TBT - Weighting of Signage

Introduction

We know that everyone should already be fully aware of the points covered in this toolbox talk. This has not been put together to tell experienced operatives how to do their job.

The purpose of this talk is to make sure the expectations are clear and to thoroughly cover the subject for anyone who may be brand new to the industry, new to the role, or still building experience on site.

Correctly securing signage is basic, but it is also important. A sign that falls over, moves, twists, or faces the wrong way is not doing its job. It can confuse road users, create a hazard, and make the traffic management unsafe.

It can also cause injury or damage. A loose or poorly secured sign could strike a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle, member of the public, or one of our operatives. It could also damage vehicles, plant, street furniture, or other traffic management equipment.

Key Point

Key Point

Every sign must be secured properly before the site is left or before traffic is expected to follow it.

That does not mean every sign needs the same amount of weight. It means the sign needs to be weighted or secured appropriately for:

  • The location
  • The type and size of sign
  • The road speed
  • Ground conditions
  • Weather conditions
  • Wind exposure
  • Passing traffic, especially HGVs

Signs should be secured using suitable methods, such as:

Sandbags

Sandbags should be placed correctly over the frame or base so they actually hold the sign down.

They should not just be dropped near the legs where they are doing very little.

Use enough weight for the conditions, but also make sure sandbags do not create a trip hazard or block pedestrians.

Approved Weights

Approved sign weights should be fitted properly to the frame or base.

They should sit securely over the bars and be suitable for the sign being used.

Damaged, cracked, or loose weights should not be used.

Strapping

On exposed locations or higher-speed roads, signs may need to be strapped to a suitable fixed object, such as a post or pillar.

Strapping must be tight, secure, and suitable for the job. The sign still needs to face the right direction and remain clearly visible.

Do not strap signs to anything weak, damaged, unsuitable, or where it could cause damage or obstruction.

Before leaving a sign in place, think about the conditions.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this location exposed to wind?
  • Is it on a verge, footway, central reserve, or high-speed road?
  • Will passing traffic cause turbulence?
  • Are HGVs likely to pass close by?
  • Is poor weather forecast?
  • Will the sign be left unattended or overnight?

If the answer increases the risk, the sign may need extra weighting, repositioning, or strapping.

If you do not have the right equipment with you, this must be communicated back to the office or supervisor as soon as possible.

This could be because:

  • The correct weights, sandbags, or straps were not loaded.
  • Equipment has run out during the job.
  • Something has been missed by mistake.
  • Equipment is damaged or not suitable to use.
  • Site conditions are different to what was expected.

Do not just leave signage poorly secured and hope it will be alright.

If there is an issue, we need to know about it early so it can be sorted. It is far better for us to be made aware by our own team than to have a client, member of the public, or highway authority report it back to us first.

Clear communication gives the office a chance to arrange replacement equipment, additional support, or another solution before it becomes a bigger issue.

Before moving on from a sign, check that:

  • It is in the correct position.
  • It is facing the right way.
  • It is clearly visible to road users.
  • It is not leaning, rocking, or likely to twist.
  • The sandbags, weights, or straps are doing their job.
  • It is not blocking pedestrians, cyclists, accesses, or visibility.
  • It is not likely to fall, blow over, or cause injury or damage.
  • It is suitable for the location and weather conditions.

If a sign cannot be secured properly, do not just leave it.

Sort it if you can do so safely, or report it to the supervisor.

If weather conditions change during the shift, signage may need to be checked again and adjusted.

Temporary signs are only useful if they stay upright, visible, and in the right place.

Secure it properly. Weight it for the conditions. Check it before you walk away.