IRC Code 82: Essential Safety Protocols for Road Maintenance Teams

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IRC Code 82 — officially titled “Code of Practice for Maintenance of Bituminous Road Surfaces” — is a cornerstone document by the Indian Roads Congress that outlines systematic guidelines for maintaining road infrastructure across India. This code emphasizes not only the technical methods for surface repairs but also underlines vital safety protocols that protect road maintenance crews and road users during ongoing work.

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What is IRC Code 82?

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First published in 1982 and revised in 2015, IRC Code 82 lays down a structured approach to maintaining bituminous (asphalt) roads. It classifies maintenance into routine, preventive, and periodic types, covering inspection methodologies, treatment strategies, and the tools and equipment involved.

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A crucial part of this code is Section 12: Safety Measures During Maintenance Work, which highlights how road maintenance teams can mitigate risks while performing critical tasks on busy and high-speed roadways.

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Why Road Maintenance Safety Matters

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India’s roads are some of the busiest in the world. With increasing traffic density and vehicle speeds, road maintenance workers are exposed to significant risk during repair and renewal tasks. Injuries, accidents, and even fatalities can occur if the correct safety measures are not implemented.

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Therefore, adhering to safety protocols during road maintenance isn’t just about compliance — it’s about saving lives and ensuring smooth operations.

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Key Safety Protocols as per IRC Code 82

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1. Planning for Safety from the Start

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Every road maintenance activity must include a safety plan. Before work begins:

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• Conduct risk assessments at the site.

• Deploy trained personnel for traffic control and hazard identification.

• Determine optimal work hours, avoiding peak traffic periods when possible.

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2. Traffic Diversion and Control Measures

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To ensure the safety of workers and road users:

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• Use temporary traffic signs, cones, and barriers to guide vehicles.

• When feasible, implement alternate routes or lane closures.

• Place advance warning signs at appropriate distances based on vehicle speed zones (rural vs urban roads).

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IRC Code 82 recommends the use of road signs and pavement markings as per IRC:67 and IRC:35.

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3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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All maintenance personnel must wear high-visibility clothing and protective gear including:

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• Safety helmets

• Reflective vests

• Steel-toe boots

• Gloves and safety glasses

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These reduce risks from flying debris, moving machinery, and traffic collisions.

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4. Proper Lighting for Night Work

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When work is carried out during low-light or night conditions:

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• Use floodlights and reflective tapes.

• Ensure that vehicles used in the work zone are fitted with flashing beacons.

• Equip workers with additional personal lighting if required.

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5. Use of Mechanized and Mobile Equipment Safely

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IRC Code 82 encourages the adoption of mechanized pothole filling and patching equipment, which must be:

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• Regularly inspected

• Operated by trained personnel

• Properly stationed to avoid blocking active traffic lanes

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6. Setting Up Safe Work Zones

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Each work zone should be carefully demarcated and include:

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• Entry and exit points for vehicles and personnel

• Emergency escape paths for workers

• Safety barricades separating traffic and work areas

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The goal is to create a buffer between moving traffic and workers.

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7. Public Awareness and Communication

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Before starting major maintenance work:

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• Notify local authorities and traffic police

• Issue press releases or local alerts to inform commuters

• Place signboards indicating work details, contractor contact, and estimated duration

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This builds public cooperation and reduces confusion on-site.

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Tools and Equipment for Safer Maintenance

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According to Section 11 of IRC Code 82, specialized tools improve safety and efficiency:

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• Cold patch materials for pothole repair

• Bitumen emulsion sprayers for sealing cracks

• Automated patching machines that limit manual intervention

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Mechanization reduces worker fatigue and exposure, contributing to safer operations.

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Managing Traffic and Safety on Urban vs Rural Roads

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The code outlines that urban roads require more sophisticated traffic management, given their high pedestrian and vehicular movement. On rural roads, visibility enhancements and barricading are especially critical due to the absence of ambient lighting and footpaths.

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In both cases, safety measures should be tailored to road width, speed limits, and volume of traffic.

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Organizational Responsibilities

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Section 13 of IRC Code 82 emphasizes that responsibility for safety lies with:

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• Contracting agencies

• Supervising engineers

• Local road authorities

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They must ensure adequate staffing, training, and monitoring of all safety provisions during maintenance operations.

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Best Practices Summarized

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Here’s a quick checklist drawn from IRC Code 82 for road safety during maintenance:

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• ✅ Conduct pre-maintenance surveys and risk assessments

• ✅ Use proper signage and traffic control devices

• ✅ Ensure workers wear appropriate PPE

• ✅ Set up buffer zones and emergency paths

• ✅ Train staff in traffic safety and emergency response

• ✅ Maintain communication with the public and local authorities

• ✅ Conduct post-maintenance safety audits

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Final Thoughts

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IRC Code 82 is more than a guide to road repair—it’s a blueprint for safe, sustainable, and systematic road maintenance in India. By following its safety protocols, agencies can protect the workforce, ensure smooth traffic flow, and extend the lifespan of bituminous roads.

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Whether you are a civil engineer, road contractor, or policymaker, understanding and implementing these safety standards is vital for modern road infrastructure management.

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RoadVision AI is transforming infrastructure development and maintenance by harnessing artificial intelligence and computer vision AI to revolutionize road safety and management. By leveraging advanced computer vision artificial intelligence and digital twin technology, the platform enables the early detection of potholes, cracks, and other road surface issues, ensuring timely repairs and better road conditions. With a mission to build smarter, safer, and more sustainable roads, RoadVision AI tackles challenges like traffic congestion and ensures full compliance with IRC Codes. By empowering engineers and stakeholders with data-driven insights, the platform reduces costs, minimizes risks, and enhances the overall transportation experience.

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