The street right-of-way accommodates a variety of uses. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) reviews Traffic Control plans (refer to Section 5.2 Traffic Control Plans) to assure that safe passage of pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles are accommodated within the street right-of-way at all times, including the area adjacent to sites where construction or maintenance activities are occurring. Other entities, including regulatory entities, may have additional requirements for safe and accessible work sites. The project applicant shall become familiar with working clearances and other safety requirements as applicable. Some of these issues include (but are not limited to) the following.

Hazardous Materials Contamination

If suspected contamination is discovered during construction activities in the public Right-of-Way, work shall cease and the City inspector shall be notified. Upon consultation with SDOT Environmental Services, the SDOT inspector may require the contractor to sample for contaminants and report the results to the City. The City may require additional sampling to determine potential impacts to the right of way. For additional information, refer to the Standard Specifications Manual 1-07.28(10).

In general, Seattle’s Standard Specifications contain baseline requirements addressing Safety Rules and Standards, Protection and Restoration of Property, Public Convenience and Safety, Notifications Required of Contractor Activities, Temporary Traffic Control ( Standard Specifications 1-07.1(2), 1-07.16, 1-07.23, 1-07.28, and 1-10), and other General Requirements that may apply to a specific construction. These Standard Specifications may be amended by permit, by the Seattle City Council, or other legal authority for a site or project specific application.

Chapter 49.17 RCW Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act addresses the responsibilities of the employer to ensure safe working conditions. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 296 addresses the responsibilities of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries as it relates to safe working conditions. WAC Chapter 296-155 addresses most, but not all, construction safety elements typical of construction in the street right of way.