Barricades for construction

Scope

Barricades are critical in the safety of construction workers since they clearly communicate existing and/or potential hazards, aid in controlling traffic and crane operation, and alert road users of permanent or semi-permanent closure or termination of a roadway.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1926.200 — Accident prevention signs and tags
• Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (1988 Edition, Revision 3, or the Millennium Edition), incorporated by reference in 1926.6

Key definitions

• Barricade: A portable or fixed device having from one to three rails with appropriate markings. It is used to control traffic by closing, restricting, or delineating all or a portion of the right-of-way.
• Channelizing devices: Instruments that warn and alert drivers of conditions created by work activities in or near the traveled way, to protect workers in the temporary traffic control zone, and to guide drivers and pedestrians safely. Channelizing devices include but are not limited to cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, barricades, temporary raised islands, and barriers.
• Portable barriers: Materials used to prevent vehicles from penetrating work areas behind the barrier while minimizing occupational injuries. They may also be used to separate two-way traffic. These devices may be constructed of concrete, metal, or any material that can physically prevent vehicular penetration.
• Temporary traffic signals: Devices used for special application to control traffic flow at temporary traffic control zones. These applications include a highway intersection with a temporary haul road or equipment crossing, and temporary traffic control zones with alternate one-way traffic flow, such as bridge construction.

Summary of requirements

• Post at, points of construction hazards, legible traffic control signs and protect employees by traffic control devices.
• Ensure the design and use of all traffic control devices, (including signs, signals, markings, barricades, and other devices) for protection of construction workers conforms to Part 6 of the MUTCD (incorporated by reference, see 1926.6).
• Ensure devices are visible at all times when work is being performed and remove or cover them promptly when the hazards no longer exist.