50 BARRIERS
of equipment with built-in weights. While such foot covers can be applied to both sides of the barrier, it’s designed for just one side to be covered, so that the lower-profi le anti-trip section is not interfered with.
Anti trip style feet have become a common feature of road barriers, with their popularity driven, in part, by the growing ‘compensation culture’ (or, at least, the fear of it) in Britain. Not only do the anti-trip feet have a slimmer profi le to help reduce trip incidents but they also come in bright colours, and some with refl ectors, for increased visibility. Although the smaller footprint gives the impression that barriers are less secure, we have compensated by increasing the foot weight, so that the difference in stability between anti-trip and general-purpose feet is marginal. This is important, as it is not permitted for barrier feet or other equipment to obstruct the pedestrian walkway.
The fi nal element is the clips. Flexibility, here, is again key, which is why JSP are making clips compatible with other barriers on the market which gives the option for contractors to integrate between styles.
Security and storage
The code also refers to security, stating that barriers “should be joined in a way that resists tampering”, and that if it is found that barriers are being tampered
DECEMBER 2013
with and separated, then additional measures should be taken to secure them – “for example, by the use of clamps or ties that require a tool for removal.”
www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk
Barriers must be capable of withstanding winds of class C (8.7m/s) blowing from any direction
Traffi c cones and other street furniture have long been a target for anti-social crime and the importance of reducing the cost of replacing stolen items has led to contractors placing greater focus on safety and security features. Indeed, the design of barriers is often a trade-off between wind stability and security, so that people – not least children – are not able to crawl through any gaps in barriers and access the roadworks.
Contractors are also increasingly mindful of their responsibilities in managing the health and safety of road workers, which has led to design innovations to reduce lifting and handling injuries. For example, the use of studs – a safety feature on the bottom of JSP’s weighted foot cover, the Surefoot Bloc – not only offer anti-slip benefi ts but also double as a stacking aid, while handles have been built into the design to aid lifting.
Stowaway areas for stability poles have been moulded into the barrier. Not only do these help with storage but they
ensure sites remain tidy, reducing the risk of road workers injuring themselves by tripping over poles lying on the ground. Weighted foot covers also aid site tidiness as their use eliminates the need for sandbagging, which can cause the work area to become messy.
The updated code of practice places extra importance on the design of road safety barriers to withstand certain wind speeds. At the same time, contractors have become increasingly aware of the health and safety risks that roadworks present to pedestrians, road users and workers alike. These factors, along with increased fear of litigation and greater emphasis on keeping a lid on costs, are helping inform the design of a new generation of roadworks safety equipment.
SMALL AREAS FAST & EFFICIENTLY The Sprider is a machine especially
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Tel: 01685 810148 ˡ Email:
info@plantsupplyltd.co.uk www.plantsupplyltd.co.uk
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