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An Essential Guide To Barricading In Construction

By definition, per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), barricades (cones, tapes) are physical obstructions that provide a warning about a hazardous area. In construction settings, temporary and permanent barricades, more so the former, are commonly used to enhance safety, reduce liability, ensure compliance with guidelines, and secure equipment.

Read on further for an essential guide to barricading in construction.

Responsibilities

For contractors:

● Choose suitable safety signage for the intended purpose

Hazardous areas must be appropriately signed

Workers must be trained and informed regarding barricading

Workers must be provided with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Investigate potential hazards or incidents

For workers:

Adhere to the requirements of barricading and safety signage

Report potential hazards and incidents to superiors

Complete training requirements

Cooperate in investigations of incidents

Barricade Requirements

● Prohibit unauthorized entry into restricted work areas

● Prevent exposure to hazardous substances

Protection during scaffolding, demolition work, etc

Barricade Selection

During the selection of the barricade, the risk associated with the hazard, the strength of the barrier needed, and the amount of clearance from the hazard by the barricade, must be considered.

Barricade Erection

During the use of barricades, several factors must be considered:

● Proximity to the hazard

Movement of objects inside the barricade if it topples

Sparks produced from hot works

Egress and access

Barricade Maintenance

Temporary barricading must be updated regularly, with the frequency of maintenance varying depending on wear and tear, and weather conditions.

Types of Barricades in Construction

●Traffic Barricades: Traffic safety cones and drums may be customized with attachable signs and lights. To control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians through a construction zone, directing vehicles within and outside the zone. 

Road Barriers: For closing roads, setting up detours, and withstanding crashes at high speeds (work zones on highways). Water-filled barriers are more visible and cheaper alternatives to standard concrete barriers. They can be emptied and filled on-site for convenience and can be used for a wide range of applications. Water-filled barriers can be used in conjunction with fence toppers for additional security and better placement of safety signage.

● Bike Rack Barricades: Portable, durable, weather-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Commonly used in construction sites.

● Temporary Fence Panels: Protecting construction sites from unauthorized entry. Connected by zip ties to form a continuous barrier.

Expanding Length Barricades: Can vary in length with odd angles; made of metal or plastic. Has intuitive pull levers for easy adjustment. Often used for maintenance work in construction sites.

A-frame Barricades: Framed with triangular joists and a plank with reflective tape. Works effectively on even ground in construction sites.

Compliance

The following OSHA safety signages must be complied with:

● Header signs

● Chemical and hazardous material signs

● No entry signs

● Construction safety and roadside signs

● Machine safety and warning signs

Below is a list of the most common OSHA violations:

● Hazard communication

● Respiratory protection

● Duty to have fall protection

● Training requirements

● Criteria for PPE

Barricading Services

At Starr Industries, we offer a wide range of scaffolding services, including barricading, roof protection, and sidewalk sheds. Our team is experienced, with a strong emphasis on safety, originality, and service.

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