WRCustomer Relations assigned this issue to WSM 1

Comments Per Water Supervisor M DiNobile:
In response to a complaint from the resident at address 2385 West bay Isle Dr SE, for work that was previously done, I sent a crew out to install a fairly significant amount of sod in the right-of-way. I was made aware of an interaction with a by-stander, by the crew foreman, by telephone, immediately after it happened on 3/9/2018. The focal point of the issue was in fact the safety lights on our vehicles.

The safety of the public and the safety of our employees are the reasons that our vehicles and equipment are adorned with so many flashing lights. Our crews use these lights regularly for short-term tasks while they travel and work on the many roadways in our 144 square mile water service area. Consistency in our safety practices is the best way to ensure that the public and our employees are able to go home to their families every day.
Respectfully,

Mark DiNobile
Water Distribution Supervisor, Water Resources
City of St. Petersburg
(727) 892-5841
mark.dinobile@stpete.org

closed 3/13/18

This morning (March 14th) I noted a City/County vehicle with flashing lights. It was parked right on the curb of Beach Avenue, only inches away from the curb. Perfect parking with nothing out of the ordinary. There saw no reason for the lights. I talked to ACO Sinick #11 for several minutes to express my concern. He was very courteous an a model City/County employee. He said he knew of no policy on use of the emergency lights but said he normally used them in just about all situations. I enjoyed talking to him, and he gave me his card. He even mentioned to me his concern about motorist not pulling over for emergency vehicles. But how do you know if the emergency vehicle is a City/County vehicle on a routine mission delivering sod or some other routine business. I thus have two questions I would like a response to: First, what is the policy on routine use of emergency lighting? Second, can I and every landscaper or pool service person equip our vehicles with emergency lighting and use it at our discretion whenever parked, even when parked legally like everyone else on the street? I hate to keep pushing to understand this issue and appreciate your patience and help.

Bob, they are not using emergency lights (red or blue).It’s safety lighting (white or yellow) for the workers and the citizens. Like Mr. DiNobile mentioned in his comments. I can’t believe this is bothering you so much that you are going to complain about the safety of workers. It’s doesn't matter if they are parked legally on the street, they still need to use those lights for our safety and theirs. They put safety protocols in for a reason.

First, I am a very safety-oriented person that some say is over the top. I have served on teams to inspect nuclear reactors for safety, so I am no novice to safety issues. As a Florida PE, I also have a responsibility to look out for the public safety. Second, I am not trying to make a federal case out of this. Your emphasis about the safety of City/County employees is appropriate. But don’t you think citizens’ safety is just as important? I don’t in any way object to using flashing lights when actually needed by anyone. I notice many school buses don’t run their lights when parked waiting for the start of a run. This is common sense—use the lights when needed for safety, not just to attract attention. That is where my issue come in. So, back to the two very reasonable questions I have the right to ask but you avoided answering: First, what is the policy, hopefully written, on routine use of white and yellow lighting? Second, can I and every landscaper or pool service person equip our vehicles with such lighting and use it at our discretion whenever parked, even when parked legally like everyone else on the street? I think there absolutely should be a written policy to use flashing lights for safety, but not when routinely parking a City/County vehicle just because City/County vehicles are more important than our citizens’ vehicles. The distraction to drivers, walkers, runners… can cause accidents. I believe in safety first for everyone, City/County employees and the public. Remember the adage about “crying wolf.” I await your response to my two questions. If you can’t answer them, we have a real problem. Take your time to get the answers right. I hope you view this dialog as constructive and useful to us both. They are intended to be. I have the greatest respect for our City/County employees and only hope to make our communities safer. Respectfully.
Bob

Reopen is acknowledged

If any further explanation is needed please contact Mark DiNobile Water Systems Supervisor at 727-892-5841.

If any further explanation is needed please contact Mark DiNobile Water Systems Supervisor at 727-892-5841.

I am still waiting for a written request to my question. It is not just a "water systems" issue; it is a general policy one. I will state it again: "So, back to the two very reasonable questions I have the right to ask but you avoided answering: First, what is the policy, hopefully written, on routine use of white and yellow lighting? Second, can I and every landscaper or pool service person equip our vehicles with such lighting and use it at our discretion whenever parked, even when parked legally like everyone else on the street? I think there absolutely should be a written policy to use flashing lights for safety, but not when routinely parking a City/County vehicle just because City/County vehicles are more important than our citizens’ vehicles. The distraction to drivers, walkers, runners… can cause accidents. I believe in safety first for everyone, City/County employees and the public. Remember the adage about “crying wolf.” I await your response to my two questions. If you can’t answer them, we have a real problem. Take your time to get the answers right. I hope you view this dialog as constructive and useful to us both. They are intended to be. I have the greatest respect for our City/County employees and only hope to make our communities safer. Respectfully.
Bob "

Reopen is acknowledged

Bob,

We can agree to disagree on this matter. I would suggest just calling the number that WSM 1 left for you. I’m sure Mr. Dinobile can email you the information you want.

A_Kay-
I don't recognize your name, but really do appreciate your support that the two questions should be answered by the City/County. I understand your disagreement over how to obtain the answer. My philosophy is to do things in writing, and the City already has my email address. If they are willing to provide answers via email which they haven't so far, why not via SeeClickFix? I am not sure I need to call anyone when they already know the questions. Anyway, I do thank you for your support in bringing this to closure.
Bob

see attached highlighted areas

WR Safety Policy - Work Zone Traffic Control
B - 4

page 2

page 3

Federal Highway Administration
section 6F.81 - Lighting Devices

Federal Highway Administration
section 1A.01 Purpose of Traffic Control Devices 02

Thanks for the effort it took to round up these references. I have one problem. I could not read them because parts are blurred and print is too small to read. Please just respond with the two appropriate web links so we can read them clearly. We appreciate your efforts.
Bob

Here is the link to the Federal document for your review. https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm
For specific references, the scanned documents I sent show the guidelines in yellow. You may want to enlarge your viewer.
Hope this helps.

Thanks much for the reference. FHA section 1A02 seems to better address my concern.

"Section 1A.02 Principles of Traffic Control Devices
Support:
01 This Manual contains the basic principles that govern the design and use of traffic control devices for all
streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel (see definition in Section 1A.13) regardless
of type or class or the public agency, official, or owner having jurisdiction. This Manual’s text specifies the
restriction on the use of a device if it is intended for limited application or for a specific system. It is important
that these principles be given primary consideration in the selection and application of each device.
Guidance:
02 To be effective, a traffic control device should meet five basic requirements:
A. Fulfill a need;
B. Command attention;
C. Convey a clear, simple meaning;
D. Command respect from road users; and
E. Give adequate time for proper response."

My concern is that the City/County vehicles are not paying attention to 02A, i.e., the requirement to "Fulfill a need." I think all would agree that Work Zones have a "need." In fact, the city is doing a great job around Beach Drive SE right now with the repaving. However, I don't see a "need" for a City/County vehicle simply driving down the road or legally parked to display distracting flashing lights. Distracted driving is a big problem as it is. Since all this is public information, I would appreciate your sending me a web reference to the "WR Safety Policy" you cite above. I would expect it to be consistent with the FHA document you sent to me in regard to the "five basic requirements." Thanks.

Is there some reason the WR Safety Policy isn't posted or available as a pdf file. It has been almost tow weeks since I asked to see it. Thanks

I would ask why you are not responding. As far as I am concerned, this issue is still open. Should I make a copy of this transcript and mail it in? Thanks.

I stumbled upon this post and I have to say......you city workers are saints with the patients of Gandhi.

Excuses me I meant patience

All I have been asking for is a copy of "WR Safety Policy" to close this out. I think I am the one who has been patient. That is all I have been asking for since April. If you cannot send me a copy (hard or soft), please send one to Rick. I will collect it from his office. Thanks, and I want to close this out.
Bob

Closed. Will reopen when information is available. Request placed for better copy of the information provided from our manual.

Mr. Davie,
Here is the WRD policy. Part 3 section B #4 clearly states that that the employee shall “Place warning and guide signs, cones and barricades as needed to safely perform their work (see attachments). Vehicle flashers, beacons shall be turned on whenever a vehicle is parked on a City street, unless within a traffic safety zone (barricade setup).”

This is in accordance with State of Florida Department of Transportation (F.D.O.T.) “General Information For Traffic Control Through Work Zones”. This manual is consistent with the USDOT “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD).

Bryan
page 1 of 2

page 2 of 2

Here is the actual text if the .jpg is not clear on your device. The SeeClickFix allows .jpg attachments only.

Water Resources Department policy. Part 3 section B #4 clearly states that that the employee shall “Place warning and guide signs, cones and barricades as needed to safely perform their work. Vehicle flashers, beacons shall be turned on whenever a vehicle is parked on a City street, unless within a traffic safety zone (barricade setup).”

This is in accordance with State of Florida Department of Transportation (F.D.O.T.) “General Information For Traffic Control Through Work Zones”. This manual is consistent with the USDOT “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD).

WR SAFETY POLICY MANUAL
NO: SAFETY 2.15
TITLE: WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL
DATE: 11/2013

I. Purpose
To complement the City’s Accident Prevention Manual (APM) Sections IX & XIV. To comply with the OSHA Accident Prevention signs, tags, signals and barricades, Standard 29 CFR 1926.200-202 and comply with the State of Florida and Federal DOT regulations.
II. Application
Personnel are frequently required to work in traffic areas. These guidelines are provided to ensure employee safety in work zones by using traffic controlling devices. Refer to Personal Protective Equipment (Section 2.05) for proper protective wear.
III. Responsibilities
All applicable work and training shall be performed in accordance with the State of Florida Department of Transportation (F.D.O.T.) “General Information For Traffic Control Through Work Zones”. This manual is consistent with the USDOT “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD).
A. The Supervisor shall:
1. Ensure that affected employees are appropriately trained in the need for work zone traffic control and the procedure for controlling it.
2. Consult with a representative of the City’s Traffic Operations organization when traffic flow must be restricted or work must be performed within 15 feet of roadways, if the work exceeds 30 minutes in duration or as conditions warrant.
3. Ensure employees have proper signs and barricades/cones to safely perform their work. Night work must also be appropriately illuminated.
4. Ensure that anyone assigned to control traffic is physically able to perform such duties.
5. Ensure that all required personal protective equipment is available (e.g., orange high visibility vests, hard hats, protective shoes).
B. The Employee shall:
1. Park on residential streets rather than artery streets whenever possible.
2. Inform the Supervisor whenever traffic flow must be restricted or work must be performed within 15 feet of the roadway.
3. NOT restrict traffic for any longer than absolutely necessary.
4. Place warning and guide signs, cones and barricades as needed to safely perform their work (see attachments). Vehicle flashers, beacons shall be turned on whenever a vehicle is parked on a City street, unless within a traffic safety zone (barricade setup).
5. Conduct traffic control operations in a courteous manner.
6. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
IV. Procedures
A. Placement of Traffic Control Devices
Transportation Operations Division is the primary provider of traffic control devices/setup on streets, avenues and highways for tasks of 30 minutes or more duration. Once traffic setup is in place, Water Resources personnel assigned to the work zone should:
1. Drive the traffic setup to ensure the setup protects the work zone. Setup shall have the following:
i. Advance Warning Area - tells traffic what to expect ahead
ii. Transition Area - moves traffic out of its normal path
iii. Buffer Space - provides protection for traffic and workers
iv. Work Area
v. Termination Area - lets traffic resume normal driving

2. Monitor traffic’s response to the traffic control devices. Employees are to contact Traffic Engineering to make adjustments to the setup if traffic intrudes into the work zone or does not sufficiently slow down.
3. Augment the traffic setup by placing additional traffic control devices in the setup. Cones and barricades shall be at least 36” high.

4. Ensure flagger (if required) and workers are highly visible. Personal protective equipment includes:
i.Hard hat
ii. High visibility, reflective vest
iii. 24” x 24” flag or appropriate show/warning sign
Note: Traffic setup varies according to traffic volume, number of lanes, width of lanes and speed of traffic. Employees shall consult with their Foreman/Supervisor, Transportation and Parking Management or a Certified Traffic Control Technician when work zone setup is unsafe.
D. Training
Annual work zone safety training is recommended for all employees working in areas that require traffic control. Applicable supervisory personnel and the Safety Officer are required to attend Work Zone Traffic Control class sponsored by Pinellas Technical Education Center. Applicable employees shall attend annual work zone safety training provided by the Safety Officer or qualified vendor.

Thank you again for your concerns.