TRF/Public Highway/TBT-TRF-011

Chapter 8 Signing, Lighting and Guarding

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Chapter 8 Signing, Lighting and Guarding

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-TRF-011  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual sets out signing requirements for road works in the UK.
  • It covers temporary traffic management on all roads from minor streets to motorways.
  • Part 1 applies to roads with speed limits of 40 mph or less; Part 2 covers higher speed roads.
  • All traffic signs at road works must conform to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions.
  • Signing layouts must be designed and approved before work starts on any public highway.
  • Adequate lighting of signs and work areas is required during hours of darkness.
  • Guarding includes barriers, cones, and delineators used to separate workers from traffic.
  • Operatives placing and removing signs face the highest risk during road work operations.
  • Minimum sign sizes and spacing distances are specified and must not be reduced.
  • Non-compliance with Chapter 8 can lead to prosecution, contract penalties, and liability for incidents.

Why?

Worker safetyCorrect signing and guarding physically separates operatives from passing vehicles, reducing the risk of being struck.
Road user safetyProper advance warning gives drivers time to slow down and navigate safely through or around the work zone.
Legal obligationThe New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and Chapter 8 impose mandatory standards that must be followed.
Do Don't
  • Use only approved signing layouts designed for the specific road and works
  • Check all signs are clean, visible, and correctly positioned before work begins
  • Place signs in the correct sequence starting furthest from the works
  • Ensure cones and barriers are spaced at the distances specified in Chapter 8
  • Light all signs and work areas during hours of darkness or poor visibility
  • Wear hi-vis PPE compliant with Chapter 8 standards when on the highway
  • Inspect signing and guarding throughout the shift and after adverse weather
  • Remove all signs and equipment promptly once works are complete
  • Attend Chapter 8 training and hold appropriate NRSWA qualifications
  • Report any sign strikes, displaced cones, or damaged barriers immediately
  • DON'T use undersized or non-compliant signs at road works
  • DON'T reduce the number of cones or spacing to save time
  • DON'T leave signing in place when works are not in progress
  • DON'T position signs where they are hidden by vegetation or parked vehicles
  • DON'T walk in the live carriageway to adjust signs without traffic management
  • DON'T mix temporary and permanent signing in a confusing layout
  • DON'T ignore damaged or blown-over signs — they must be replaced immediately
  • DON'T allow untrained operatives to set out or alter highway signing
  • DON'T obstruct pedestrian footways without providing a safe alternative route
  • DON'T assume drivers will see the works — always maintain full signing

See also: Working in Live Carriageways | Lane Closures and Contraflows
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