Safety News ISSUE 14 / ISSN 1793-1665 JULY 2009
Essence of Good Housekeeping
FEATURED ARTICLES 02 ENHANCING SAFETY THROUGH GOOD
HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES
05 ENHANCEMENT OF CONTRACTORS’
ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY & SECURITY ASSESSMENT
08 INTEGRATED SUPERVISORY CONTROL
SYSTEM IN RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEMS
10 MANAGING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AT
SIGNALISED JUNCTION
13 ACCIDENT STATISTICS 14 EDITORIAL PAGE
02 SAFETY NEWS
Enhancing Safety Through Good Housekeeping Practices
Enhancing Safety Through Good Housekeeping Pratices
Introduction A clean and tidy workplace enhances a company’s image and gives the most visible evidence of its commitment and concern for safety and health. Poor housekeeping creates hazards for various types of accidents like fire, struck by objects, trip, slip and fall; it is a factor in a wide variety of accidents and injuries. Generally, housekeeping at the construction worksite is ineffectively planned, implemented and monitored. Apart from the safety hazards, good housekeeping practice is able to keep pollutants out of our storm drain system and reservoirs. Materials swept, blown, or washed into the storm drains end up in these open waters where they degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. In general, wastewater discharged to the storm drains is illegal. Hence, it is imperative for contractors to institute a campaign and inspection program to identify and control potential discharge of pollutants to the storm drain system. Some of the pollutants that can get into the storm drain system include grease, pesticides, paints, cement and yard wastes. With good housekeeping practices in their daily activities, it will help to reduce or eliminate their contribution to storm water pollution. Based on LTA accident statistics in 2008, poor housekeeping contributed directly to around 6% and indirectly to another 6% of reportable accidents. This article aims to provide knowledge sharing platform on some good initiatives and practices practiced by LTA contractors with highlights of some sound housekeeping management concepts. Evidences of good housekeeping at a construction worksite are: 1. Clear delineated zones for: a. b. c.
Well labeled storage areas for different types of construction material and equipment; Unobstructed access and egress paths; and Holding areas for waste material.
2. Tidiness and cleanliness experienced in:
a. The entire compound of the construction worksite; b. The canteen and resting areas; and c. The site offices.
3. Well documented processes that standardize the high housekeeping standard throughout the entire set-up.
The benefits of implementing a good housekeeping system are: • • • • • • • • • • •
fewer struck by objects, tripping, slipping and falling accidents; reduced risks of fire hazard and exposure to hazardous substances; speed up evacuation in an emergency; better hygienic conditions; reduced materials handling; minimize damage to equipments and materials; better inventory control of tools and materials; more effective use of space; developing teamwork and instill good habits; improved morale; and improved productivity.
Legislation Applicable legislation associated with housekeeping: 1.
The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act states that it is the duty of occupier of workplace to take, so far is as reasonably practicable, such measure to ensure that all means of access to or egress from the workplace are safe and without risks to health to every person within those premises.
2. The WSH (General Provisions) Regulations require all goods to be stored, stacked or placed in a manner that is safe and does not cause any obstructions. 3. The WSH (Construction) Regulations require the occupier to ensure that debris shall not be allowed to accumulate so as to constitute a hazard in the worksite.
Examples of Good Housekeeping Initiatives and Practices at LTA Worksites Zoning For worksites of sizeable area, it is segregated into zones for better management of housekeeping. Housekeeping teams are set-up in accordance to the number of zones. Each team is formed up with adequate number of workers. The housekeeping teams are assigned to the various zones to carry out housekeeping tasks on a daily basis.
Facilities Facilities provisions are important in encouraging proper disposal of waste and cleanliness of the worksite. Several types of bins are provided at strategic locations catering to different wastes. Organic waste bins are provided at all entry/ exit points of the worksite including designated resting areas and food consumption areas. Construction wastes bins are located near to work areas. There are also bins provided for recycling program to promote an environmentally friendly culture.
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When materials are delivered to the worksite it is stacked in an orderly manner and barricaded at assigned storage areas with demarcation. Highly flammable materials will be stored away from any point of ignition. Proper planning of storage areas will maximize the usage of the worksite especially for those with space constraint and will reduce the amount of handling, thus, reducing the exposure to hazards. Proper storage will also alleviate any damage to equipments and materials.
Figure 2: Proper Material Storage with Demarcation and Barricades
Promotional Activities To promote good housekeeping on worksite, theme on housekeeping is broadcast through banners and signage at work areas. Awards are given out by contractors periodically in recognition for those with exceptional effort in good housekeeping. This will motivate everyone to strive towards a clean, tidy and orderly workplace.
Awareness To instill a good housekeeping culture, staff and workers are made aware of the housekeeping standards during their Safety Induction Course. They are also constantly reminded through Tool-Box Meetings. To build upon these good initiatives and practices, a widely regarded housekeeping management concept - 5S can be adopted to manage housekeeping effectively.
Figure 1: Provision of Bins for Wastes & Recycle Program
Mass Housekeeping Mass housekeeping exercise is organized and conducted regularly with adequate time allocated for the session to ensure effectiveness. To demonstrate commitment, it is led by the main contractor’s management staff.
Inspections Regular inspections on housekeeping are conducted to ensure wastes are properly disposed and removed from the worksite. It is also to ensure materials are stored in a neat and safe manner at designated locations.
Figure 3: Clean and Orderly Worksite
Enhancing Safety Through Good Housekeeping Pratices
Storage
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Enhancing Safety Through Good Housekeeping Practices (cont’d)
Enhancing Safety Through Good Housekeeping Pratices
5S Concept for Good Housekeeping 5S is a Japanese quality management concept based on a cyclical methodology. It is a method for organizing a workplace and often referred as a housekeeping method. The main objectives are to enhance morale, safety and efficiency.
Seiton (Orderliness) This relates to arrange necessary items in a neat, proper manner for easy retrieval and to put back in their proper locations. (Figure 6 shows a guide to classifying necessary items).
This management model is based on 5 Japanese words seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke. Generally, these 5 Japanese words mean organize, orderliness, cleanliness, standardize and discipline respectively. This Japanese management concept is widely practiced by organizations around the world.
Figure 6: Guide to Classifying Necessary Items
Seiso (Cleanliness) This describes the importance to clean and inspect the workplace thoroughly.
Seiketsu (Standardize) This is about maintaining a high standard of workplace organization by keeping everything clean and orderly at all times.
Shitsuke (Discipline) Figure 4: 5S Cyclical Methodology Source:http://www.lean.state.mn.us/photos.htm
Seiri (Organize) This focuses on sorting out unnecessary items in the workplace and disposing it away. (Figure 5 shows a guide to classifying unnecessary items).
This conveys the need to train people to follow good housekeeping standards religiously, and to observe self-discipline through continuous practice.
Conclusion The Japanese 5S Concept for Good Housekeeping goes beyond regular cleaning of the worksite. It stresses on the importance of proper waste storage and regular removal, structured zoning for storage of construction materials, and safe access and egress pathways, to ensure safety and efficiency of worksite operation. The 5S Concept of Good Housekeeping which is relevant to the construction sites promotes that “a safe worksite is an efficient and productive worksite”.
Reference 1. 5S Good Housekeeping, Singapore Productivity and Standards Board.
Figure 5: Guide to Classifying Unnecessary Items
Leong Choong Yiok Senior Executive, Safety and Health Safety Division
Enhancement of Contractors’ Environmental, Safety & Security (ESS) Assessment
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The Annex of ESS assessment was first introduced in 2005 with its enhanced version made in 2008. The major difference between the original and the enhanced version is the increased weightage of environmental scoring from 5% to 16% of the entire ESS assessment, with the rest of the weightage attributing to the safety aspects.
Environmental Management Items Solid Waste Management
Adequate waste bins On-site separation to recover reusable and recyclable wastes Frequent disposal of wastes
Reasons for Enhancement
Noise Control [If Applicable]
This is due to the increased importance and awareness of the environmental issues during the construction phase. More importantly, it was found that with this ESS assessment, the environmental standard of the sites had improved tremendously over the years.
Efforts to reduce noise at source Efforts to reduce noise at transmission pathways Employment of simple techniques Use of sound-reduced machinery Effective positioning of machinery
Water Pollution Control
In order to further improve the site environment performance, a few areas had been enhanced in this ESS assessment. These include: 1. Updating and implementation of earth control measures (ECM) plan by the Qualified Erosion Control Professional (QECP); 2. Ensuring separate bin for food waste; and 3. Ensuring frequent waste disposal.
Air Pollution Control
Adequate provisions to prevent leakages No sign of spillages / leakages No emission of black smoke Periodic wetting of access routes Arresting of dust at source / proper shielding of dusty operations Regular maintenance of machinery
Mosquito Control
Thus, the enhanced Annex of ESS assessment will address these areas on a more holistic manner and to improve on the original assessment.
Effective vector control plan Pitched roof for all site containers Larvicides/ Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) placed in stagnating water that cannot be cleared
Objective
Effective housekeeping Ovitraps/ gravitraps used on site for monitoring of potential mosquitoes breeding
The objective of the Annex of ESS assessment is to monitor the contractor ’s environmental performance, by providing assessment criteria to assess the respective site’s monthly environmental performance. The following paragraphs serve to provide an overview of the enhancement of the Annex of ESS assessment and to provide guidelines of the assessment to the readers.
Enhanced Annex of ESS Assessment The enhanced Annex of ESS Assessment is based on six major environmental aspects, shown in Figure 1.
Effective drainage of stagnating water Figure 1: Enhanced Annex of ESS Assessment
Guidance for Assessment Earth Control Measures Important aspects that need to consider when performing the assessment include:
1. Updated ECM Plan by QECP Environmental Management Items Earth Control Measures
Updated ECM plan by QECP Effective maintenance regimes Concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) discharged < 50mg/L Prevention of earth waste dropped from construction vehicles
A good site must have an updated ECM plan recommended by the QECP and approved by PUB, corresponding to the same phase of construction at that time and implementing the updated ECM plan on site.
2. Effective Maintenance Regimes
Sites must implement effective sediment control facilities. They must be effectively maintained such that they can be performed to its best capability at all times. These facilities include the silt traps, silt fences, water treatment plant, perimeter drain and washing bay.
Enhancement of Contractors’ Environmental, Safety & Security (ESS) Assessment
Introduction
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Enhancement of Contractors’ Environmental, Safety & Security (ESS) Assessment (cont’d)
Enhancement of Contractors’ Environmental, Safety & Security (ESS) Assessment
For example, an effective silt fence must be embedded at least 200mm into the ground for firm anchoring. There must be weekly inspection; repairing fences that are damaged; and removing of sediment when it reaches one-third of the height of the fence.
(TSS) monitoring device, with a SMS-system in the event of exceeding the 50 mg/L mark, shall be used at sites (eg. DTL1 & MCE) discharging water into the marina barrage.
Noise Control (If applicable) Noise will only be factored into the assessment if there is any building within 150m from the boundary of the site. Important aspects that need to consider when performing the assessment include:
1. Efforts to Reduce Noise at Source
Figure 2: An Effective Silt Fence
3. Adequate Protection of Exposed Earth
Minimal area of exposed earth across the entire site and using proper covers will dictate a good site.
For example: 1. Bare slope can be turfed up when no works are expected to be performed for more than 1 month. 2. Canvas sheet weighed down by stones can be used as a temporary measure when works are expected to be performed within a week. 3. Exposed earth can be filled with hard core to prevent erosion.
The use of effective acoustic enclosures or noise panels installed at noise emission outlets of machines is as shown below.
To ensure effectiveness, the side of noise barrier with louvers shall face the noise source, while the flat side shall face the noise recipient.
Figure 4: Samples of Discharged Water
2. Efforts to Reduce Noise at 5. Prevention of Earth Waste Dropped Transmission Pathways from Construction Vehicles A good site will have an effective
No traces of littering of earth or construction waste from construction vehicles onto public roads shall be tolerated.
Solid Waste Management Important aspects that need to consider when performing the assessment include:
1. Adequate Waste Bins
A sufficient number of covered bins (not overflowing) must be kept closed and a separate bin must be allocated for organic waste.
Figure 5: An Effective Installation of Barriers
2. On-site Separation to Recover Reusable and Recyclable Wastes Figure 3: Protection of Exposed Earth
4. Concentration of TSS Discharged < 50mg/L
A real-time total suspended solids
installation of barriers: the height and length of the barrier must be adequate to shield the noise propagating to the noise sensitive receivers (NSRs).
Provision of storages for different materials such as metals; papers; plastic; glasses; and timber shall be made on site, ensuring that these separated materials were removed from site to recycling facilities.
3. Frequent Disposal of Wastes
Organic waste must be removed daily with frequent disposal of construction waste, ensuring no overflowing situation on site.
These portable noise barriers should move along with the noisy operations on site.
3. Employment of Simple Techniques
A good site will have workers inculcated with good environmental consciousness. Among other things, they can apply simple techniques such as keeping all machinery covers closed and laying rebars down properly instead of letting them go from a standing position will certainly help to alleviate the noise produced. Driver has a duty to ensure that the engine is not left idling when
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it is not in use nor exerting more power than necessary during operations. Most importantly, machinery deployed on sites must be regularly maintained by certified and trained mechanics.
4. Use of Sound-Reduced Machinery
It is recommended to utilize machinery that is certified to be sound-reduced by manufacturers and avoid the use of old and poorly maintained machinery.
Air Pollution Control Important aspects that need to consider when performing the assessment include:
1. No Emission of Black Smoke
There shall be no black smoke emitting from machinery and equipment for more than 5 minutes in an hour.
2. Periodic Wetting of Access Routes
5. Effective Positioning of Machinery
3. Arresting of Dust at Source / Proper Shielding of Dusty Operations
Place noisy machinery behind natural barriers / structures on site or face the noise emission outlets away from residents. These are some of the good practices that should be implemented on site.
Water Pollution Control Important aspects that need to consider when performing the assessment include:
1. Provisions to Prevent Leakages
F or t he per m a n e n t s to ra g e o f chemicals and hydrocarbons, a standard bund wall must be built with a chemical resistant coating in the inner face of the wall. For the temporary storage, a standard spill tray with a volume of 110% of the biggest drum stored must be provided.
2. No Sign of Spillages / Leakages
There shall be no traces of dark spot on the ground and no water ponding in spill trays / bund wall.
Water used to wet the ground regularly shall be from a recycled source of water (water treatment plant).
Examples of pre-wetting the surface include spraying at the point of impact during hammering and using canvas sheet as shield at operation face shall be used at sites to reduce the possibility of dust pollution.
4. Regular Maintenance of Machinery
It is required to perform regular checking and maintaining of machinery to ensure that they are all in good working conditions at all times.
Mosquito Control Important aspects that need to consider when performing the assessment include:
A good site will not only use oiling (anti -mosqui to oi l ) met hod t o prevent mosquitoes from breeding, but will also use Bti / larvicide (normally used in retention tank). The dosage and the time of application must be documented to estimate the time for replacement.
4. Effective Housekeeping
A site with an effective housekeeping will be free from water bearing receptacles with neatly stored materials. Materials shall be stored at least 60cm above ground to facilitate the oiling process.
5. Ovitraps / Gravitraps Used on Site for Monitoring of Potential Mosquitoes Breeding
A good site will use an ovitrap to test the presence of any mosquitoes. Hence, a prerequisite for the use of the ovitrap is that the housekeeping of the site must be good before it can be deployed.
The ovitrap used must be placed on levelled ground and maintained regularly.
6. Effective Drainage of Stagnating water
Any stagnated water at excavation area must be effectively drained to a holding area (sump pit) and pumped out to be treated by the water treatment plant (chemical / membrane) before discharge.
1. Effective Vector Control Plan
The dividing of the site into a maximum of 7 zones to facilitate search and destroy task is preferred. It must also be ensured that there is no sign of ground depressions, especially in areas that are under the shade or areas of sites that are seldom accessed.
2. Pitched Roof for All Site Containers
Figure 6: Inner Face of Wall is Coated with Chemical Resistant Paint
3. Bti Placed in Stagnating Water that Cannot be Cleared
The use of pitched / sloping roof for all site offices; site containers; bund wall shelters shall be required. This will prevent the possibility of collecting rain water which is one of the conditions in which mosquito will love to breed in.
Conclusion This article provides a guide for the project team on site to assess their contractor’s environmental management and the areas to improve for each environmental aspect. At the same time, it will enhance environmental awareness amongst contractors to ensure that all sites are effectively maintained.
Lock Yan Ni Environmental Engineer Safety Division
Enhancement of Contractors’ Environmental, Safety & Security (ESS) Assessment
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Integrated Supervisory Control System In Rail Transit Systems
ISCS main component
OCC
Central Management System (CMS)
√
Depot Control System (DCS)
DCC
PSC
√
Station Management System (SMS)
√
The various users of the ISCS are summarised in the table below:
Figure 1: Systems Monitored/ Controlled by ISCS
Introduction The Integrated Supervisory Control System (ISCS), deployed within NorthEast Line (NEL), Circle Line (CCL) and soon Downtown Line (DTL), is a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system that has been developed to provide an integrated platform for the operations of the various Rail Transit Systems (RTS) in Singapore. From depot to station to train operations, ISCS provides the platform where many aspects of day-to-day operations of the RTS can be performed.
Scope of Monitoring & Control The functions available in the ISCS vary from line to line. In general, it facilitates the monitoring and control of all the essential electrical & mechanical (E&M) services and systems within RTS as listed below: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.
Power supply distribution network (22kV); Traction power supply to the train (750Vdc 3rd rail or 1500Vdc overhead collection system); Emergency Tripping for Traction Supply (ETTS) or Traction Safety Shutdown System (TSSS); Station Environmental Control System (ECS); Tunnel Ventilation System (TVS); Fire Protection System (FPS); Fire/security shutters and sump/ ejector pumps; Power supply system (415Vac);
i. j. k. l.
Lighting; Illuminated Tunnel Evacuation Signage System (ITESS); Lifts, escalators & passenger conveyors; and Communication equipment (train, station and depot based).
Like a universal remote controller, ISCS also provides the platform for the operations of the following systems: a. b. c. d. e.
Automatic Train Supervision system (ATS); Public Address system (PA) for trains, stations and depot; Travel Information System (TIS) for trains and stations; Video Surveillance System (VSS) for trains, stations and depot; and Passenger Emergency Communication (PEC) inside a train.
User
OCC
Chief Controller
√
Train Control Supervisor
√
Power Supply Control Supervisor
√
Maintenance Control Operator
√
Station Control Operator
√
Depot Control Operator Station Operator
DCC
PSC
√
√ √
Each user is pre-configured in ISCS to assume his/her unique role and responsibility through access control and profile configuration. In addition, the OCC is equipped with an Overview Display System (ODS), a matrix of video display panels tiered together to create a complete view of trains, signalling and E&M information for OCC users to monitor the latest information throughout the main line. ODS also provides an overall view for OCC users to visualise and analyse the dynamics of networked equipment or systems among others include 22kV distribution, traction power supply and tunnel ventilation.
Key Function 1 – ATS ISCS also acts as the gateway for all the systems mentioned above by channelling maintenance and performance data to the Maintenance Management System (MMS), where maintenance activities can be scheduled and performance data analysed.
Key Installations & Functions ISCS installations can be found in Operation Control centre (OCC), Depot Control Centre (DCC) and Passenger Service Centre (PSC).
By hosting Automatic Train Supervision system (ATS) functionalities on it, ISCS allows users to control and monitor a fully automated and driverless train operation on the mainline and signalled areas in depot. ATS provides control of stabling, launching and withdrawal of trains, timetable planning, route setting, movement regulation, and also provides real time arrival, departure and destination information to Traveller Information System (TIS). It also controls and monitors PSD. In a nutshell, all conventional ATS functions can be performed on ISCS platform and thus reduces the need to duplicate 2 sets of user interfaces and hardware.
Integrated Supervisory Control System In Rail Transit Systems
Inside these centres, the following ISCS installations are deployed to allow the users to perform their respective functions:
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At the end of each day, after trains are withdrawn to the depot, OCC Power Supply Control Operator (PSCO) will switch off all traction power supply to the 3rd rail by using ISCS. To switch off a whole line, there are a lot switches (known as switchgears). ISCS’ Group Remote Control (GRC) feature allows user to simply click a few buttons and the mass switching off will be taken care of. Once switched off, various maintenance parties will commence their respective possession and works on the track. Before the trains are scheduled to resume running, the OCC operator will switch on the traction power for whole line using ISCS GRC feature.
The ISCS-TIS module allows the creation, selection and sending of text messages to individual or all Passenger Information Displays (PID) at the stations.
The ISCS-PEC module connects OCC with the passenger when he/she presses the PEC button (Passenger Emergency Communication) near the train door. ISCS is able to display the “Caller ID” of the activated PEC in terms of which train and car of the activated PEC.
Figure 3: Passenger Information Displays (PID) at Station
Figure 5: Passenger Emergency Communication (PEC)
Conclusion
Figure 2: Launching GRC from Multi-Function Terminal (MFT)
The ISCS-VSS module assigns the video sources from station cameras and train cameras to the video displays at various video monitors, OCC wall monitors and the ODS. Once assigned, users can view, record and playback the video received, control the playback and activate/ deactivate VSS broadcasts.
Key Function 3 – Tunnel ventilation
Due to the crucial roles and capabilities that ISCS provides, it is of utmost importance to design and deliver a highly reliable ISCS. Single point failure has been removed by introducing a redundantsystem architecture for critical components. This ensures that ISCS continues to be available in facilitating the day-to-day operations of RTS. ISCS has evolved from basic monitoring and controlling of E&M equipment in NS/ EW lines to seamless integration with sophisticated ATS and Communication system from NEL onward. Its role has since become more critical with the debut of Singapore’s first driverless MRT train operations at NEL.
When the train is stalled in the tunnel, the temperature around the train will rise. Such an occurrence will be transmitted to the ISCS and the user will be prompted to turn on the tunnel ventilation to remove the excess heat. In the event a fire breaks out inside the tunnel, ISCS will also prompt the operator to turn on the tunnel ventilation to extract the heat and smoke.
Key Function 4 – PA / TIS / VSS / PEC The ISCS-PA module is responsible for the status monitoring, configuration, and use of the PA system to broadcast pre-recorded messages, live announcements and music through speakers at stations, depot and trains. These audio outputs can be broadcasted to selected stations/ depot, PA zones and selected trains.
Tan Yong Peow Deputy Manager Signals, Communications & Control Division Figure 4: Video images from train-borne cameras
Ho Lee Min Assistant Manager Signals, Communications & Control Division
Integrated Supervisory Control System In Rail Transit Systems
Key Function 2 – Traction Power Supply
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Managing Pedestrian Safety At Signalised Junctions
Managing Pedestrian Safety At Signalised Junctions
Introduction In 2008, pedestrian fatalities account for about 28%* of the overall road fatalities and they are the 2nd most vulnerable group of road users after motorcyclists/pillion riders. Of all the pedestrian accidents, about 18% occurred at signalised junctions. Approximately one in three accidents involves a turning vehicle hitting a pedestrian. The distribution between right turning and left turning accidents is approximately 80% and 20% respectively. Hence, right turning movements present challenges to motorists, as well as posing safety concerns to the pedestrians crossing at a signalised junction. Therefore, countermeasures implemented by LTA for the enhancement of both pedestrians and motorists safety will be presented and discussed.
Motorists are sometimes found to overly concentrate on seizing opportunities which enable them to turn upon available gaps in the opposite traffic stream, so much so that they may fail to notice, and give way to pedestrians. Research has shown that when a motorist is overwhelmed and faced with too many decisions to make, the likelihood of an accident to occur is greater.
*Source of all accident statistics is from Traffic Police
The Concern at Signalised Junctions In Singapore, the conventional signal phasing at junctions permits motorists to make ‘filter’ right turns during the circular green light, before the green arrow appears. In the phase where the green arrow has yet to appear, motorists would have to ensure that there are no vehicles in the opposite straight traffic stream before turning right (see Figure 1 & 2). Simultaneously, they have to look at the traffic signals as well as looking out for pedestrians who are crossing in their turning path.
Figure 2: The green arrow appears, which allows motorist A to turn right freely
Measures Implemented at Signalised Junctions In order to help motorists, there are various measures/tools in place to balance the need to ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing at signalised junctions and to maintain traffic flow efficiency. The measures to reduce conflicts between right turning traffic and pedestrians can be divided into two main groups, namely warning devices/signs/markings and modified traffic signal arrangement which are shown in the next page.
Figure 1: Motorist A can only make a ‘filter’ right turn when there are no oncoming vehicles in the opposing traffic flow
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Group 1 – Warning Devices/Signs/Markings Warning devices/signs/markings are used where it is intended to provide guidance to motorists. It should not be used everywhere such that it loses its effectiveness.
Types of Measures
When To Apply
Expected Benefit
Turning Pockets •
Used at signalised junctions where turning motorists do not wait at appropriate positions within the junction.
•
To guide motorists where to stop and wait for gaps and also remind them to give way to pedestrians crossing before turning.
• •
Increases motorists’ awareness that pedestrians are crossing alongside. Increases the conspicuousness of pedestrians.
• •
Informs pedestrians on the amount of time left to cross. Discouraging pedestrians to step onto the road if they feel there is not enough time.
Intelligent Road Studs • •
When there is evidence of consistent behaviour of motorists not giving way to pedestrians. Frequent vehicle-pedestrian collisions.
Integrated Pedestrian Countdown Timer • Introduced at crossings where there is heavy pedestrian volume or when interacting traffic flow is heavy.
Pedestrian Refuge • Observations that right-turning motorists are not giving way to crossing pedestrians.
• Slows down right-turning motorists, hence increasing their reaction time.
Managing Pedestrian Safety At Signalised Junctions
Types of Countermeasures Implemented
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Managing Pedestrian Safety At Signalised Junctions (cont’d)
Managing Pedestrian Safety At Signalised Junctions
Group 2 – Modified Traffic Signal Arrangement This step is usually carried out after Group 1 measures are being explored and when there is a serious safety concern.
Types of Measures
When To Apply
Expected Benefit
Staggered Pedestrian Crossing •
For wide junctions where both traffic and pedestrian flows are heavy and there is space at the centre median for creating a holding area for pedestrians.
•
Pedestrian movement is forbidden when right turn traffic is released, hence virtually eliminating vehicle- pedestrian conflicts.
• •
Reduced “right turn against through traffic” collisions. Conflicts between right turn traffic and pedestrians are indirectly removed.
Controlled Right Turn (eg. Red, Amber & Green, RAG) • Introduced when there is a safety concern with right turn against through traffic movements due to junction geometry.
Conclusion The measures appended in the two tables have summarised some of the ways used to further enhance pedestrian safety at signalised junctions. LTA will continue to explore and implement measures to ensure safety of pedestrians crossing at signalised junctions.
Koh Puay Ping Executive Engineer Road Safety Engineering (RSEU) Sheryl Tan NTU Industrial Attachment Student Road Safety Engineering (RSEU)
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2009 Accident Statistics*
Accident Statistics
2009 Accident Statistics* CUMULATIVE ACCIDENT FREQUENCY RATE (AFR)
AFR
4 3 2 1
0.8
0.7
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
0.9
0.9
0.8
APR
LTA ACTUAL
MAY
JUN
JUL
1.33 - LTA TARGET
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
2.9 - 2008 INDUSTRY FIGURE
CUMULATIVE SEVERITY RATE (SR)
SR
200 100 12
10
0
JAN
FEB
11
12
9
MAR APR
LTA ACTUAL
MAY
JUN
JUL
31 - LTA TARGET
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
221 - 2008 INDUSTRY FIGURE
CUMULATIVE FREQUENCY - SEVERITY INDEX (FSI)
FSI
1.0
0.5
0.0
0.08 JAN
0.10
FEB
LTA ACTUAL
0.09
MAR
0.09
APR
0.10
MAY
JUN
JUL
0.2 - LTA TARGET 0.20 - LTA TARGET
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
0.80 - 2008 INDUSTRY FIGURE
* Based on Workplace Safety and Healthy Act Requirements
Editorial Page In March 2009, LTA engaged Dupont Safety Resources to conduct an independent assessment of its OSHMS and benchmarking its safety performances against the best practices of organisations in the construction industry worldwide, typically for land transport infrastructure developers. Do look out for the audit findings in the next issue of the newsletter.
DuPont’s auditor, Mr James O. Faulk during his round of audit at ER198
Group photo with DuPont Safety Resources and LTA management at the closing meeting
Leading Safety in a Downturn
21st Safety Workshop
As the global economy slows, companies across industry are faced with sobering new economic realities. Many organizations are being forced to rethink how they conduct every aspect of their day-to-day business—including how they manage safety & health performance.
On 18th May 2009, about 150 staff attended the Safety Workshop at our HSO auditorium. This event has served as a regular forum for our project teams to share the technical / practical experiences and challenges faced by them in the safe delivery of their projects. It also provides a platform for LTA senior management to interact with the site staff.
An article, “Leading Safety in a Downturn” by Dr. Tom Krause, Ph.D., Don Groover, CIH, CSP, Sarah Smith and Theodore Apking, Ph.D., helps understand the risks and opportunities that a downturn poses to safety performance, and outlines five critical actions that leaders can take to drive safety in times of economic uncertainly. These five actions include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Open up, be honest and forthcoming, and communicate why safety matters now; Consider the effects of your actions on the culture; Refine your strategy; Work the fundamentals; and Demonstrate and develop transformational leadership.
Three topics were presented namely: “Marina Barrage - Creating a Reservoir in the City” by Mr Dave Toh, Senior Manager of PUB. “Best Practices in Managing Traffic and Construction Safety at CTE Widening Project (Between Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 to Ave 3)” by Mr See Toh Heng Fatt, Principal Engineering Officer for ER 213. “Safety Considerations for the Top-Down Construction of Bayfront Station” by Mr Chew Leong Ho, Project Manager for C906.
For more details, please log on to www.bstsolutions.com/ perspectives/article.php?item=8
Safety Tan says… New Singapore Standards SPRING Singapore has published 2 new Singapore Standards. They are: • SS 541 on Restraint Belts; and • SS 508 Parts 2 & 4 on Graphical Symbols - Safety Colours and Safety Sign.
Good housekeeping and safe practices can prevent accidents and enhance productivity. It also reflects management’s commitment to safety.
For more details, interested parties can purchase the publications from SPRING Singapore.
Contributions or feedback to:
Editorial Committee Advisor
Writers
Corporate Safety Committee
Ho Lee Min, Koh Puay Ping, Leong Choong Yiok, Lock Yan Ni, Sheryl Tan, Tan Yong Peow
Editor Patrick Lee Cheng Chuen
Circulation Officer Tan Chee Lang
Land Transport Authority Safety Division 251 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179102 Tel: (65) 6332 6139 Fax: (65) 63326129 Email address:
[email protected] Safety News is also available online at http://internet -stg.lta.gov.sg/projects/ index_proj_safety.htm