Preconstruction Readiness and Field Packets
Before the first cone goes out, the crew should have everything they need in hand — the approved plan, active permits, work dates and hours, notices, contacts, and setup diagrams. A field packet is that readiness, assembled.
Last reviewed: June 24, 2026
Why It Matters
- A crew that arrives without the approved plan, permits, or contacts cannot build a compliant setup or answer an inspector.
- Readiness assembled in advance prevents the scramble that leads to unapproved work and rejected setups.
When It Applies
- Before mobilizing any work zone; the packet scales with the size of the work.
Planning Considerations
- Assemble a field packet: approved plan, active permits and conditions, approved work dates and hours, required notices and postings, contacts, inspection-request procedures, setup diagrams, equipment lists, and emergency procedures.
- Confirm required notices, postings, and inspection requests are scheduled per the permit.
Field Considerations
- Keep the field packet on site and current, and use the setup diagram to build the zone to the approved plan.
- Have contacts and emergency procedures readily available to the crew.
Inspection Considerations
- Inspectors expect the approved plan, permits, and records to be available on site; readiness makes acceptance faster.
Common Compliance Failures
- No approved plan or permit on site.
- Notices or postings not completed before the work.
Upstream Prevention
- Build the field packet before mobilization and verify it against the permit conditions.
- Assign someone to keep it current as revisions or extensions occur.