3.8Debris causing a hazard#

Debris on a high-speed road can pose a serious hazard to motorists. Early removal will lessen the chances of an incident / accident.

3.8.1Conditions for debris removal#

If any of the following conditions are not satisfied, or if the TIMS personnel has any other personal safety concerns, an alternate method of recovery must be considered; for example, for debris on a motorway, other than immediately adjacent a shoulder with good visibility, the TMC should be contacted to arrange alternative removal options.

TIMS personnel, operating alone, shall only recover debris with the physical attributes that conform to all of the following:

a single piece item
an item easily picked up by one hand, considering both size and weight
an item that, if left on the carriageway, could cause an immediate incident / accident
can be recovered within five minutes.

TIMS personnel, operating alone, shall only recover debris in locations that conform to all of the following:

from a lane immediately adjacent to a shoulder
where the shoulder is sufficiently wide to accommodate the TIMS vehicle
where there is a minimum 300 m clear view of oncoming traffic.

3.8.1.1Notes on clear view and speed approach#

In a 110 km/hr zone, vehicles are approaching at a nominal speed of 31 m per second. For this reason, four seconds is allowed for retrieval. In this time, a vehicle will have moved 124 m closer. Using a safety factor of 2.5, 300 m of clear lane is required prior to retrieval.

Always be aware and looking for errant drivers who are speeding or deliberately driving towards you.

3.8.2Arrival at debris site#

At the debris scene, depending on the situation:

park 25 m (or appropriate distance based on situation) behind the debris site, on shoulder
apply appropriate signage, which may vary, pending the circumstance
be aware of vehicles changing lanes
always face and monitor approaching traffic.

3.8.2.1Conduct risk assessment and options#

Prior to retrieving any debris, a risk assessment must be conducted, then proceed as per procedures; vehicles with attenuation may be required.

If the risk is assessed as acceptable, contact the TMC where available and advise intention to remove debris. Where possible, arrange for variable message sign warning message if a variable message sign is suitably located.

If the risk is not acceptable, contact the TMC operator and request rolling blockade to retrieve debris.

If a rolling blockade has been requested, the TIMS personnel should normally remain at the site, if safe to do so, providing some level of warning of the hazard. This includes:

remain on shoulder with left or right arrow displayed as appropriate
consult with TMC operator where available regarding possible variable message sign message, QLDTraffic / 13 19 40 and public information through radio stations.

3.8.3Removing the debris#

Such assessment and action shall consist of, but not necessarily be limited to:

ensure the appropriate Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) selected for the situation meets all the requirements and a satisfactory risk assessment
consult with the TMC to see if any CCTVs are in the area can monitor your welfare during the removal
Change the arrow board configuration to Arrow Left or Arrow Right depending on the debris in lane configuration – this will lead to some of the approaching motorists moving from the affected lane
face approaching traffic adjacent to the hazard on the shoulder
monitor motorist behaviour in moving out of affected lane
await clear approach of minimum 300 m (more if indicated by risk assessment)
when the approach lane is clear, walk out facing the traffic, pick up the object and walk back off the road – the time allowed for this activity is four seconds
secure the item for later debris collection
confirm with TMC that the hazard has been removed and request any variable message sign boards initiated for the hazard to be removed.