Streetlight and Traffic Signal Maintenance Safety

Key Hazards

• Workers struck by traffic while positioned in or near an intersection
• Electrical shock, arc, or unexpected energization from lighting and signal circuits
• Falls from bucket trucks, ladders, poles, or elevated work positions
• Dropped tools or components striking workers or the public below
• Contact with overhead lines, structures, or moving signal equipment
• Traffic confusion caused by disabled, flashing, covered, or misdirected signals

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Streetlight and traffic signal work combines electrical, elevated, and roadway hazards in locations where drivers may be distracted or uncertain. The crew should coordinate traffic control, system status, equipment positioning, and electrical responsibilities before work begins.

The work zone should account for every direction of traffic, turning movement, pedestrian crossing, bicycle route, and nearby driveway. Intersections may require more protection than a straight roadway because vehicles can approach from several directions.

Bucket trucks and other vehicles should be positioned on stable ground with adequate clearance from traffic, structures, and overhead conductors. Outriggers, brakes, alarms, fall protection, and platform controls should be inspected and used as designed.

Circuits should be identified, de-energized, isolated, and verified according to the applicable electrical safety procedure when the task requires it. Workers should not assume that a dark lamp, disabled signal, open switch, or control command proves the circuit is safe.

Overhead conductors and nearby electrical systems may remain energized even when the lighting or signal circuit is off. Required approach distances, insulating equipment, qualified-worker rules, and utility coordination should be followed.

Tools, signal heads, covers, lamps, hardware, and cable should be secured against falling. The area beneath elevated work should be controlled so pedestrians, coworkers, and traffic do not enter the dropped-object zone.

Changing a signal indication can confuse road users. Signal shutdowns, flash operation, temporary control, police assistance, covers, or portable devices should be coordinated so drivers receive one clear instruction.

Before leaving, the crew should verify correct signal phasing, lamp orientation, cabinet closure, electrical covers, pedestrian indications, and removal of traffic controls. An incorrect restoration can create a serious hazard after the workers are gone.

Safety Reminders

• Plan for traffic approaching from every direction.
• Inspect and stabilize bucket trucks and elevated-access equipment.
• Identify, isolate, and verify electrical circuits as required.
• Maintain clearance from overhead electrical hazards.
• Secure tools and control the area below elevated work.
• Coordinate temporary signal operation and traffic direction.
• Function-check the system before reopening normal operation.

Ask the Crew

• How will traffic and pedestrians be controlled at this intersection?
• Which circuits and nearby electrical systems may be energized?
• Where can the bucket truck be positioned and stabilized safely?
• How will tools and components be prevented from falling?
• Who will verify correct signal operation before the crew leaves?