What is the correct spacing and positioning for tactile ground surface indicators under Australian standards?
Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) must be installed according to AS 1428.4.1 Design for Access and Mobility Part 4.1: Means to Assist the Orientation of People with Vision Impairment. Warning indicators (raised truncated cones or dots) must be positioned 300mm before hazards including platform edges, top of ramps, or pedestrian crossings. Directional indicators (raised bars or ribs) are aligned with the direction of travel and installed to guide vision-impaired pedestrians along safe routes. The contrast luminance between TGSIs and surrounding surface must be minimum 30%. Width of TGSI installations varies by location: 600mm minimum for hazard warnings, 300-400mm for directional guidance in general areas. Correct positioning is critical as errors create confusion and potential hazards for vision-impaired users. Compliance with AS 1428.4.1 is mandatory under the Disability Discrimination Act for public access areas.
Can I drill for bollard installation without completing dial-before-you-dig enquiries?
No - completing dial-before-you-dig enquiries is legally required before any excavation or drilling activity under state and territory regulations. Even apparently simple bollard installations drilling 150-200mm deep can strike underground services. Electrical cables, telecommunications conduits, water services, and gas pipes are often shallow, particularly in older urban areas or where services have been added without updating records. The dial-before-you-dig enquiry must be submitted minimum 2 business days before work (longer for some authorities) and provides responses from all registered asset owners showing known services in the vicinity. Responses are valid for limited period (typically 2-3 months). Failing to complete enquiries exposes workers to serious risks including electrocution and explosion, creates legal liability for service damage often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and may void insurance coverage. Prosecution can result from service strikes when enquiries not completed. Never proceed with drilling without valid dial-before-you-dig responses.
What are the manual handling requirements for bollard installation?
Manual handling controls must address the significant weight and awkward dimensions of bollards. Steel bollards typically weigh 30-80kg, concrete bollards 40-100kg depending on height and diameter. All bollards exceeding 20kg require mandatory two-person lifts to prevent back injuries. Plan lifting routes minimising carry distances and avoiding uneven surfaces or obstacles. Use mechanical aids including trolleys or hand trucks to transport bollards from delivery vehicles to installation points where distances exceed 10 metres. Provide lifting straps or handles attached to bollards creating secure grip points. When lifting, workers should use correct technique: squat position with straight back, grip firmly, lift using legs not back, avoid twisting motions, communicate clearly with lifting partner. For setting bollards into drilled holes, use temporary support stands to hold bollards vertical while workers position and concrete, eliminating sustained holding of weight. Schedule regular task rotation between drilling, carrying materials, and installation work to vary physical demands. Ensure adequate crew numbers - absolute minimum two workers, preferably three or four for efficient work without excessive physical strain.
How do I ensure core drilling for bollards doesn't generate excessive silica dust?
Silica dust control during core drilling requires water suppression as primary engineering control. Modern core drills feature shrouds connecting to continuous water supply, typically garden hose or dedicated water tank with pump. Water flows over cutting surface during drilling, suppressing dust generation and cooling the diamond-impregnated drill bit. Before starting each hole, test water flow is adequate - typically 2-3 litres per minute. Adjust flow rate to prevent visible dust while avoiding excessive runoff creating slip hazards or drainage issues. For locations where water use is impractical due to electrical hazards, freezing conditions, or sensitive nearby areas, use on-tool vacuum extraction systems with HEPA filtration capturing dust at source. As backup protection, provide P2 respirators to drilling operators and workers in immediate vicinity. Conduct drilling during favorable wind conditions aiding dust dispersion away from workers and public. Never use dry drilling methods for concrete or masonry - exposure to respirable crystalline silica even during single drilling operation contributes to cumulative silicosis risk. The workplace exposure standard for silica is 0.05 mg/m³, achievable only through effective water suppression or extraction systems.
What traffic management is required for speed bump installation on public roads?
Traffic management for speed bump installation on public roadways must comply with AS 1742.3 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 3: Traffic Control for Works on Roads. Since work occurs in vehicle travel paths for extended periods during surface preparation, adhesive application, and installation, comprehensive protection is required. Develop site-specific traffic guidance scheme showing all traffic control devices, lane closures, and speed restrictions. Submit plan to relevant road authority for approval before work commences (allow 10-20 business days for approval process). Deploy accredited traffic controllers holding current certification at required locations. Install advance warning signs at distances appropriate to speed environment - typically 50-100m for urban areas, longer for higher speed roads. Use physical barriers including water-filled barriers or delineators creating separation between work area and through traffic. Reduce speed limits through work zone to maximum 40 km/h using temporary speed limit signs. Consider timing work during off-peak periods or overnight to reduce traffic volumes and worker exposure. Maintain traffic control continuously during all installation phases including surface preparation, material delivery, and curing periods. Night works require adequate lighting for workers and enhanced reflectorisation of traffic control devices.
