New Road Work Regulations to enter into force in September 2024

As of September 1, 2024, new regulations for Work on Roads (APV) will come into force, which means changes and updates to the competence requirements and roles of road workers, according to the Swedish Transport Administration's document TDOK 2018:0371, version 2.0. These regulations aim to improve the safety and efficiency of road works and set clear requirements for those working in the field.

Important changes to the regulatory framework

1. introduction of new roles and competence requirements:

• Roles in the competence requirements: Previous technical requirements have now been reformulated into specific roles. This means that each role has clearly defined requirements that must be met to ensure that work is carried out safely and effectively.
• New roles: A new role, Protective Device Manager, has been introduced. This role is responsible for establishing, modifying and restoring protective devices at workplaces.

2. stricter requirements for guards and pilots:

• Clearer and stricter competence requirements: Persons working as guards or pilots must now meet stricter requirements for traffic management, high-visibility clothing and handling hazardous events. This also includes managing waiting times and priority vehicles. The APV flagman course is already available to book here https://kravkompetens-techops.wisdmlabs.net/product/apv-kompetens-flaggvakt-och-lots-steg-1-1-1-4/

3. advanced skills for special vehicle drivers:

• Competency requirements for TMA vehicles: Drivers of vehicles equipped with TMA (Truck Mounted Attenuator) and those carrying out intermittent work on protected roads must meet specific requirements on basic competency, vehicle safety and the use of protection vehicles.

4. attendance and availability requirements:

• Signage supervisor: For permanent works, a signage supervisor must be available on site when active work is being carried out. In the case of intermittent works, the signage manager must be available by telephone during the work.
• Protective device manager: This person must be available and present at all critical moments such as the establishment and modification of protective devices.

Certification and Documentation

Competence certificates and certification tests: All road workers must meet basic competence requirements before starting work. To verify competence, certificates and certification tests are required, which are carried out and documented in the Swedish Transport Administration's system. Certifications are valid for four years and must be renewed thereafter.

Application of Requirements: The specified requirements are minimum requirements and may be supplemented by additional requirements depending on the nature and complexity of the tasks. It is the responsibility of the supplier to ensure that all personnel have the necessary skills and meet the specified requirements.

Executive summary

The new regulations for APV that will come into force on September 1, 2024, entail a stricter and more structured approach to managing safety and efficiency in road works. With more clearly defined roles and competence requirements, the Swedish Transport Administration aims to improve the working environment for road workers and safety for road users. For more detailed information and specific competence requirements, please visit the Swedish Transport Administration's Document Portal.

These changes mark an important step towards increased professionalization and safety in the field of road works, which is essential to maintain the highest possible standards in the working environment.