What is Chapter 8 and Do I Need to Follow It?
08/02/2021
It can be a little complicated sometimes, to know the rules and regulations regarding barriers and signage. Making sure you have the adequate barriers to comply, that they are coloured and signed correctly can be a bit of a minefield. You want to get it right. Thankfully Ibex have pieced together some of the basics in safety barrier expertise, namely Chapter 8 Barriers.
I don’t know what Chapter 8 is, do I need to follow it?
If you’re working where your project could impact the roads, highways, road users and pedestrians using them, the answer is yes, you need to comply. As well as general public safety legislation, the specific codes of practice which apply when working on the roads are:
This source specifies the requirements for Chapter 8 Barriers, signage, pedestrian and safety barriers for temporary work conditions for traffic management on highways. This includes both motorised and non-motorised users from drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. “Chapter 8” is literally referring to the ‘Chapter 8’ section of the ‘Department of Transportation Documents’ manual. Which can be found here (Part 2) and here (Part 3)
New Roads and Street Works Act, legally backs The Red book, also known as ‘Safety at Street Works’. A code of practice intended to help safely carry out signing, lighting and guarding of street works and road works.
It is advised you follow these guidelines set out in the publications above, by not conforming you’re possibly opening yourself up to serious legal issues should an event occur that causes risk to the public, employees or property where you are working.
There is no compromise on public safety as well as protection of your work force. Chapter 8 barriers are most commonly used by traffic management companies, civil engineers and building contractors. However, they are also often used in a wide range of other environments such as festivals, events and town shows.
My project is small / short, do I still need Chapter 8 Barriers?
Yes. If you are carrying out any works that are going to interfere with public paths, highways, roads and streets, your barriers must be Chapter 8 Compliant. Chapter 8 not only incorporates barriers, but also includes signage, temporary traffic lights, and traffic cones.
With all provisional operations, it is important to plan all works activities and temporary closures to optimise safety and road. Moreover, whilst minimising congestion, delay and inconvenience – no matter the size or longevity of the project.
Ibex has all basis covered
Chapter 8 Barriers, as featured in our products on our website are in stock today and can be dispatched right away. Don’t forget we can add additional signing and logos to your barriers to make them unique to your company.
- High visibility safety colours stocked in blue and orange, with reflective strip tape.
This ensures that barriers can be seen in a variety of conditions by road users, pedestrians and contractors carrying out the work. Any barriers with reflective striping within this category are 100% compliant with Chapter 8 regulations when used correctly.
- Interlocking hook-and-eye male / female connector design for easy linking, and deployment. The hook-and-eye system means no need for drilling, screws or extra parts. This also allows speedy replacement and takedown of the barriers once works have moved on or have been completed.
- Free standing with 360° swivel feet to turn in any direction, keep it streamline or turn at angles. Our feet are anti-slip and anti-trip to avoid stumbles or workers or pedestrians.
- They are extremely light weight 7kg per barrier meaning quick and effortless stacking when not in use and easy transportation to the next project.
Our Chapter 8 Barriers are cost friendly, practical and effective when keeping in with the Chapter 8 Guidelines.