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As
traffic flows increase the opportunities for placing,
maintaining and removing the signs, cones, adhesive
studs, etc., become fewer and of shorter duration.
Furthermore, the introduction of four or five
lane motorways greatly increase the hazards associated
with this type of work. At the same time, the
types of contract now used put great pressure
on the traffic management contractor, often requiring
him to carry out work at short notice and at times
that are not as planned and, quite often, otherwise
unsuitable. To help reduce the risks associated
with these works the TMCA produced a training
video entitled "Your Life on the Line"
and a complementary Notes for Guidance booklet.
These two aids provide a basis for the formal
training carried out by members. Production of
"Your Life on the Line" was supported
by the Highways Agency, and many copies have been
sold to non members.
Because
of the obvious danger associated with its work
TMCA are of the opinion that traffic management
contractors should be Quality Assured. Indeed,
it is now a requirement for entry to the Association
as a full member. The question of whether QA should
be a specified requirement has been a subject
discussed at a number of meetings with the Department
of Transport/Highways Agency over the last ten
years. TMCA are delighted that the Department
has included this requirement in the specification
for Highway works from January 1999.
Sector
Scheme 12
We wish to take this opportunity of informing
you of the very important changes to occur in
the very near future.
As
you are aware as of the 1st January 1999 the above
scheme relating to Static Temporary Traffic Management
on Motorway and High Speed Dual Carriageways,
for On Line Widening Schemes and Schemes incorporating
Contra flow Operations, came into force.
With
effect of 1st September 2000 the scheme has been
extended to cover ALL Type A works on Motorways
and high speed dual Carriageways. (Issue UKAS
2)
In
other words, any Traffic Management with temporary
road markings will come into this specification.
This is a substantial change to the 12A scheme.
Other
information that is available now.
Sector
Scheme 12C is due to come into effect on the *1st
January 2001 (this relates to Mobile Lane Closures)
Sector Scheme 12B is due to come into effect *1st
April 2001 (This relates to type B works)
The
members of the TMCA has been instrumental in developing
Safety training for operatives, and in association
with LANTRA have created on site occupational
assessments which attains NVQ qualifications for
Operatives and Foreman. To comply with the Sector
Scheme, Traffic Management operatives must be
trained, have been assessed and be qualified card
carrying personnel.
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