Pavement Marking and Striping Safety

Key Hazards

• Workers struck by passing traffic or moving striping vehicles
• Exposure to paint, solvents, glass beads, fumes, and pressurized material
• Caught-in hazards around pumps, agitators, hoses, and applicators
• Backing and blind-spot incidents during mobile operations
• Slips and falls on wet paint, beads, hoses, or roadway surfaces
• Heat, sun, nighttime visibility, and fatigue during extended roadway work

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Pavement marking is often performed as a mobile or short-duration operation, which means the protected work area moves as the job progresses. The crew should understand the traffic-control method, vehicle order, communication plan, and limits of the operation before entering the roadway.

Striping vehicles, shadow vehicles, attenuator vehicles, and support trucks should be positioned according to the approved plan. Warning lights, arrow boards, signs, and other devices should be inspected and used without encouraging workers to rely on them as a guarantee that traffic will stay out.

Workers on foot should remain in designated positions and avoid crossing between vehicles or stepping into adjacent lanes. High-visibility apparel and lighting should be suitable for the traffic, weather, and time of day.

Paints, solvents, cleaners, and marking materials should be handled according to labels, safety data sheets, and site procedures. Ventilation, gloves, eye protection, protective clothing, and respiratory controls should match the product and application method.

Pressurized paint lines, pumps, tanks, agitators, bead dispensers, and applicators can release material or move unexpectedly. Pressure should be relieved and energy controlled before hoses, nozzles, guards, or components are opened or serviced.

Backing should be minimized. When backing is necessary, the path should be checked, workers should remain visible, and an agreed spotter method should be used when the operator cannot confirm the area is clear.

Wet paint, glass beads, hoses, containers, and uneven pavement can create slip and trip hazards. Materials should be secured and spills handled promptly so the work platform and walking areas remain usable.

When the operation is complete, unused chemicals and waste should be stored or disposed of correctly, equipment should be depressurized and cleaned by approved methods, and traffic controls should be removed without exposing workers to unprotected traffic.

Safety Reminders

• Review the mobile traffic-control plan and vehicle order.
• Keep workers on foot out of adjacent lanes and vehicle blind spots.
• Use high-visibility apparel and adequate lighting.
• Follow product labels and SDS instructions for paint and solvents.
• Relieve pressure before servicing hoses, pumps, or applicators.
• Minimize backing and use an agreed communication method.
• Control wet paint, beads, hoses, spills, and chemical waste.

Ask the Crew

• How will the protected work area move with the striping operation?
• Where should workers on foot stand and travel?
• What chemical and pressure hazards are associated with the marking system?
• How will backing and lane changes be controlled?
• What cleanup and waste-handling steps are required?