A Guide to Essential Roadworks Equipment

Maintain Safety By Hiring The Right Tools

image of a small excavator with breaker attachment breaking up asphalt
Hiring the correct tools for roadworks will make or break your project. Each piece of equipment, from excavators to traffic systems, is designed to ensure smooth progress and maintain a safe site. 

Before beginning your construction work, you must ensure you meet all requirements set out in the New Roads and Street Works Act and the Department of Transport’s Traffic Signs Manual. Confirm that you have been in contact with your local authority and that you have completed risk assessments. 
 

Once you complete the initial steps and admin tasks, consider what equipment you will need. Roadworks not only require construction tools but also safety equipment to protect the public who are still making use of the road or footpaths.

 

Excavators 

Capable of digging, lifting and moving heavy materials with precision, the adaptability of excavators makes them indispensable for road construction projects. These machines accurately and efficiently complete tasks such as trenching and shaping roadbeds, as well as having the ability to navigate diverse terrains and handle a wide range of materials. Hiring an excavator is an efficient and cost-effective way to make the most of the benefits for your required time frame. 
 

Dumpers 

Dumpers are ideal for transporting heavy loads of materials such as soil, gravel or asphalt. By efficiently moving materials to where they need to be, dumpers support the overall productivity of the construction work. 
 

Vibrating Rollers

Vibrating rollers are designed to ensure the longevity and integrity of road surfaces. By compacting asphalt and other materials, rollers will prevent the formation of cracks and potholes. This process eliminates air voids within the material. By compacting the material to the desired density, vibrating rollers create quality results that contribute to the road's stability and strength, helping it withstand daily use and adverse weather conditions. Whether you need a pedestrian roller or a towable one, PSM can help supply the vibrating roller you need for your next roadwork project. 


Pedestrian Barriers

Pedestrian barriers are essential for protecting both workers and pedestrians in construction areas. They create a safe separation between construction areas and pedestrian pathways, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, barriers act as a visual cue, alerting pedestrians to the presence of roadworks and prompting them to exercise caution and follow designated pathways.
 


Traffic Management Systems 

Roadworks traffic management systems are vital for maintaining safety in roadworks. From signage to temporary traffic controls, they help direct public vehicular flow around your site and minimise the risk of accidents. 

If your project is expected to impact roads or pavements in any way, traffic management signs are non-negotiable essentials. 

At PSM, we stock the traffic management signs you need for your roadwork project, including signs that communicate: stop, men at work, pedestrian directions, diverted traffic, road ahead closed and more. 

Adequate Lighting 

Supplying the correct lighting plays a critical role in ensuring visibility and safety during night-time roadworks or low light levels. Proper illumination is essential for maintaining a safe and productive working environment for construction crews and alerting the public that roadworks are occurring on the route. 
 

High Visibility Jackets

The Department of Transport’s Code of Practice states that you must wear high-visibility jackets when working outside designated areas, such as during tasks such as moving signage, lighting, barriers and temporary traffic controls. Employers may mandate wearing high-visibility clothing of the same standard, even within designated work areas. 


The Importance of Hiring The Right Equipment

Image of roadwork signs on a rainy English street

Hiring the right equipment is vital for road construction projects. Reliable tools help make sure workers can do their job to the highest standards whilst avoiding accidents. The correct equipment will also help meet quality and safety regulations, protecting your workers and the general public. 

Hire From Experts 

With over three decades of experience, you can rely on PSM Hire to provide the quality tools you need, when you need them. We are an award-winning company, named as HAE’s Safehire Company of the Year multiple times, including April 2024. 

Our wide range of tools and plant for hire means you can select the perfect fit for your job and only pay for the exact time you require it. We will provide cost-effective, reliable equipment, whatever your construction needs. 

Get In Touch

Our outstanding team is always happy to help. Give us a call today to discuss any questions you have about hiring equipment for your next roadworks construction project. 

Contact us on 020 8850 5658 or fill in our enquiry form.