TRF/Public Highway/TBT-TRF-021
Wheel Washing and Road Cleanliness
Traffic Management › Public Highway › Wheel Washing and Road Cleanliness
Toolbox Talk
Wheel Washing and Road Cleanliness
Construction sites generate mud and debris that can be carried onto public highways by site vehicles. Contaminated roads create serious skid hazards for motorists and pedestrians. Under the Highways Act 1980, depositing material on a public road is an offence. This talk explains how wheel washing and road sweeping protect the public and keep your site compliant.
Key Hazards
Mud on public roads causing vehicle skid and loss of control
Pedestrians slipping on debris deposited near site entrance
Enforcement action for depositing mud on the highway
Blocked drains and watercourse pollution from site runoff
Control Measures
- Install a wheel wash facility at the site exit before vehicle movements begin.
- Ensure all vehicles pass through the wheel wash before leaving site.
- Arrange regular road sweeping of the public highway adjacent to the site entrance.
- Inspect the condition of the public road outside the site at least twice daily.
- Use rumble grids or stone pads where a full wheel wash is not practicable.
- Maintain the wheel wash system regularly and keep water tanks topped up.
- Brief all drivers including delivery vehicles on the wheel wash requirement.
- Report any mud deposits on the highway immediately so sweeping can be arranged.
- Keep a log of wheel wash maintenance and road sweeping activities.
Remember
- Every vehicle must pass through the wheel wash before leaving site
- Depositing mud on a public highway is a criminal offence under the Highways Act
- Inspect the road outside the site entrance at least twice each day
- Road sweeping must be arranged promptly if mud is found on the highway
- Delivery drivers must also be briefed on wheel wash procedures before arrival
Applicable Legislation: Highways Act 1980 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · CDM 2015 · Environmental Protection Act 1990
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