7Operational procedures#

This section provides guidance in the operation of TMAs.

7.1Operational requirements#

The following shall be observed when operating a TMA:

1. a)At all times, the host vehicle's seat belts shall be used.
2. b)After an impact or crash that may affect the integrity of the host vehicle and / or impact attenuator unit, TMAs and attachments must be inspected (see Section 6.6 of this chapter)
3. c)No items to be carried in the back of a host vehicle while it is performing the duties of a TMA.
4. d)The mounting of any fixtures or equipment to the TMA shall be engineered to 20 times the weight of the fixture.
5. e)Only the operator shall be in the vehicle when the TMA is in use, except if the operator is undergoing training or assessment, in which case the trainer or assessor must occupy a seating position that has the same level of occupant protection as the driver's seat (see Section 6.1 of this chapter – Host Vehicle clauses 'l' and 'm').
6. f)On request, operators shall produce evidence of successful completion of an approved competency-based TMA training course.
7. g)When the impact attenuator unit is in the deployed / lowered position, the vehicle may only travel within its own lane or carry out lane changing manoeuvres in the same direction. The impact attenuator unit must be raised when carrying out all other manoeuvres.
8. h)The impact attenuator unit may only be in the deployed / lowered position when the TMA is engaged at an approved road work site. This may include the preparation and disassembly of an approved TGS.
9. i)The TMA operator shall remain in the vehicle while it is in operation which includes mobile works, progressively moving works, or setting up a static closure. Once a static closure is in place, the TMA operator should leave the vehicle and may assist with works being undertaken.

7.2Use of truck mounted attenuators#

TMAs shall be used as prescribed in the Queensland MUTCD Part 3 and QGTTM.

7.3Truck mounted attenuator work instructions#

Work instructions shall be produced for the safe operation of TMAs.

Typically, these instructions should include information relating to the following:

• Using TMAs to undertake a static lane closure.
• Using TMAs in a mobile convoy situation or progressively moving work situation.