Road Warden Scheme: MS9 Potholes

Method Statement 9: Filling Potholes

1. Background

The Road Warden Scheme allows for communities to carry out minor pothole repairs that do not meet the county council’s intervention criteria.

The work must be carried out by volunteers and not contractors.

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
  • 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

  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • Hand tamper
  • Stiff broom
  • Stiff hand brush and dustpan
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Measuring tape

2.d. Materials

  • Ultracrete Permanent Pothole Repair Wet from Instarmac- this is the only approved product

3. Method Statement

  1. Carry out and complete the risk assessment. Risk Assessment Template. Manual handling of the 25kg tubs of pothole filler should be identified as a risk. Ensure that sufficient controls are in place for all identified risks.
  2. Advise the DCC Neighbourhood Highway Officer (NHO) for the area of the proposed work.
  3. Set up appropriate traffic management. Refer to the TM flowchart and install the appropriate TM in accordance with Chapter 8 and the Red Book.
  4. Measure the size of each pothole. If a pothole has a depth greater than 40mm and has a width greater than 300mm and has a vertical edge, then it should be reported on the DCC website Report a pothole – Devon County Council
  5. Remove any loose debris and water. This is extremely important to ensure the longevity of the repair. Failure to do this will result in the filler adhering to the loose debris and working loose quickly.
  6. Apply the Ultracrete pothole filler material according to the instructions on the tub.
  7. Fill the pothole slightly proud of the surface in layers not exceeding 100mm. Compact each layer with a hand tamper, or suitable mechanical alternative. Continue compacting until the sound made by the tamper on impact changes from a dull thud to a metallic clang.If the filler begins to stick to the tamper, then wet the base of the tamper with water.
  8. Brush excess filler material onto the fresh filler and tamp that down as well.
  9. Clear away all tools and equipment.
  10. Remove all traffic management, being mindful of traffic whilst this is being done.
  11. Take an inventory of signs, bollards, tools, and equipment, to ensure none is left behind.

4. Handling and Storage

Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid eating, drinking and smoking when using the product.  Good personal hygiene is necessary.  Wash hands and contaminated areas with water and soap before leaving the work site. Store in a cool and well-ventilated place.

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