An Introduction to Road Restraint Systems & Assessment of Need (RRS)

In order to fully under understand the risks associated with road restraint systems (RRS), including being able to select when not to deploy one, this course will provide a foundation to assist competent decision making for RRS deployment.

Section 2 of CD 377 (r4), ‘requirements for road restraint systems’, of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) places a requirement on highway designers to assess and record highway features that may constitute a hazard in addition to any mitigating actions.

By the end of this course, candidates will have knowledge of a common framework for the use of a risk-based assessment process for the deployment of road restraint systems within the overseeing authorities control. This then creates a stepping stone to RRRAP and/or PRRSLAR awareness training.

Aims & Objectives:

On completion of the course, the attendees will:

  • have an understanding of legislative requirements associated with:
    • highway works
    • deployment of road restraint systems
  • have an awareness of relevant standards, specifications and codes of practice
  • be able to differentiate between temporary and permanent RRS as defined within DMRB (9.1.1)
  • be able to demonstrate awareness of initial type testing (ITT)
  • be able to demonstrate knowledge of road restraint system terminology
  • be able to recognise hazards present on the highway
  • be able to identify suitable mitigation options for a given hazard
  • have an appreciation of the different risk assessment process options
  • have an understanding of requirements for recording the decision making process

Course Outline:

  1. Introduction
     
  2. Risk:
    Understanding Risk
    Designers responsibilities
     
  3. Legislation, Specifications and Codes of Practice:
    Construction (Management & Design) Regulations
    Construction Products Regulations
    DMRB – specifications for designers – CD377, CD109, CD127 emphasis, reference to GG101, GG104, CD355, CD 366, CS453, CS 461
    SHW – specifications for road works – 100 & 400 series (+NG) emphasis
    SHW Appendices 1/24 and 4/1
    National Highways Sector Schemes – in particular NHSS 10
    ‘The Red Book’ (Safety at Street Works and Road Works)

    BREAK
     
  4. Initial Type Testing:
    EN1317 – 5
    Proprietary/Non-proprietary Safety Barrier Systems (NPSBS)
    EN1317 – 2 / 4
    CEN/TR 16949 (Pedestrian Parapets) & CEN/TS 17342 (Motorcycle Restraint Systems)

    BREAK
     
  5. Types of RRS (application considerations):
    Rigid RRS
    Semi-rigid RRS
    Flexible RRS
    ‘Special applications’ – parapets, crash cushions and terminals
     
  6. Recap
     
  7. Hazard Perception – Application:
    Setback
    Types of hazard
    Segregation of hazards in relationship to performance criteria – Containment, Impact Severity Level, Working Width, Vehicle Intrusion
    Use of Terminals, Transitions and Connections
    Additional criteria, including visibility, maintenance and repairs

    BREAK
     
  8. Risk based decision making processes:
    Differences between RRRAP and PRRSLAR
    Additional guidance (DMRB CD 377 (r4) Appendix A)
     
  9. Managing Quality:
    GG102
    NHSS trained personnel
    Provision of records
     
  10. Reference Standards:
    BS 7669-3
    BS 6759-1/3/4/5/6/7/8
    Manufacturers specifications/manuals

Mode of Delivery:

The course will be delivered remotely via MS Teams, hosted by SMA. The primary method of delivery will be via PowerPoint with interactive discussions.

Whilst the format is set, the discussion will be targeted to the clients specific applications and environment.

Worked applications will be based on photographs, and videos will be used to demonstrate relevant elements of the package.

Benefits of Attending:

As detailed above, attendees will have a common framework of reference when undertaking risk based hazard assessment and mitigation.

Intended For:

Personnel evaluating highway hazards and participating in the potential design of road restraint installations.

Pre-Course Requirements:

It is advantageous, but it is not essential, for attendees to have a basic knowledge of:

  • DMRB CD377 (r4)
  • Duty of Care
  • Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974

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