Designated walkways are meant for pedestrians to use within any perimeter area of any lot. Designated walkways are often used as a critical control measure in many workplace situations to make pedestrians stay within a designated area when they are walking and ensure that vehicles do not stray into pedestrian areas during movement.
What is the purpose of designated walkways?
Designated walkways allow pedestrians a safe path to walk along in places with vehicular movement. It improves pedestrian safety by offering appropriate facilities for pedestrians to use in locations where their safety will have been affected due to vehicular traffic.
Why is a designated walkway important?
It is essential because it helps separate pedestrian traffic from vehicles and equipment thereby reducing the risk of accident or harm. The safety of everyone on the premises is equally guaranteed, including visitors, employers, contractors, and the general public.
Frequently asked questions about designated walkways.
1.How should designated walkways be marked?
Designated walkways are marked with clear, visible lines or signs and barriers. There is a need for the marking to be maintained at all times to give an easy path to follow.
2.Whose job is it to maintain designated walkways?
The maintenance of designated walkways falls on the employer or the facility managers. They are to ensure that designated walkways are free, transparent, and have visible markings at all times.
3.What should you do when you notice that a designated walkway is unsafe?
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Designated walkways are not meant to be unsafe, but when you notice they are hazardous due to one thing, the best thing to do is close off the area until repairs or adjustments are carried out. Before doing this, you can use temporary barriers to redirect the pedestrians while you’re undergoing the repair.
4.How often should you inspect the designated walkway?
The designated walkways should be inspected as frequently as possible. During the inspections, wear, obstruction, or any hazard that may affect the area should be checked. Check the clarity of the markings, too.
5.What type of surface should you consider for designated Walkways?
Designated walkways should be accessible to slippery materials and be of even surface. The material should be solid and last long.
6.Do you allow moving equipment to make use of designated walkways?
The designated walkways are not meant for vehicles or moving equipment. Only pedestrians are designed to use designated walkways. However, if there’s an emergency that allows cars to pass through a designated walkway, it should not be hindered.
7.If the designated walkway is blocked, what should I do?
When you notice that the designated walkway is blocked, the best you can do is to report it immediately to the site management or the safety officer. However, you are advised to use an alternative path if there is one.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
