Module 7: Use of Plant and Equipment in Highways Maintenance
1. Safe Operation of Small Plant
Common Equipment & Hazards:
Whacker Plates: Risk of hand-arm vibration (HAVS) and rollover on slopes.
Concrete Saws: Kickback, blade fracture, and silica dust exposure.
Breakers/Drills: Noise (>85dB) and flying debris.
Safe Practices:
✔ Stability Checks: Ensure firm, level ground before use.
✔ Two-Handed Operation: Maintain control of vibrating tools.
✔ Blade Guarding: Never remove safety covers on saws.
✔ Exposure Limits: Follow HSE’s EAV (2.5 m/s²) for vibration tools.
2. Introduction to Excavators and Rollers
A. Excavators (Wheeled/Tracked):
Key Risks:
Overturning (especially on embankments).
Striking underground utilities (always CAT scan before digging).
Safe Use:
Keep bucket low when swinging.
Use spotters for blind spots.
B. Rollers (Static/Vibratory):
Compaction Checks:
3 passes typically required for asphalt layers.
Avoid over-rolling to prevent aggregate cracking.
Licensing:
Excavators > 10 tonnes require CPCS/NPORS certification.
3. Pre-Use Checks and Maintenance
Daily Inspection Checklist:
Maintenance Logs:
Record hours of use (schedule oil/filter changes per manufacturer guidelines).
4. PPE and Noise/Vibration Control
A. Mandatory PPE:
High-vis clothing (EN ISO 20471).
Steel-toe boots (EN ISO 20345).
Gloves (anti-vibration for HAVS tools).
Hearing protection (EN 352-3 for noise >80dB).
B. Reducing Vibration/Noise:
HAVS Mitigation:
Use low-vibration tools (e.g., battery-powered breakers).
Limit exposure to <15 mins/hour for high-vibration equipment.
Noise Control:
Fit silencers on compressors.
Erect acoustic barriers in residential areas.
Monitoring:
Regular health surveillance for workers using vibrating tools.
Key Takeaways
⚠ Never bypass safety devices (e.g., dead-man switches).
⚠ Pre-use checks prevent 50% of equipment failures.
⚠ PPE is the last line of defense – engineering controls come first.
Training Exercises:
▶ Demo: Correct start-up/shutdown of a whacker plate.
▶ Fault-Spotting: Images of defective equipment for trainee analysis.
Module 8: Environmental Considerations in Highways Maintenance
1. Sustainable Materials and Recycling
A. Eco-Friendly Materials:
Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Up to 30% reused in new mixes (reduces quarrying).
Plastic-Modified Bitumen: Incorporates waste plastics (e.g., bags, bottles) for enhanced durability.
Porous Pavements: Allow water infiltration (SUDS-compliant).
B. Circular Economy Practices:
Crushed Concrete: Reused as sub-base material.
Reclaimed Timber: Repurposed for signage posts or barriers.
Standards:
BS EN 13108-8 for recycled asphalt.
WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) guidelines.
2. Pollution Prevention (Oil, Chemicals, Debris Control)
A. Spill Management:
Prevention:
Store fuels/oils in bunded tanks (110% capacity).
Use drip trays under machinery.
Response:
Spill Kits onsite (absorbents, PPE, containment booms).
Report to Environment Agency if >200L spills (UK).
B. Dust & Debris Control:
Water Sprayers: Suppress dust during cutting/grinding.
Silt Fences: Prevent sediment runoff into waterways.
Sweeper Vehicles: Collect microplastics/debris post-works.
Regulations:
Environmental Protection Act 1990 (duty of care for waste).
Control of Pollution Act 1974 (dust/noise limits).
3. Wildlife and Habitat Protection
A. Pre-Works Surveys:
Ecological Appraisals: Check for protected species (e.g., bats, badgers).
Seasonal Restrictions: Avoid nesting (March–August) or hibernation periods.
B. Mitigation Measures:
Hedgehog Highways: Install tunnels under fencing.
Amphibian Fencing: Guide frogs/toads away from works.
Bat Boxes: Relocate roosts if disturbed.
Legal Compliance:
Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981: Protects habitats/species.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Mandates 10% habitat improvement (England, 2024).
4. Waste Management and Disposal Regulations
A. Waste Classification:
B. Best Practices:
Segregation: Separate waste streams onsite (color-coded bins).
Documentation: Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) for all loads.
Landfill Avoidance: Target 90% recycling/reuse (Defra 2025 goals).
Penalties:
Unlicensed disposal: Fines up to £50,000 + prison (EPA 1990).
Key Takeaways
♻ Recycling cuts costs (e.g., RAP saves 30% on material costs).
⚠ Spill negligence = prosecution (EA fines up to £250,000).
🦔 Habitat checks prevent project delays (e.g., badger sett closures).
Training Tools:
▶ Case Study: Fines for illegal dumping of highway waste.
▶ Interactive Quiz: Sort waste types into correct disposal routes.
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