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The TLB Approach to Road Worker Safety

The TLB Approach to Road Worker Safety

24th June 2024

Traffic management in work zones is critical to the safety of road workers and the general public, however, traditional traffic control methods often expose workers to significant risks. Traffic Logistics has developed the TLB (Traffic Light Boom), a robust solution that addresses these challenges by utilising advanced technology to safeguard workers and streamline traffic management. Adhering to the Roads Australia - Road Worker Safety Industry Guideline, TLB exemplifies our commitment to implementing reduction controls as a primary strategy for enhancing work zone safety.

Our approach aligns with the Safe System methodology, focusing on reducing hazards and the risk of accidents. By prioritising reduction controls, we proactively remove potential dangers, negating the need for lower-tier safety measures. This strategy not only prevents exposure to risks but also significantly minimises the possibility of accidents.

The TLB Advantage

The TLB integrates a transportable boom gate and traffic light module, designed for all temporary traffic control scenarios, replacing traditional and less safe stop/slow methods. Operated remotely from a safe zone, the TLB removes traffic controllers from direct exposure to traffic, drastically reducing the risk associated with errant vehicles. Here’s why the TLB stands out:

  • Enhanced Safety: Offers a higher level of safety by keeping traffic controllers out of live lanes, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
  • Operational Efficiency: Facilitates better management of fatigue and adverse weather conditions, as operators can manage the system remotely, away from direct hazards.
  • Portability and Safety: The TLB offers a significant advantage in terms of portability and ease of installation compared to other portable traffic control devices that can present challenges in manual handling. The TLB can be easily towed in tandem and deployed onsite without the need for lifting, reducing the risk of injury and eliminating the placement of workers in hazardous positions.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the need for multiple on-site personnel, potentially decreasing operational costs for traffic management.
  • Industry Approval: The TLB is approved by Transport for NSW for Type-2 Portable Traffic Light Signal with Boom.
The TLB system, designed for tandem towing, ensures easy and safe relocation to various worksites

Applications

The TLB is versatile and can be effectively used in various scenarios including but not limited to:

  • Temporary traffic disruptions
  • Residential and local street closures
  • Major highway and tunnel closures
  • Access management for construction sites
  • Large-scale event traffic coordination

Regulatory Compliance

Traffic Logistics' implementation of the TLB is in strict compliance with existing safety guidelines and standards, such as the Roads Australia - Road Worker Safety Industry Guideline and recommendations from the Traffic Control at Worksite Manual V6 (2020), where it is recommended over manual traffic control for speeds over 45km/h.

Notably, the TLB has achieved recognition as a Type-2 Portable Traffic Light Signal with Boom, certified and approved by Transport for NSW. It meets the demanding requirements of the TfNSW Specification TSI-SP-049, which aligns with AS 4191:2015 which verifies our adherence to stringent safety standards.

The TLB system by Traffic Logistics represents a significant advancement in the field of traffic management and road worker safety. We recommend that government bodies and infrastructure companies consider integrating such innovative solutions into their projects to enhance safety outcomes and operational efficiency. Embracing these technologies will not only comply with; but advance current safety standards, leading to safer, more efficient work zones and contributing to the overall reduction of workplace incidents.

Daily deployment of TLBs by the Traffic Logistics teams, serving a broad client base including Transport for NSW

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