Job Safety Analysis: Raised Pavement Marker Installation

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work zone and traffic conditions Vehicles entering work area, reduced visibility, crew drifting into open lanes Establish MUTCD compliant work zone; use cones, signs, and arrow boards; assign lookout to monitor traffic
Inspect tools, materials, and adhesives Brittle or broken markers, malfunctioning applicators, adhesive container leaks Inspect markers for defects; check adhesive guns or pots; replace damaged tools or materials
Don required PPE Eye injuries, struck by hazards, adhesive contact Wear high visibility vest, gloves, safety glasses, and hard hat before entering roadway
Clean pavement surface Loose debris affecting adhesive bond, dust in eyes, slips on gravel Sweep or blow surface thoroughly; ensure area is dry; keep crew clear of debris stream
Mark installation locations Incorrect spacing or misalignment leading to driver confusion Measure and mark locations according to plans; verify alignment using string line or layout marks; double check spacing
Apply adhesive Burns from hot adhesive, chemical exposure, inhalation of fumes Use appropriate PPE; handle adhesive applicators carefully; avoid leaning over adhesive pot; follow product instructions
Place raised pavement marker Pinched fingers, incorrect placement, stepping into traffic Press marker firmly into adhesive using proper technique; keep body inside protected zone; avoid overtightening or grinding
Allow adhesive to set Marker shifting due to early traffic contact, slipping on spilled adhesive Ensure markers remain in place until adhesive cures; use cones around recent installations if necessary
Maintain communication Miscommunication leading to unsafe movements or misaligned markers Use radios or hand signals; maintain continuous communication between installer, spotter, and traffic control crew
Monitor traffic flow Vehicles driving too close to workers, early entry into taper Assign lookout; use flaggers or pilot vehicles if needed; adjust devices to improve visibility
Clean up unused adhesive and debris Contact with hot adhesive, litter in roadway Seal adhesive containers; remove any adhesive drips from pavement; collect debris and dispose properly
Remove traffic control Workers exposed during takedown Remove devices in reverse order; use lookout; reopen roadway only after all tools and equipment are clear

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat

  • Safety glasses or face shield

  • High visibility vest (Class 2 or Class 3 depending on roadway)

  • Steel toe boots

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • Respiratory protection if using adhesives with fumes

  • Hearing protection when near loud equipment

  • Long pants and long sleeves

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: Roadway Maintenance Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work zone and traffic conditions Vehicles entering work area, reduced visibility, crew drifting into open lanes Establish MUTCD compliant work zone; use cones, signs, and arrow boards; assign lookout to monitor traffic
Inspect tools, materials, and adhesives Brittle or broken markers, malfunctioning applicators, adhesive container leaks Inspect markers for defects; check adhesive guns or pots; replace damaged tools or materials
Don required PPE Eye injuries, struck by hazards, adhesive contact Wear high visibility vest, gloves, safety glasses, and hard hat before entering roadway
Clean pavement surface Loose debris affecting adhesive bond, dust in eyes, slips on gravel Sweep or blow surface thoroughly; ensure area is dry; keep crew clear of debris stream
Mark installation locations Incorrect spacing or misalignment leading to driver confusion Measure and mark locations according to plans; verify alignment using string line or layout marks; double check spacing
Apply adhesive Burns from hot adhesive, chemical exposure, inhalation of fumes Use appropriate PPE; handle adhesive applicators carefully; avoid leaning over adhesive pot; follow product instructions
Place raised pavement marker Pinched fingers, incorrect placement, stepping into traffic Press marker firmly into adhesive using proper technique; keep body inside protected zone; avoid overtightening or grinding
Allow adhesive to set Marker shifting due to early traffic contact, slipping on spilled adhesive Ensure markers remain in place until adhesive cures; use cones around recent installations if necessary
Maintain communication Miscommunication leading to unsafe movements or misaligned markers Use radios or hand signals; maintain continuous communication between installer, spotter, and traffic control crew
Monitor traffic flow Vehicles driving too close to workers, early entry into taper Assign lookout; use flaggers or pilot vehicles if needed; adjust devices to improve visibility
Clean up unused adhesive and debris Contact with hot adhesive, litter in roadway Seal adhesive containers; remove any adhesive drips from pavement; collect debris and dispose properly
Remove traffic control Workers exposed during takedown Remove devices in reverse order; use lookout; reopen roadway only after all tools and equipment are clear
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment