Method Statement 5: Small Drainage Works
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1. Background
Southwest England is one of the wetter regions of the country due to Atlantic weather systems. Drainage of the public highways is essential, both for safety reasons and to ease the flow of traffic. Unfortunately, leaves, silt and other debris can block drains and gulleys, leading to flooding. For this reason regular maintenance is required.
Definitions
- Grip: A grip is a drainage channel from the road verge to a roadside ditch.
- Buddle Hole: A buddle hole is an opening at the side of a road where water drains through a bank or hedgerow.
- Easement: An easement is and agreed drainage feature that passes onto or under adjoining private land.
In situations where a grip, buddle hole, or easement that appears on the county council’s Asset Register, have undergone their planned (annual) cleaning, but have subsequently become blocked with debris, further cleaning may be carried out. All other identified drainage features shall be cleaned of debris according to their intended operation. However, consideration must be given to the vulnerability of their location before any works commence. If there is any doubt then the advice of the NHO should be sought.
2. Basic Equipment Required
The following items are intended as a guide only. It is the responsibility of the Road Warden to ensure that all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Traffic Management (TM), tools and equipment are suitable for the job in hand and in good condition. Furthermore, the Road Warden should ensure all volunteers involved are competent with using the tools and equipment provided.
2.a. Personal Protective Equipment
- Face mask / respirator
- Gloves
- Eye protection – goggles / visor
- Ear Defenders
- Hi-visibility clothing
- Hard hat
- Protective boots
2.b.Traffic Management (TM)
Ensure the sufficient TM signs, bollards, and equipment are carried which are appropriate for the task / site. These must be set out in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual and the Safety at Streetworks and Road Works Red Book.
2.c. Tools and Equipment
- Drain rods – for clearing blockages in gullies and pipes.
- Gulley grabbers – long-handled tools for removing debris from gullies.
- Shovels and spades – for digging out silt and mud.
- Rakes – for clearing leaves and surface debris.
- Buckets or debris tubs – for collecting and transporting waste material.
- Wheelbarrows – for moving heavier loads of silt or vegetation.
- Hand brushes and brooms – for sweeping around drain covers and road edges.
- Litter pickers – for removing rubbish safely.
2.d. Materials
- Hand sanitiser or wipes
- Water for cleaning / flushing drains
- Waste bags for litter
- Plastic sheeting to temporarily cover drains
3. Method Statement
- Carry out and complete the risk assessment. Risk Assessment Template. Ensure that sufficient controls are in place for all identified risks.
- Advise the DCC Neighbourhood Highway Officer (NHO) for the area of the proposed work.
- Set up appropriate traffic management. Refer to the TM flowchart and install the appropriate TM in accordance with Chapter 8 and the Red Book.
- Identify the type, nature and extent of the drainage features
- Identify and resolve any ownership issues, e.g. water from the highway draining onto private land.
- If necessary, cover any drain covers with plastic sheeting or similar to prevent debris falling into the drain.
- Remove all debris from the drainage features.
- Waysoil(1) should be deposited over the nearby verge and/or banks to a depth not exceeding 50mm
- Litter, large stones and pieces of vegetation should be removed
- Clear away all tools and equipment.
- Remove all traffic management, being mindful of traffic whilst this is being done.
- Take an inventory of signs, bollards, tools, and equipment, to ensure none is left behind.
(1) Waysoil is soil, dirt and other material lying within the highway boundary, including sediment and silt removed from gullies and drains.