The Traffic Control Section has expressed some concern over tire sidewall ballast utilized for nonmetallic drums. More specifically, there have been inaccurate applications of both the ballast and the width of the reflective sheeting on this type of drum.

There have been a large number of instances where tire sidewall ballast has been used on drums not designed for that type of ballast. The sidewall ballast was designed to fit snuggly over a specifically manufactured drum that allows the separation of the drum and ballast when struck by an errant vehicle. Plastic Safety Systems developed this method of drum ballasting and has since patented their idea. Work Area Protection and sister company Protection Services had a royalty agreement with Plastic Safety Systems until January of 1996. So some of the drums manufactured before the conclusion of that agreement may still be in use. According to Plastic Safety Systems' representative, there is a drum that uses a tire sidewall ballast that snaps onto the drum that does not infringe on their patent, but it has not been tested by the Traffic Control Section.

The requirements for retroreflective sheeting have also not been followed consistently. Many drums have been used that have 4" wide reflective sheeting rather than the specified 6"- 8" width.

Both of these concerns are safety and liability issues that warrant immediate attention. A review of the drums in use on all current projects is appropriate. If the drum does not meet the Specifications or is not a Plastic Safety Systems' Lifeguard Channelizer Drum but utilizes a tire sidewall ballast, it should not be used. The Plastic Safety Systems' drum is the only drum currently approved that utilizes the tire sidewall ballast.

For your general information, any particular type of drum may be used only after approval from the Traffic Control Section. The Traffic Control Section tests each nontypical drum base such as tire ballasted and rubber molded bases. If the drum performs well in these tests, it is approved for trial use. After several months of good reviews from our field personnel and Contractors, the drum will be placed on the approved products list.