To sign up for our daily email newsletter, CLICK HERE
When you’re planning a construction project, it’s important to prepare yourself and your crew for any potential hazards that may arise.
To hire traffic control equipment that can help you prepare to handle hazardous work zones with ease and safety so that you can complete your project on time and within budget. Consider these ten things to keep in mind as you start planning your next traffic control strategy.
Don’t compromise on quality
You should never compromise on quality, but you need to find a balance between quality and cost. For example, you may get the same effect with $200 traffic cones as the $2500 ones. If it is just a small project that doesn’t require many cones, then it is not worth spending more money on something that will not make much of a difference. The key is to find the right balance for your needs.
Get insurance
Getting insurance is one of the first steps in hiring traffic control equipment. Whether you are looking for liability, worker’s comp, or other types of coverage, it is critical that you research and understand all your options before making a decision.
For example, if you are looking for liability coverage then you’ll want to know whether it covers damage caused by the equipment and whether it covers incidents where the hired contractor fails to comply with work zone rules.
However, if you are looking for workers’ compensation coverage then there will be no need for liability because your company will be responsible for any accidents involving employees.
Doing it yourself is risky
Do-it-yourself traffic control is risky because it can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This is never a good idea when you are trying to control traffic. There are many other things that you need to be aware of when it comes time for hiring traffic control equipment. These include:
- The type of job site you will be working on.
- The amount of space available on the job site.
- How much time do you have available for setting up and taking down the equipment?
- The height or length requirement needed for the fence or barricade being used as a physical barrier or lane closure device.
Follow safety regulations
Always follow the safety regulations set by your state or local government. Be sure to have enough signage and cones for the size of the job site, and make sure they are properly placed.
You must have a plan in place for how to manage traffic flow when vehicles must be rerouted away from the job site area. Post signs on streets directing drivers towards detours or alternate routes so they do not get stuck in a traffic jam because of construction on their usual route.
Read the manual and know your legal obligations
Traffic control equipment is important for any construction site. Whether you are doing a small project or a large-scale project, traffic control equipment can be used for all sorts of situations. To help you with your planning, here are the things you need to know about traffic control equipment.
Determine the type of intersection you have:
- A 4-way stop requires three stop signs and typically one yield sign on each side of the street;
- a 5-way stop requires five stop signs and typically two yield signs on each side of the street;
- a 6-way stop requires six stop signs and typically three yield signs on each side of the street.
Test run everything before you start work
Before you work on any type of construction project, it’s important to test out the equipment you’ll be using. Start by checking the lights for proper brightness and color. Next, make sure the road cones are free of chips and cracks, and that they’re easy to carry and stack.
Finally, practice setting up a few temporary traffic control devices before you get started with your project! Remember – practicing saves time in the long run.
Repair is essential
Traffic control equipment needs regular maintenance and repairs. This is not only a necessity for keeping it in good condition but also for ensuring that it is up to code with the proper safety standards.
The following are some tips on how to hire traffic control equipment repair services.
- Determine what type of service you need – There are many types of traffic control equipment repairs, including servicing, inspection, and installation/removal services. Find out what types of repairs you need by asking your contractor or salesman about the various services available.
- Evaluate their price – It’s important to find a company that offers competitive pricing and has quality workmanship.
Budget properly
Hiring traffic control equipment can be an expensive proposition, but it’s essential for the safety of your workers and for ensuring the quality of the work you do. Before you decide what type of equipment to buy, there are many things you should know.
Determine the level of traffic control needed in your particular situation. Factor in any specific requirements set forth by local or state laws governing traffic control equipment use on public highways or roadways.
Check for permits and licenses
Once you have your safety and production in mind, you should research any permits or licenses that may be required for the equipment you plan on hiring. The type of permit or license will depend on what type of equipment is being rented.
For example, a forklift may require a commercial driver’s license, while a scissor lift might not. Be sure to check with your local municipality for more information about any licenses or permits that may be necessary for the type of equipment you’re looking into renting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hiring traffic control equipment can be a great way to make the most of your event. While it may seem like a scary task, there are many things you need to know before signing off on any contract. You also want to think about how much time you have before your event begins. Some types of traffic control equipment can take up more time than others and some have a quicker turnaround time than others.
