VALERO – KROTZ SPRINGS
SHG #54
Page 1 of 4
Approved 12/17/03
BARRICADE GUIDELINE
1.0
Purpose
To prevent personnel injury by defining requirements for the use and construction of
temporary barricades to isolate unusual hazards and to restrict personnel entry.
2.0
Scope
This guideline applies to all Valero employees, contractors and visitors.
3.0
Definitions
Barricade – An obstruction placed on all sides of a hazard used to deter non-essential
individuals from entering an area.
Barricade Tape – This refers to vinyl or fabric colored tape that is approximately three
inches wide. It is used to identify hazards as outlined below. Barricade tape may or may
not have work designators in addition to the color code.
Yellow & Black – (“Caution”) – Used to identify areas where the potential hazards
are greater than normal.
Red & Black– (“Danger”) – Used to identify areas where there is potential
imminent danger.
Purple & Yellow – (“Radiation”) – Used to indicate boundaries of radiation
hazards.
Barricade Stand – A temporary support used to support barricade tape in the absence of
a permanent structure.
4.0
Requirements

Before beginning any work that may present potential hazards to individuals, the areas
will be inspected to determine the extent of barricading and/or barricade tape required.
The Safety Department and Security must be notified if barricades on roadways may
impede passage of vehicles.

The barricade must be placed guarding all access routes to a hazard.

Barricades must have barricade tags (Attachment 1) posted around the perimeter that
identify the nature of the hazard. There should be a sufficient number of tags so that at
least one is visible from any access point. Barricade tags should contain brief but
specific information as to the nature of the hazard and be dated and signed by the
person, group or department erecting the barricade.
VALERO – KROTZ SPRINGS
SHG #54
Page 2 of 4
Approved 12/17/03

The appropriate color barricade tape for the hazard involved must be utilized. More
than one color tape will not be used simultaneously.

The types of jobs or conditions that might require barricading are unlimited in number.
The following lists some common conditions and jobs:

Overhead work

Crane operation

Excavations

Openings in floors, walls, platforms, and handrails

Hydroblasting

Tripping hazards

Material spills and leaks

Areas requiring special protective equipment (ie, fresh air, level B suits, etc.)

Radiation hazards

Line breaking activities

Rigid wood, metal or plastic barricades must be used whenever there is a removed
floor or wall section, missing handrail, or any sudden level change in excess of 18
inches. All exposed sides of the hazard must be barricaded directly adjacent to the
opening so that accidental entry is not possible. The rigid barricade must have a
smooth top rail and vertical supports. Under some conditions where safety
considerations warrant, an intermediate rail and/or a toeboard should be added.
Alternatively, these openings may be protected with a covering strong enough to
support personnel or be constantly guarded by someone.

Barricades will be positioned at a height of three to four feet above the walking/working
surface.

Barricade tape will not be used for any purpose other than barricading.

Care must be taken to barricade only the area that needs to be closed to access.
Temporary barricade stands will be utilized if necessary.

When the hazard no longer exists, the barricading material must be removed and
disposed of or stored properly.

Consideration will be given to providing auxiliary safety equipment if normally available
safety equipment must be enclosed inside a barricaded area.
VALERO – KROTZ SPRINGS
5.0
SHG #54
Page 3 of 4
Approved 12/17/03
Barricade Types
Barricade Type
Purple & Yellow –
“Radiation”
Yellow & Black –
“Caution”
Red & Black –
“Danger”
Application Examples
Purple & yellow barricade tape with or without word designators will be utilized
when a portable radioactive source, such as used for radiography, is used or
when a fixed radioactive source is exposed. Signs having the radiation symbol,
the Universal Propeller, shall be displayed on all sides.
Yellow and black barricade tape, with or without word designators, will be utilized
when the hazard(s) is apparent to personnel entering the area and the situation
presents lower risk. Criteria for use of “Caution” tape is as follows but not limited
to:
 An excavation less than 4-feet deep in an area that previously was a level
grade. Barricade all sides of the hole or ditch at least three feet from the edge
if possible.
 Work being performed overhead where something could fall or be dropped.
Barricade around the area at least ten feet from the work zone to keep falling
objects within the barricaded area.
 A leak overhead of material that will not cause severe injury to someone if
dropped on, or a spill that is not flammable or toxic.
 Low hanging pipes or scaffolds that may be at head level to an individual.
Wrap the tape around the obstruction leaving some short tailpieces hanging
down.
A person may go into a yellow and black barricaded area only if the work is
necessary. The person entering must determine the reason for the barricade and
assess potential hazards before entering the area.
Red and black barricade tape with or without word designators will be utilized
when the risk is high or the hazard is not apparent. Criteria for use of “Danger”
tape is as follows but not limited to:
 A leak or spill which is toxic, flammable or otherwise hazardous. Area testing,
with proper test equipment should be done to determine a safe perimeter.
 When work or conditions allow or may allow the release of potentially
hazardous air contaminants, such as benzene, silica, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur
dioxide, ammonia, chlorine, etc.
 Overhead lifts utilizing cranes or other equipment. The area within the swing
radius of the load and the counterweights should be barricaded.
 Equipment, which has partially failed, continues to operate, and which could
suddenly totally fail.
 Areas that were subjected to heat or physical damage due to fire. All
equipment involved should be barricaded unitl the condition of the equipment
can be determined.
 Activities requiring fresh air such as line breaking, sump cleaning, etc.
 Excavations four feet deep or greater. Barricade all sides of the hole or ditch
at least three feet from the edge if possible.
 Confined Space entrances left unattended.
Personnel will not be allowed to enter a Red and Black barricaded area unless
permission for entry is obtained from a representative who has knowledge of the
hazards involved and work scope. The appropriate PPE must be worn for entry.
VALERO – KROTZ SPRINGS
SHG #54
Page 4 of 4
Approved 12/17/03
ATTACHMENT I
BARRICADE TAGS
Barricade tags can be obtained from the Warehouse.