, upright, and visible to approaching traffic at all times.
- Use battery-powered lamps or retro-reflective signs where lighting is required at night.
- Inspect the traffic management layout at the start of each shift and after severe weather.
- Replace any damaged, displaced, or missing signs, cones, or barriers immediately.
- Brief all operatives on the layout and their responsibilities before entering the work zone.
- Ensure a trained operative is responsible for monitoring the layout throughout the works.
- Do not modify the approved layout without authorisation from the traffic management designer.
Remember
- Chapter 8 layouts must match the approved drawing at all times during the works
- Advance warning signs must be placed at the correct distance for the road speed
- Inspect the layout at every shift start and after high winds or heavy rain
- Replace any missing or damaged signs, cones, or barriers without delay
- Never modify the approved layout without authorisation from the designer
Applicable Legislation: Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 · New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 · Traffic Management Act 2004 · CDM 2015
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