Ibex Supplies discusses what counts as a Chapter 8 Barrier?

Following rules and regulations can sometimes be confusing, so Ibex Supplies has created a guide on the Chapter 8 barriers, what they are, and where you should be using them!

What is Chapter 8?

Created by the Department of Transport, the “Traffic Signs Manual”, specifies the requirements for signage, safety barriers and temporary works situations for pedestrian and traffic management on highways. This includes both motorised and non-motorised users from drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

Chapter 8 is literally referring to the “Chapter 8” section of the “Traffic Signs Manual”. Setting out provisions and requirements for temporary traffic management arrangements which are appropriate in visually tricky conditions.

Aimed at site supervisors, managers and company site operatives Chapter 8 regulations are designed to make sure that all highway and pedestrian works are safe for both the public and operational staff carrying out the action from structural, maintenance and excavations. Examples could include partial or total obstructions of highways, hard shoulders, footpaths or cycleways.

Road users and pedestrians should be able to see the nature and directions of an obstruction in all weather and lighting conditions, well in advance before they reach it. These regulations should be at the head of any product design when producing barriers for our roads.

The objectives when placing the barriers are to maximise the safety of the workforce carrying out the works and the travelling public and to keep moving traffic flowing as freely as possible with little interference. A typical example of a Chapter 8 barrier can be seen on Ibex Supplies.

What do I need from my barriers in order to comply?

Chapter 8 Fencing and Chapter 8 Barriers must meet with the directives set out by the Department of Transport’s Traffic Signs manual. Additionally, there are some specific details to think about with the hire or purchase of Chapter 8 Barriers.

Barriers should be marked so they stand out conspicuously in contrast to the works behind them and are visible by day and night. The barriers are usually high-visibility orange or blue and must have the reflective red and white strip, standing out distinctly giving ample warning to road users there is a disruption ahead.

Barriers should be stable under adverse weather conditions and be or appear to be substantial depending on the usage. Although they are a non-permanent fixing, they do need to be sturdy. Barriers need to be withstanding wind buffeting from traffic to prevent any part being blown into the live carriageway presenting a hazard to traffic. A choice of standard and non-slip anti-trip footing designs should be available. Lightweight barriers may be used however, where there is no risk of pedestrians encountering the works.

Non-slip allows the barriers to be positioned on an incline, in all weather conditions and non-trip feet.
What are the common situations where Chapter 8 barriers are used?

Chapter 8 traffic management barriers can be implemented in a variety of hazardous areas. Used by city councils, building, road workers across the country as well as event planners and promoters preparing for an event such as a concert or a festival for crowd control.

Fitting together using their own hook and eye connections, allows you to form long routes of controlled flow, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The Chapter 8 barriers can be used as a road barrier or general traffic barrier for highlighting restricted access to pedestrians and vehicles.

They are a favourite to buy as they can be stacked and used for other tasks and are easily transported from location to location. Fully compliant Chapter 8 barriers can be purchased from Ibex Supplies.