BRONSON EXPLAINS… SPEED HUMPS
All Australian business owners must meet the WHS requirements for speed humps, as set out in the Acts and Regulations of their State or Territory. Australian Standards outline reasonable practices necessary for a business owner to perform their minimum duty and eliminate or minimise risk in the workplace under WHS law. AS2890.1-2004 outlines the specifications and procedures for Speed Humps in Australia. This Australian Standard appoints two overarching categories of Speed Humps found in Australia. Type 1: • Suitable for circulating roadways and long aisles generally found in large outdoor carparks. • Required to reduce speeds in excess of 30km/h to below 25km/h. • These are long-term fixtures, likely made of cement concrete and build directly onto the road or surface. • A minimum of space 30m is required between Type 1 speed humps along an aisle or roadway. Type 2: • Appropriate for confined areas such as covered or multi-story car parks. • Used in areas where vehicles are travelling at an already reduced speed of 30km/h or less, but where a further speed reduction is necessary. • These are short to mid-term fixtures, depending on the materials used and the location. • A minimum space of 10m is required between Type 2 speed humps along an aisle or roadway.
“Speed Humps are a Traffic Calming Device. They are required in conjunction with appropriate signage, to slow vehicles and provide a safe environment for all road users, including pedestrians.” In Australia, businesses are most likely to purchase a Type 2 Speed Hump. The following table depicts the various materials for Type 2 speed humps and their general applications. All speed humps are required to last and support certain vehicle loads. No matter the variant that is purchased, it is important that businesses invest in high quality products that meet Australian Standard requirements.
Product Material
Application
Rubber (p.118)
• • • •
Low Traffic Areas with Few Trucks Schools Small Unit Blocks Areas with noise restrictions
Linear Low Density Polyethylene (p.117)
• • • •
High Traffic Areas with Some Trucks Medium Shopping Centres Petrol Stations Large Industrial Parks
Steel (p.117)
• • • •
High Traffic Areas with Lots of Trucks Very Busy Shopping Centres High Density Car Parks and terminals Transport depots or factories
Requirements of a compliant Type 2 Speed Hump • Type 2 speed humps must be between 25mm to 75mm high. • A speed hump must have a flat top that is between 100mm to 150mm wide. • The angle height to length ratio must be 1:2, to ensure a steady incline for all vehicles. • A speed hump must follow a clear colour pattern of alternating Yellow (or white) and Black sections that are 250mm wide. Product Positioning and Installation • Speed Humps must be located clear of intersections and curved roadways. A speed hump should directly precede an intersection or curved roadway, where a decrease in the speed of oncoming traffic is required. • In areas where pedestrian access is required, a minimum space of 1 metre must be left on either side of a speed hump. This ensures an appropriate access path is left for all pedestrians and wheelchair traffic. • Ensure that all installation procedures are followed and that appropriate, high-quality bolts are used.
Bronson Pro Tip: Do not place a steel speed hump in a petrol station. This is considered a spark hazard and can be very dangerous.