Falkirk Council

There are standard conditions attached to the Minor Roadworks Consent. These are as follows:

General

1. All work shall be carried out in accordance with the Falkirk Council Development Roads, Guidelines and Specification, or any subsequent amendment. 
2. All works shall, where appropriate, be signed in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.
3. The consent-holder shall assume responsibility for claims against the Falkirk Council as a consequence of the works, both during the time that work is in progress and for a period of twelve months after the date of completion of the works.
4. The consent is valid for a period of three months from the commencement date of operations but may be extended at the discretion of the Director of Corporate & Commercial Services.
5. The consent-holder must notify this Service at least 24 hours in advance of works commencing on site. Telephone Falkirk Council on 01324 504600

Trenches  

1. No opening in the carriageway of footways shall be of greater length than 30 metres. During the progress of the work all excavations must be protected, and if not filled in during the day, must be properly lit and supervised. See Condition 2 above.
2. No pipe, cable or duct shall have less cover than 900mm on the carriageway and 450mm on the footways.

Safety at roadworks

When roadworks are being carried out the law requires precautions to be taken by those carrying them out in order to protect persons using the road from danger or inconvenience. New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, The Traffic Signs and General Directions 1981, The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, Section 57, and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The undermentioned rules are not a legal interpretation but simply ten basic rules which should be adhered to so that vehicular and pedestrian traffic and those engaged in roadworks are adequately protected:

1. Use only signs that meet the requirements of the prevailing conditions and that are prescribed in the Traffic Signs and General Directions 1981 and the Traffic Sign Manual, any amendments and extensions thereof current at the time.
2. Position the signs so that they are (a) clearly visible and (b) securely fixed so that they do not blow away.
3. Use only reflectorised signs, site them where they can, during the hours of darkness, receive the maximum benefit from street lighting and inspect regularly for damage and cleanliness. Remove or cover up signs when no longer required. Display of unnecessary signs causes confusion and frustration.
4. During one-way traffic operations use either approved portable traffic lights, phased to suit traffic requirements, or manually operated Stop/Go signs. Police may control traffic, for a short duration, in a sudden emergency. (The advice of the Director of Corporate & Commercial Services and the Police should be sought especially for heavily trafficked roads). Unless in an emergency, at least 2 months' written notice must be given to the Director of Corporate & Commercial Services for any proposed road closure.
5. Backfill all openings as the work progresses so that the minimum inconvenience and danger is caused to traffic.
6. Do not obstruct the carriageway/footway or footpath unnecessarily with excavated material or equipment.
7. Use continuously operating amber lamps and cones around the perimeter of the work. Inspect frequently for cleanliness and efficiency.
8. Obstructions and excavations must be adequately lit and fenced. When a footpath/footway is obstructed a diversion with a handrail must be provided. Barriers must be at least 1 metre in height and special precautions should be taken so see that a blind person, using his stick, can, with safety, negotiate the obstruction.
9. All personnel engaged on works on or near the carriageway must wear a high visibility jacket or coat.
10. Ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the Health and Safety of employees and members of the public.