When performing roadwork during the day or night, having the proper equipment for visibility, crowd control, and traffic management is crucial for preventing accidents that can result in injury or death. For top-brand traffic control equipment such as signage, flares and lighting, cones, and hi-vis apparel, Baseline Equipment has the best products to suit your needs.
Safety is a top priority when performing roadwork, and preventing injuries to road workers, and pedestrians are made easier with the usage of appropriate high-quality traffic safety equipment.
Depending on local and state regulations, as well as the particulars of your work zone, select the best products for any particular project your crew is working on. Consider your needs, such as calling the attention of cars and other vehicles passing through your work zone, worker visibility, or keeping foot traffic back. Whatever suits your particular project, there are many options to consider.
One of the most common and effective traffic control products to use is traffic cones. Cones are cost-effective, incredibly durable even when run over, and brightly colored (and sometimes reflective) to catch drivers’ attention. Traffic cones are stackable, easy to transport, and have a wide range of uses.
Cones can be used to give drivers advanced warning of lane closures by gradually forcing vehicles to merge lanes. Additionally, they can be used to mark off any off-limits areas to drivers and foot traffic such as blocking off part of a parking lot for repaving or painting.
Another great way to catch the attention of the public and keep workers protected is with the use of road signs. Roll-up road signs are easy to lightweight and easy to pack and transport. They are incredibly difficult to miss with their bright colors and reflective surfaces and can present just about any message or warning you may need.
Road signs allow drivers to know about upcoming work zones, pedestrians, speed bumps, changing speed limits, and whatever else is needed for a particular project. Costs can vary depending on any customization and based on the selection of bases. Ensure that your signs are Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) compliant.
Baseline Equipment offers road sign options in a variety of shapes and sizes, some with optional flag-holding systems included. Also available are overlays for changeable message signs, so that you and your crew can save overall costs while still being able to customize your signage as needed.
Especially when working on busy highways and other heavily-trafficked areas, stationary signs do not always cover every need. When controlling heavy traffic, flaggers can be crucial. Flaggers are used to let cars know to slow down as they approach a work zone, as well as helping drivers on two-way roads to take turns passing through a single lane safely.
Handheld “STOP” and “SLOW” signage is a necessity for most road work crews, in addition to reflective flags. While it may seem arbitrary to arrange for hand-held signage in addition to static road signs, hand-held signs can be far more effective at catching attention. Drivers are also more likely to be on alert when they see individual workers standing in the road as opposed to a standalone sign.
Having the proper lighting for your crew’s vehicles is incredibly important when it comes to worker safety. Even with reflective signs, working on poorly lit roads during dark hours can be incredibly dangerous. Ensuring that drivers have advanced warning of road work ahead of them, even in addition to signage, is critical.
Bright LED warning lights, strobe beacons, and amber light bars are clear signs to vehicles passing through that they must be cautious and on high alert. Some warning light systems can also be used for general lighting in a work zone, so the benefits are numerous. Click here to explore our vehicle lighting options and control switches.
Having the right apparel will help keep workers safe from hazards such as drivers and the elements. Hi-vis shirts, vests, pants, and headwear ensure that workers are visible to all oncoming traffic, especially when working in the dark. Insulated pants and jackets can provide extra protection from excessive heat, cold, and inclement weather such as heavy rain or snow.
In addition to hi-vis headgear, other headwear such as hard hats is important, especially in areas that may be facing rockslides and other falling debris. Some options also come with added insulation for cold and shade flaps to protect the worker’s neck from sunburn. In areas with a large mosquito population, headwear that comes with insect shielding is especially useful.
On top of the very necessary vehicle lighting products that your crew should take advantage of, there are several other accessories for your vehicles that can make your work easier. Vehicle mounts, truck bed organizers, and truck slides can make transporting and storing equipment and other tools much less of a hassle.
Pickup organizers can help keep your materials and tools safe and secure, and with weatherproofing options, your tools can be safe from the elements too. When moving heavy machinery and other materials, sliding truck beds allow you to use a portable ramp for loading and unloading your supplies.
Even in the best scenarios, working in any area with fast-moving traffic comes with added risks for road workers. Having the tools needed to direct and control traffic is a base necessity for any such project. In addition to the many traffic control products discussed previously, other tools such as barriers, barrels, caution tape, flares, and even tire deflation strips can come in handy.
Baseline Equipment offers the best in traffic control equipment for excellent prices. Search through top brands such as Ecco, Presco, SECO, Plasticade, and more in our catalog.
