Next time your car is in a roadworks queue, take the time to appreciate how much it takes to dig up a road surface, repair whatever is underneath and resurface the road while controlling traffic and keeping everyone safe.
Not any old contractors are allowed to dig up the road to repair a broken pipe. Everyone on site, no matter what their role, must have completed the appropriate level of professional training course accredited by the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) 1991.
The training covers all you need to know to work on, or supervise, road works safely on roads with a speed limit up to 50mph. That includes:
- Locating the underground (or overhead) service that needs repair and avoiding any that don’t
- Setting up equipment for works on the highway, such as temporary road signage, barriers, lighting and guarding units
- Excavation
- Back filling and reinstating the road surface with hot-lay bituminous materials or concrete after the repair work is finished
Code of practice
Accredited contractors abide by the Safety at street works and road works: a code of practice 2013 which is intended to make sure work is carried out safely.
The code requires all operatives, supervisors, managers, planners and designers to ensure that road works are safe for everyone, paying particular attention to the needs of disabled people and other potentially vulnerable groups such as children, people with pushchairs and the elderly.
Call the accredited experts
At Drain and Sewer Services we’re often asked to work on roads, so all our staff have completed NRSWA accredited training to the level appropriate for their jobs (operative or supervisory) so that we can carry out:
- Drain and sewer repairs
- Road resurfacing and repair
- Kerb repair
- Manhole cover replacements
Local authorities with responsibility for highways enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that when Drain and Sewer Services are on the job, they are complying fully with the law and the job will be done efficiently and to the highest standards.
To find out more about how we can help you, call Drain and Sewer Services free on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk.