The protection and safety of experts and environment are the essential on every work site and should be prioritized at all times during field operations.
Working on or near roads is extremely hazardous and the following rules must be observed by all personnel:
- Before commencing inspection at the site ensure that all personnel are wearing high visibility vests, everyone knows the direction of traffic on all the lines, where to take refuge is a vehicle approaches and where are unprotected or unsafe areas.
- During the inspection do not walk on or near the road without a reason and always walk towards oncoming vehicles.
- Whenever crossing roads make sure all the lanes are clear before crossing.
- When operating any machine or equipment, make sure you are aware of potential hazards (roads, power lines, other workers etc.), never step backwards without looking, and always look around you.
The best way of keeping work safety, is planning. The checklist of general safety requirements:
- If bridge site is identified as having security problem, the inspection team should be escorted be the security personnel from the local police force. Necessary procedures should be in place to track the contact location of the team during survey period.
- One should be familiar with the full requirements of the inspection work including personal clothing, footwear, gloves, helmets, overall falsework and access equipment.
- The working order of all tools, machines and equipment should be ensured.
- If needed, plan and arrange road closures and suitable traffic management procedures.
- Ensure that a first aid kit is available.
- Avoid involving persons who are not qualified for the tasks or operating particular equipment.
- During the inspections, identify and locate all utilities existing at site (water, sewerage, electricity, signals, communications, gas etc.) If any utilities are affected take measures by informing the relevant authorities.
- Personnel under the influence of alcohol or any medication which impairs alertness or causes drowsiness are not allowed to work on site or to operate any equipment.
- Generally, all the work should be carried out as per industry standards or good practice.
