California's Traffic Control Standard to Reference High-Vis Standard
The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to adopt an amended Section 1598, "Traffic Control for Public Streets and Highways," that requires workers on foot who are exposed to vehicular traffic to wear garments and head protection that meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2004. This section is part of the Construction Safety Orders section of the California Code of Regulations; the adoption is on the agenda for the board's April 16 meeting.
The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) asked for this change last month, saying the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is about to be amended to reference the same standard.
The board also will consider an amendment to Section 1599, Flaggers, to prohibit the use of white outer garments during hours of darkness in snow or fog conditions. This proposal is needed to ensure employees in those conditions are afforded maximum visibility, according to the board's Initial State of Reasons prepared ahead of an Oct. 16, 2008, public hearing held on the proposed items.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time at the State Resources Building in Sacramento, Calif. The board's next meeting after that will be May 21 in San Diego.