As of September 1, 2024, new technical requirements for Work at Road (WRA), established by the Swedish Transport Administration under TDOK 2012:86 Version 5, will apply. As a leading training company in APV, we are here to help you understand what these changes mean and how you can adapt your work according to the new guidelines. Following these rules is crucial to ensure the safety of both your employees and road users.
What do the new requirements mean?
The new requirements build on previous versions, but with a sharper focus on safety, risk management and efficiency during road works. The Swedish Transport Administration is placing higher demands on ensuring that the right training and certification is in place for anyone working on or near roads where traffic is present. Here we go through the main changes and what you need to do to meet the new standards.
1. Safety first: Speed limits and safety zones
One of the most noticeable changes concerns how you should manage speed limits and protection zones around the work area. Under the new rules
- Maximum 30 km/h if workers are within 2.5 meters of the roadway.
- Maximum 50 km/h if workers are further away than 2.5 meters, provided there are no other safety risks.
- At speeds above 50 km/h, a longitudinal protection device is now always required, which could previously be replaced by other measures such as speed reduction.
For those in charge of a workplace, this means carefully planning protective devices and safety zones to minimize risks both for your employees and for road users.
2. Updated vehicle and notification rules
The new version also includes detailed requirements on how workplace vehicles should be marked and equipped to ensure maximum visibility and safety. These requirements include:
- Battenburg reflective pattern: Vehicles used in workplaces should be fitted with this highly reflective pattern to be clearly visible, especially in low light conditions.
- Reversing warning systems: Heavy vehicles must now have reversing cameras and warning systems if they are used in areas where pedestrians and cyclists may be present.
This means that as a supervisor, you must ensure that all vehicles used in the workplace are equipped and certified according to the new requirements.
3. New guidelines for traffic devices and road signs
Another important area that has been updated is workplace signage. The new rules emphasize the importance of correct and clear signage to guide road users:
- Flashing lights: Road signs indicating speed and warning of road works must now be supplemented by flashing warning lights on specific stretches of road. This applies in particular to work where the speed is higher than 50 km/h
- Protective devices: Along roads where work is in progress, protective devices must be correctly positioned to protect workers and road users. These devices now need to be checked regularly to ensure they are working properly
This means that as a signposting officer, you must have the right training and certification to handle these tasks.
4. Clearer guidelines for pedestrians and cyclists
An important update in the new requirements are targeted measures to protect vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. If your workplace affects pedestrian or cycle lanes, you must now ensure:
- The width of the footpath or cycle path is never less than 1.8 meters. If this cannot be achieved, a temporary lane must be provided.
- Safety measures are taken so that pedestrians and cyclists can pass through the work area without risking their safety.
5. Clarifications on risk management and documentation
The Swedish Transport Administration now requires more systematic risk management. You must be able to demonstrate that risk analyses have been carried out and that measures have been taken to minimize risks in the workplace. Some of the new requirements include:
- Risk assessment: All operations involving machinery or vehicles within the safety zone must be documented with a risk assessment.
- Continuous checks: Safety and traffic management devices must be checked regularly and deficiencies must be rectified immediately.
As a site manager, you also need to ensure that all documentation is up to date and available when needed, which means that your team needs to be well trained in both risk management and documentation processes.
What can we do to help you?
To help you and your team work safely and efficiently according to the new requirements, we offer training and certification courses that are aligned with the latest guidelines from the Swedish Transport Administration. From traffic devices to risk assessment, our courses will give you the knowledge you need to ensure your work on the road meets all requirements.
With our online courses, you and your team can take your training when and where it suits you best, and you will receive a certificate confirming your competence.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet the new technical requirements for Road Works 2024.