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Welcome to AASHTO Safe. This site is dedicated to bringing knowledge and awareness to State DOTs, FHWA, Municipalities, Utility Companies, Electrical Engineers, and the general public on ways to improve safety and reduce liability associated with Roadway and Commercial Lighting Systems, while reducing cost and improving ease of maintenance.  

SAFETY ALERT!!! 
As we begin 2011 many state department of transportation’s (DOT’s) are still just now becoming familiar with the recent publication from AASHTO - Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals – 2001.  Among other items that make this new guideline from AASHTO significant, is what is found within 12.5.3.  This section states the requirements to ensure predictable and safe displacement of the breakaway support.  In particular, section 12.5.3 (c) deals with the electrical components of a breakaway structure.  This is significant because it is the first time AASHTO has issued guidelines (other than the 1998 Interim specification) directing designers to utilize electrical disconnects specifically designed to compliment the breakaway pole or structure.  The issuance of this guideline is predicated upon several factors including:  [read the full Alert]
 

NOTES CONCERNING PROPRIETARY PRODUCTS
23 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 635.411
It is beneficial to be familiar with the above referenced Code of Federal Regulation when specifying any type of proprietary product for use on the Federal Aid System.  Proprietary products are used all the time on Federal Aid projects.  Many engineers and Specifiers who are unfamiliar with this C.F.R. wrongly believe that proprietary products are prohibited from use on federally funded projects.  This is incorrect.  This section of the C.F.R. explicitly states the requirements for the usage of proprietary products. [read the code here]

 

   PCDS- a Solution to Electrical Hazards and Copper theft:
Some States are finding that the use of an AASHTO compliant Pole Cable Distribution System (PCDS) not only reduces the risk of electrical shock to maintenance crews, rescue personnel, and the public; but is thwarting highway copper thieves after the precious metal inside their lighting systems. [read full story here]

 

Latest Lighting System Hazards: 
Austin, TX (Downtown)
6/12/2008

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Philadelphia, PA
3/20/2008
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See More Hazards Here in our Photo Gallery

Electrical Hazards in your area? Help prevent another injury or death.  Send us photos or details and we will include it here on AASHTO Safe.  Send to awareness@aashtosafe.org

 

 


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