Module 4: Kerbs, Footways, and Street Furniture Maintenance
1. Defects in Footways (Uneven Surfaces & Trip Hazards)
Common Defects & Causes:
Uneven Surfaces:
Root heave (tree roots lifting paving slabs)
Subsidence (poor compaction or utility works)
Wear & tear (high pedestrian traffic or weather erosion)
Trip Hazards:
Loose paving slabs (>10mm lip height poses risk)
Cracked/concrete spalling (freeze-thaw damage)
Utility trench reinstatements (poor compaction settling over time)
Inspection & Risk Assessment:
Measurement Standards:
UK Highways Trips & Slips Policy: ≥20mm vertical displacement = urgent repair.
Tools: Straightedge, digital level, or laser profiling for accuracy.
Reporting: Use defect categorization (e.g., P1 (24hr repair) to P3 (planned maintenance)).
2. Kerbing Repairs and Realignment
Types of Kerbs & Common Failures:
Repair Techniques:
Partial Replacement:
Break out damaged section (avoid vibration to adjacent units).
Bed new kerb on fresh concrete haunching (minimum 150mm support).
Realignment:
Hydraulic kerb adjusters for precise repositioning.
Laser-guided systems for gradient correction.
Jointing: Use bituminous or polyurethane filler to prevent water ingress.
Safety:
Traffic management required (Ch. 8 compliance for works near carriageways).
PPE: Gloves, eye protection when breaking concrete.
3. Maintenance of Street Furniture
Key Components & Defects:
A. Bollards:
Types: Fixed, removable, or illuminated.
Common Issues: Impact damage, rust (steel), loose foundations.
Repair:
Rebed loose bollards in rapid-set concrete.
Replace damaged units with crash-tested models (BS EN 12767).
B. Guardrails:
Inspection Focus:
Corrosion at ground level.
Missing/bent rails (must withstand 1.5-tonne impact per TD 19).
Repair:
Galvanized spray repairs for minor corrosion.
Full section replacement if >30% compromised.
C. Signage:
Defects: Faded legends, bent posts, loose fixings.
Standards: Retroreflectivity (BS EN 12899-1) for night visibility.
Maintenance:
Clean signs annually to maintain reflectivity.
Use breakaway posts in impact zones.
Material Lifespans:
4. Safe Working Near Pedestrian & Vehicular Traffic
Hazards & Controls:
A. Pedestrian Zones:
Exclusion Zones: 1.2m barriers to detour foot traffic.
Temporary Surfacing: Anti-slip matting over works areas.
Signage: "Footpath Closed" with diversion maps (compliant with Traffic Signs Manual Ch. 8).
B. Roadside Works:
TTM (Temporary Traffic Management):
Use of cones, signs, and VMS boards per Chapter 8 standards.
Minimum 1.5m working space from live traffic.
PPE: High-vis clothing (EN ISO 20471), hard hats, and safety boots.
C. Plant Operations:
Avoiding Strikes:
Banksmen for vehicle maneuvers.
Proximity sensors on excavators.
Noise/Vibration: Limit breaker use near sensitive areas (residential zones).
Emergency Protocols:
First Aid: Trained personnel on-site for injuries.
Incident Reporting: RIDDOR for near-misses or accidents.
Key Takeaways
Footway Safety: >10mm lip height requires prompt repair to prevent trips.
Kerbing: Realignment ensures drainage flow and aesthetic continuity.
Street Furniture: Regular inspections prevent sudden failures.
Traffic Management: Non-negotiable compliance with *Chapter 8/Safety at Street Works (SASW)*.
Practical Training Ideas:
Defect Hunt: Field exercise to measure/record footway hazards.
Kerbing Demo: Hands-on practice with hydraulic adjusters.
TTM Simulation: Set up a safe worksite using cones and barriers.
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