FLAGGINGFLAGGINGINSPECTIONINSPECTION

Adapted from materials developed and Adapted from materials developed and supplied by the Federal Highway supplied by the Federal Highway

Administration and The National Safety Administration and The National Safety CouncilCouncil

IntroductionIntroductionFlagger’s QualificationsFlagger’s Qualifications

AppearanceAppearanceFlagger’s EquipmentFlagger’s Equipment

Class ObjectiveClass Objective To review the primary To review the primary

responsibilities of the flaggerresponsibilities of the flagger To inform the persons with To inform the persons with

responsibility for flagging responsibility for flagging traffic of the correct manner in traffic of the correct manner in which the work is to be done.which the work is to be done.

To develop a set of consistent To develop a set of consistent standards for the inspection of standards for the inspection of one-way traffic control systems.one-way traffic control systems.

Why Is This ImportantWhy Is This Important ? ?

In 1995 there were:In 1995 there were:

– 771 fatalities in work zones 771 fatalities in work zones

nationwidenationwide

– 62 fatalities on California State 62 fatalities on California State

Highway work zonesHighway work zones

S A F E T Y

I S

#1

S A F E T Y

I S

#1

You Control Their You Control Their SafetySafety

Class ContentClass Content Qualifications, Appearance and Qualifications, Appearance and

EquipmentEquipment Work Zone & Flagger Station LayoutWork Zone & Flagger Station Layout Standard Signals to Direct TrafficStandard Signals to Direct Traffic Methods of One-Way Traffic ControlMethods of One-Way Traffic Control

– Single Flagger Procedures Single Flagger Procedures Emergency Vehicle ProceduresEmergency Vehicle Procedures Handling Emergency SituationsHandling Emergency Situations Dealing with Hostile DriversDealing with Hostile Drivers Emergency Flagging Procedures Emergency Flagging Procedures Demonstrate Proper Flagging Demonstrate Proper Flagging

OperationsOperations

Practical ExercisePractical Exercise

Demonstrate Good Flagging ProceduresDemonstrate Good Flagging Procedures

– Using correct paddle and hand Using correct paddle and hand

signalssignals

– Taking the proper position in the Taking the proper position in the

traffic lane traffic lane

CharacteristicCharacteristicss

What kind of What kind of person makes a person makes a good flagger ?good flagger ?

Characteristics to look Characteristics to look for:for:

Mentally AlertMentally Alert Good Physical ConditionGood Physical Condition

– Vision equal to DMV standardsVision equal to DMV standards– Keen hearingKeen hearing– Able to stand for long periods of Able to stand for long periods of

timetime

Courteous and KnowledgeableCourteous and Knowledgeable AuthoritativeAuthoritative

Do NotDo NotMingle With the CrewMingle With the CrewLeave Your PostLeave Your PostTurn Your Back Turn Your Back Sit Down On The JobSit Down On The Job

The Well Dressed The Well Dressed FlaggerFlagger

For daytime an orange or strong For daytime an orange or strong yellow-green vest or shirt.yellow-green vest or shirt.

At night safety clothing with reflective At night safety clothing with reflective stripes. White clothing is required for stripes. White clothing is required for Caltrans employees and strongly Caltrans employees and strongly recommended for others. recommended for others.

Clothing that affords protection from Clothing that affords protection from the environment (no shorts, tank tops the environment (no shorts, tank tops etc. ) etc. )

A hard hat and A hard hat and sturdysturdy shoes or boots. shoes or boots.

The Well Equipped The Well Equipped FlaggerFlagger

A “Stop / Slow” sign (C-28A & B)A “Stop / Slow” sign (C-28A & B) Full advance warning sign layoutFull advance warning sign layout Channelizing Devices such as Channelizing Devices such as

conescones Area lighting for night flaggingArea lighting for night flagging Communication method such as Communication method such as

line of sight or 2-way radioline of sight or 2-way radio WaterWater

Work Zone Layouts Work Zone Layouts and Signingand Signing

Flagger Station Flagger Station LocationLocation

A Typical Work Zone A Typical Work Zone LayoutLayout ADVANCE WARNING AREAADVANCE WARNING AREA TRANSITIONTRANSITION ACTIVE AREAACTIVE AREA

– Buffer SpaceBuffer Space– Work AreaWork Area– Traffic SpaceTraffic Space

TERMINATION / OPPOSING TERMINATION / OPPOSING TRAFFIC WARNING AREATRAFFIC WARNING AREA

WarningSigns

Advance

Road Work AheadRoad Work AheadC18 or C23C18 or C23

The first Advanced The first Advanced Warning Sign.Warning Sign.

On high speed On high speed roads place this roads place this sign 900m (about sign 900m (about 3000 ft.) before the 3000 ft.) before the flagger’s station.flagger’s station.

Equip the sign with Equip the sign with flags during the flags during the day, and a flashing day, and a flashing beacon at night.beacon at night.

Flagger AheadFlagger AheadC9AC9A

The second Advanced The second Advanced Warning Sign.Warning Sign.

On high speed roads On high speed roads

place this sign 600m place this sign 600m

(about 2000 ft.) (about 2000 ft.)

before the flagger’s before the flagger’s

station.station. Equip the sign with Equip the sign with

flags during the day. flags during the day.

Prepare to StopPrepare to StopC36C36

The final Advanced The final Advanced Warning Sign.Warning Sign.

On high speed roads On high speed roads

place this sign 300m place this sign 300m

(about 1000 ft.) (about 1000 ft.)

before the flagger’s before the flagger’s

station.station. Equip the sign with Equip the sign with

flags during the day. flags during the day.

ConesCones Place a minimum of 4 Place a minimum of 4

cones along the edge cones along the edge of the lane before the of the lane before the flaggers station. flaggers station.

Space the cones out Space the cones out 50 feet (15 m) apart.50 feet (15 m) apart.

Equip the cones with Equip the cones with reflective sleeves at reflective sleeves at nightnight

Place a cone next to Place a cone next to each Advance each Advance Warning Sign.Warning Sign.

The Flagger’s The Flagger’s StationStation

Visible to approaching motoristsVisible to approaching motorists Has an escape routeHas an escape route LightingLighting

– Daytime - not in deep shadowDaytime - not in deep shadow– Nighttime - has area lightingNighttime - has area lighting

Not hidden by the backgroundNot hidden by the background

Flaggers

Flagger

Flagger

Setting-up the Flagger’s Setting-up the Flagger’s StationStation Set the advance warning signs for Set the advance warning signs for

traffic on the opposite side of the traffic on the opposite side of the road from the protected operation.road from the protected operation.

Set the advance signs serving the Set the advance signs serving the traffic that is on the same side of traffic that is on the same side of the road as the operation that is the road as the operation that is being protected.being protected.

•Flaggers take their Flaggers take their stationsstations

NeverNever start flagging start flagging until all signs and until all signs and

flaggers are in position. flaggers are in position.

Some Some DOsDOs and and DON’TsDON’Ts

Never start flagging operations until Never start flagging operations until all signs and flaggers are in position. all signs and flaggers are in position.

Remove or fold down the advance Remove or fold down the advance signs when the flaggers are not signs when the flaggers are not working.working.

If it becomes necessary to slow traffic If it becomes necessary to slow traffic on a freeway, ALWAYS work from the on a freeway, ALWAYS work from the closed lane or the shoulder, never closed lane or the shoulder, never from a live traffic lane.from a live traffic lane.

Standard Signals Standard Signals Used by FlaggersUsed by Flaggers

Standard SignalsStandard Signalsfor Guiding the Driverfor Guiding the Driver

StopStop

SlowSlow

GoGo

ObjectiveObjective

To tell the driver what actions to To tell the driver what actions to

taketake

To be understood by the driverTo be understood by the driver

To take the guess work out of the To take the guess work out of the

communication by using standard communication by using standard

hand and paddle signalshand and paddle signals

Standard SignalsStandard Signals

What What should the should the Driver do in Driver do in this case?this case?

Is the Is the message to message to the driver the driver clear?clear?

No No Longer Longer

Use Flags Use Flags to signal to signal

traffic traffic unless in unless in emergencemergenc

yy

You Must You Must be be

UnderstooUnderstoodd

Your job is Your job is

traffic traffic control!control!

STOPSIGN = STOP

Gesture - Face Traffic

with arm outstretched

and palm towards

traffic.

Position - Stand on

the Shoulder until the

first car is stopped,

then move to the

center of the road.

GOSIGN = SLOW

Gesture - Facing traffic move arm in sweeping gesture, end sweep by pointing to the lane traffic is to use

Position - Stand in lane when traffic to use left lane & on shoulder when traffic to use the right lane

SLOWSIGN = SLOW

Gesture - Facing traffic with arm outstretched and palm down, move arm and hand up and down in pumping motion.

Position - Stand on shoulder facing traffic

One-Way Traffic One-Way Traffic ControlControl

Working with 2 Working with 2 FlaggersFlaggers

Control MethodsControl Methods

Flagger controlFlagger control

Pilot car Pilot car

Official carOfficial car

Flagger ControlFlagger ControlVocal CommunicationVocal Communication

Hand signalsHand signals

Radio CommunicationRadio Communication

Pilot CarPilot Car All traffic waits for the pilot car.All traffic waits for the pilot car. Provides guidance and speed Provides guidance and speed

control.control. In long systems sometimes 2 In long systems sometimes 2

pilot cars can be used.pilot cars can be used. Pilot cars require special signs & Pilot cars require special signs &

radiosradios

Official CarOfficial Car This is a special car that brings This is a special car that brings

up the end of the line.up the end of the line.

Very helpful when haul trucks Very helpful when haul trucks

have to be taken out of the have to be taken out of the

closure along with traffic. (Haul closure along with traffic. (Haul

truck gets into line in front of truck gets into line in front of

the official car.)the official car.)

Baton Carrying CarBaton Carrying Car

Use a flag or baton that is easy Use a flag or baton that is easy

for the motorist to take and give.for the motorist to take and give.

Give the baton to the last car to Give the baton to the last car to

be allowed to pass.be allowed to pass.

Beware of pranksters - people Beware of pranksters - people

who discard or keep the baton.who discard or keep the baton.

The Flagging ProcessThe Flagging Process

Flagging with 2 Flagging with 2 FlaggersFlaggers

– Traffic driving on the LEFT Traffic driving on the LEFT

side of the roadside of the road– Traffic driving on the Traffic driving on the

RIGHT side of the roadRIGHT side of the road

Flagging by YourselfFlagging by Yourself

Additional FlaggersAdditional Flaggers Working on the through roadWorking on the through road

– Warn Drivers of slow or stopped traffic Warn Drivers of slow or stopped traffic ahead.ahead.

– Needed when there is limited visibility Needed when there is limited visibility or long lines of waiting traffic.or long lines of waiting traffic.

Working on side roads and Working on side roads and streetsstreets..– Coordinates entering traffic with the Coordinates entering traffic with the

movements of the pilot car.movements of the pilot car.

Flagging With 2 Flagging With 2 FlaggersFlaggers

Controlled Traffic has to Controlled Traffic has to drive on the wrong side of drive on the wrong side of

the road.the road.

The Lead Flagger

•There must be a Lead Flagger”

•The job of the “Lead Flagger” is to prevent conflicts.

•The “Lead Flagger” coordinates the work.

Flagging Flagging With 2 With 2

FlaggersFlaggers

Traffic on the Traffic on the left or “wrong” left or “wrong”

side of the side of the roadroad

Clear the last Clear the last vehicle safely into vehicle safely into the controlled the controlled areaarea..

Turn the Turn the sign tosign to

read read “STOP”“STOP”

Move to theMove to the

right right shouldershoulder

Signal Signal approachingapproaching

traffic to stop.traffic to stop.

andand

Bring lead vehicleBring lead vehicle

up to your stationup to your station

if possibleif possible

Take a newTake a new

position nearposition near

the center ofthe center of

the road.the road.

becausebecause

The vehiclesThe vehicles

approaching theapproaching the

queue need to queue need to bebe

able to see you.able to see you.

Wait for the “All Clear” from the other Wait for the “All Clear” from the other flagger before releasing your queue.flagger before releasing your queue.

Check and be sure that the laneCheck and be sure that the lane

is clear before releasing traffic.is clear before releasing traffic.

Turn the sign toTurn the sign to

read “SLOW”.read “SLOW”.

andand

Signal the leadSignal the lead

driver to driver to proceedproceed

using the left using the left sideside

of the road.of the road.

Direct the otherDirect the other

vehicles in the vehicles in the lineline

to drive on the to drive on the leftleft

side of the road. side of the road.

AndAnd

Signal the driversSignal the drivers

to SLOW ifto SLOW if

necessarynecessary

Flagging With 2 Flagging With 2 FlaggersFlaggers

Traffic has to drive on the Traffic has to drive on the right hand side of the right hand side of the

road.road.

Place 3 Cones across the lane wherePlace 3 Cones across the lane where

you want to close it to traffic.you want to close it to traffic.

Stop the firstStop the first

vehicle whilevehicle while

standing nearstanding near

the right the right handhand

shoulder.shoulder.

THENTHEN

Take a newTake a new

position near position near thethe

center of thecenter of the

road.road.

Check carefully before releasing trafficCheck carefully before releasing traffic..

Remove the cone from the middle of the laneRemove the cone from the middle of the lane

just before letting traffic pass.just before letting traffic pass.

Turn the sign Turn the sign to read to read “SLOW”.“SLOW”.

Motion the lead Motion the lead vehiclevehicle

to proceed straightto proceed straight

ahead on the rightahead on the right

hand side of the road.hand side of the road.

Signal traffic toSignal traffic toslow downslow downwhenever neededwhenever needed..

RepeatRepeat

As often as As often as neededneeded

until all vehicles inuntil all vehicles in

the queue havethe queue have

gone throughgone through..

Turn the sign to Turn the sign to ““StopStop””

Replace the cone in Replace the cone in the middle of the the middle of the lanelane

Stand near theStand near the

shoulder until nextshoulder until next

vehicle approaches.vehicle approaches.

After vehicle stopsAfter vehicle stops

take a position visibletake a position visible

to approaching trafficto approaching traffic

near the center ofnear the center of

the roadthe road..

Single Flagging Single Flagging OperationsOperations

Use 2 flaggers if there is moreUse 2 flaggers if there is more

than a few vehicles each hour.than a few vehicles each hour.

Stand in aStand in a

place that isplace that is

away from theaway from the

work and otherwork and other

workers. workers.

Stand whereStand where

you can be you can be

easily seen by easily seen by

driversdrivers

Flagger

Be sure that you are visible to trafficBe sure that you are visible to traffic

coming from both directionscoming from both directions

Slow and/or stop the trafficSlow and/or stop the traffic

passing through the work zone.passing through the work zone.

Make Make eye contacteye contact with the drivers with the drivers

when giving direction to driverswhen giving direction to drivers..

THE ENDTHE END