In this toolbox meeting, we will be focusing on entering and exiting a work site.
Entering and exiting a work site is a high-risk manoeuvre, as traffic safety is compromised when a vehicle is carrying out an abnormal/special manoeuvre on a public road. When you want to enter a work site in a vehicle, there are several mandatory rules to observe.
Working area, work site and safety zone
The working area is the area within the work site where road workers are permitted to work and where equipment and material may be stored.
At the top and on the long side, the safety zone separates the working area from the traffic area and the lead-in to the work site respectively.
Standing still in the safety zone is prohibited.
Discuss the following topics with each other:
- How do you deal with this problem in your working environment?
- What do you think is the safe thing to do? And why?
- Are you allowed to drive against the flow of traffic on the work site?
- This subject is covered by the CROW 515 guideline. Are you aware of this?
Other safety dilemma: ….....................................................................
When you enter or exit a work site, there is a chance that other road users fail to see you. The consequences can be major.
When you are driving on a work site, there is a chance that other works traffic cannot see you or blocks your view. The consequences can be major.
To enter a work site, you need the following:
- A yellow flashing light/beacon on the roof of your vehicle, positioned in such a way that it is visible 360 degrees around (mainly from the rear).
- A 'werkverkeer' ['works traffic'] sign on the rear side of your vehicle.
- A Heijmans Certificate (RVV dispensation) if applicable for the project in question.
When entering a work site, observe the following rules:
- Make sure that the 'werkverkeer' ['works traffic'] sign is clearly visible on the rear side of your vehicle.
- Make sure you have a beacon on the roof of your vehicle.
- Switch the beacon on 300 m before exiting traffic.
- Switch on your indicator in the direction you will be exiting.
- Exit traffic after the traffic safety trailer (safety zone) and before the starting point with the three cones placed across. You are not allowed to stand still in this space; instead, it is there so you can carefully approach the working area.
- Reduce your speed in the safety zone (max. 40 km/h)
- Enter the working area, drive at walking pace near any colleagues and switch off your beacon and indicator.
- Once you have entered the work site, check whether any other road users have accidentally followed you in. If so, stop immediately and explain to the other road users that they are not meant to be there. Tell them how they can safely leave the work site.
When driving in a stationary cordon, observe the following rules:
A yellow beacon, flashing light or blinker is mandatory:
- When entering or exiting the hard shoulder.
- When placing and removing barriers.
When driving through a work site, observe the following rules:
Do not use a yellow beacon, flashing light or blinker:
When driving and/or carrying out work on the work site in a stationary cordon.
On motorways, when driving and/or carrying out work on the work site during mobile works on the hard shoulder.
On motorways, when carrying out short-duration works (≤30 minutes) on the hard shoulder.
On motorways, when driving as an advance warning vehicle on the hard shoulder.
Only works vehicles (mobile cranes, rollers, works vans) are allowed to travel against the flow of traffic in a cordon during their activities. Under no circumstances may a passenger can travel against the flow of traffic in a cordon.
- Low-beam headlights are not mandatory during the daytime!
- During the nighttime, driving with low-beam headlights is mandatory!
- Make sure you minimise glare for oncoming traffic!
- Flashing hazard lights are only mandatory in a dynamic cordon at night;
When leaving the work site, remember to switch your low-beam headlights back on!
When parking in the cordon, observe the following rules:
- Park your vehicle on the safe side of the work site, outside of the safety zone.
- our vehicle should ideally be parked at the end of the working area. Make sure to keep the exit for exiting works traffic free.
- When standing still/parking, always switch on your side lights/parking lights (especially at night, for extra vehicle visibility).
To exit a work site, you need the following:
- A yellow flashing light/beacon on the roof of your vehicle, positioned in such a way that it is visible 360 degrees around (mainly from the rear).
- A 'werkverkeer' ['works traffic'] sign on the rear side of your vehicle.
- A Heijmans Certificate (RVV dispensation) if applicable for the project in question.
When exiting a work site, observe the following rules:
- Check whether there is sufficient space to enter traffic safely.
- If possible, always use the exit at the end of the work site.
- If work is being done at the end or further down the work site, seek agreement from your supervisor to enter traffic sooner.
- Switch on your yellow beacon and try to enter traffic at an appropriate speed.
- Switch on your indicator, adjust your speed to the other traffic, and merge.
Switch on your low-beam headlights and switch off your beacon and indicator.
If no beacon can be attached to your vehicle — which is the case with passenger cars with panoramic sunroofs — you must arrange to use different vehicle.
This is because it is mandatory to have at least one beacon on your roof when entering/exiting a work site.
A beacon on the parcel shelf is not sufficient.
If you have any questions or spot any unsafe situations, speak to your supervisor and report them in the GO! App!
Scan de volgende code met de app om deze toolbox te bekijken.