| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work zone and traffic conditions | Motorists entering work area, poor visibility, crew stepping into live lanes | Set up MUTCD compliant work zone; use cones, signs, and arrow boards; assign lookout to monitor traffic and crew positioning |
| Inspect tools, materials, and equipment | Damaged tape applicators, missing rollers, worn temporary tape or tabs | Check all applicators, rollers, and marking materials; verify reflectivity of temporary devices; replace damaged items |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, struck by hazards, reduced visibility | Wear high visibility vest, hard hat, gloves, and safety glasses before entering roadway |
| Clean pavement surface | Loose debris reducing adhesion, dust in eyes, slips on loose gravel | Sweep or blow area clear; maintain safe distance from debris stream; ensure pavement is dry and stable |
| Position marking layout | Incorrect placement leading to driver confusion, misaligned markings | Measure and mark alignment points; reference existing markings or plans; verify taper lengths and lane alignment |
| Apply temporary tape or tabs | Pinched fingers, poor adhesion, stepping outside protected area | Stand within protected zone; press tape firmly using applicator; ensure tabs are fully seated; avoid stretching tape |
| Apply spray based temporary markings (if used) | Overspray, inhalation of fumes, contact with wet paint | Use spray equipment downwind; maintain controlled application; keep ground crew clear of spray pattern |
| Maintain communication | Miscommunication leading to unsafe movements or uneven placement | Use radios or agreed hand signals; maintain continuous coordination with marking crew and any spotters |
| Monitor traffic flow | Motorists driving on fresh markings, vehicle intrusion into work zone | Assign lookout; use flaggers or pilot vehicles if needed; watch for early entry into taper or marking zone |
| Inspect markings for visibility | Poor reflectivity, misalignment, inadequate adhesion | Check reflectivity at multiple angles; verify alignment; reseat any loose tape sections; replace unsuitable materials |
| Remove old temporary markings (if required) | Debris hitting workers, traffic exposure | Use tools to lift tape edges; keep hands clear of adhesive; stay within protected zone; remove debris immediately |
| Remove traffic control | Crew exposed to live lanes during takedown | Remove cones and devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; ensure roadway is safe before reopening |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest (Class 2 or Class 3 depending on roadway)
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection when around 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.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work zone and traffic conditions | Motorists entering work area, poor visibility, crew stepping into live lanes | Set up MUTCD compliant work zone; use cones, signs, and arrow boards; assign lookout to monitor traffic and crew positioning |
| Inspect tools, materials, and equipment | Damaged tape applicators, missing rollers, worn temporary tape or tabs | Check all applicators, rollers, and marking materials; verify reflectivity of temporary devices; replace damaged items |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, struck by hazards, reduced visibility | Wear high visibility vest, hard hat, gloves, and safety glasses before entering roadway |
| Clean pavement surface | Loose debris reducing adhesion, dust in eyes, slips on loose gravel | Sweep or blow area clear; maintain safe distance from debris stream; ensure pavement is dry and stable |
| Position marking layout | Incorrect placement leading to driver confusion, misaligned markings | Measure and mark alignment points; reference existing markings or plans; verify taper lengths and lane alignment |
| Apply temporary tape or tabs | Pinched fingers, poor adhesion, stepping outside protected area | Stand within protected zone; press tape firmly using applicator; ensure tabs are fully seated; avoid stretching tape |
| Apply spray based temporary markings (if used) | Overspray, inhalation of fumes, contact with wet paint | Use spray equipment downwind; maintain controlled application; keep ground crew clear of spray pattern |
| Maintain communication | Miscommunication leading to unsafe movements or uneven placement | Use radios or agreed hand signals; maintain continuous coordination with marking crew and any spotters |
| Monitor traffic flow | Motorists driving on fresh markings, vehicle intrusion into work zone | Assign lookout; use flaggers or pilot vehicles if needed; watch for early entry into taper or marking zone |
| Inspect markings for visibility | Poor reflectivity, misalignment, inadequate adhesion | Check reflectivity at multiple angles; verify alignment; reseat any loose tape sections; replace unsuitable materials |
| Remove old temporary markings (if required) | Debris hitting workers, traffic exposure | Use tools to lift tape edges; keep hands clear of adhesive; stay within protected zone; remove debris immediately |
| Remove traffic control | Crew exposed to live lanes during takedown | Remove cones and devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; ensure roadway is safe before reopening |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest (Class 2 or Class 3 depending on roadway)
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection when around equipment
Long pants and long sleeves