Traffic Risk Management

Approved by Council June 1999

Introduction

The following Policy is designed to take account of the various Statutory Requirements and Regulations imposed upon the University and the comments of members of HSSC and UOHSC.

In the context of the Policy 'Traffic' includes pedestrians and vehicles. 'Traffic routes' means routes for pedestrian traffic, vehicles or both and includes staircases, stairs, ladders, doorways, gateways, pathways, loading bays and ramps.

This Policy provides a benchmark or standard which will be expected to be observed by all stakeholders when carrying out relevant traffic risk assessment work for existing, proposed or future alterations to buildings or the infrastructure of the University. Any proposed alterations need to take account of this Traffic Policy, in order to reduce, so far as is reasonably practicable, risks of accidents to persons or property of the University.

Speed Limit

The existing maximum speed limit published in the University Regulations remains in force within the University grounds although this will be under review in areas where pedestrians and vehicles share common traffic routes.

Design and Layout of Road Systems

  1. Traffic routes must provide the safest route between places where vehicles have to call. They must be adequately surfaced, drained, lit and signed.
  2. Traffic routes must be wide enough, so far as is reasonably practicable, for the safe movement of the largest vehicle permitted to use them including visiting vehicles. They must be wide enough to allow vehicles to pass oncoming or parked vehicles safely without leaving the route. One-way systems or restrictions on parking should be introduced where necessary. Any restrictions must be clearly indicated. Passing places or traffic management systems must be provided as necessary.
  3. Traffic routes must avoid vulnerable items such as switch gear, fuel tanks, unprotected edges etc where vehicles could cause damage or become unstable.
  4. Safe areas for loading and unloading must be provided for all buildings. These should preferably be carried out in areas away from passing traffic, pedestrians, and other people not involved in the loading or unloading operation.
  5. Sharp or blind bends on vehicle routes should be avoided whenever possible. Where they are unavoidable measures must be considered such as one-way systems or the use of mirrors to improve vision.
  6. The need for vehicles to reverse must be eliminated as far as is reasonably practicable. One-way systems may be one useful technique to avoid the need for vehicles to reverse. Where this is not possible audible alarms must be used.
  7. Entrances and gateways must be wide enough with space to accommodate a second vehicle, which may have stopped for any reason, without causing obstruction.
  8. Sensible speed limits will be provided, reviewed and visibly enforced by routine speed checks. Speed retarders should be constructed where appropriate.

Pedestrians

  1. Separate routes or pavements should be provided for pedestrians to keep them away from vehicles, and where pavements cannot be provided vehicular access should be limited.
  2. Where needed, suitable barriers or guard rails at entrances to and exits from buildings and at the corners of buildings must be provided to prevent pedestrians from walking straight onto roads.
  3. Where traffic routes are used by both pedestrians and vehicles they must be wide enough to allow vehicles to pass pedestrians safely. For traffic routes in existence before 1st January 1993, passing places or traffic management systems would be an acceptable alternative.
  4. Where pedestrian and vehicle routes cross appropriate crossing points must be provided and used. Crossing points must be suitably marked and sign-posted and where necessary provided with barriers or rails
  5. Pedestrians must be able to see clearly in all directions at crossing points.
  6. Where crowds of people are likely to walk onto roadways for example at the end of a lecture, consideration must be given to stopping vehicles from using the routes at these times.

Parking Areas

  1. Parking areas must be situated in safe locations.
  2. Drivers leaving parked vehicles must not have to cross potentially dangerous work areas.
  3. Parking areas must ideally be on level ground, have a firm, even surface and a safe means of access and exit.
  4. They must be clearly sign-posted and lit.

Loading Bays

  1. Loading bays must be situated in safe and suitable locations.

Vehicle Safety

  1. Vehicles operated by University staff must be professionally maintained. This includes vehicles owned by, leased or hired by the University.

Driver Selection and Training

  1. Drivers must hold relevant driving permits for the vehicles they operate on behalf of the University.
  2. They must be routinely re-assessed and provided with any relevant re-training.
  3. Induction training must be provided with new vehicles or for vehicles new to the operator's experience.
  4. Staff driving on behalf of the University on campus and for field trips off campus are required to submit to routine health surveillance provided by the Occupational Health Nurse Manager.

Visting Delivery Drivers

  1. Adequate signage must ensure safe arrival of visiting deliveries to Departments.
  2. Departments must ensure that vehicles are suitable for the campus. For example, vehicles requiring a fork-lift truck to unload them cannot be accommodated. Some vehicles will be delivering toxic materials or awkward loads and these should be carefully accommodated and controlled. Special arrangements will need to be made for loads which are abnormal in terms of weight or dimensions.

APPROVED BY COUNCIL 25TH JUNE 1999