Traffic Control Flagger Job Description

Traffic Control Flaggers

A traffic control flagger is a government agency or construction company employee who controls traffic. They do it with the help of special equipment. flaggers help construction workers and motorists avoid danger at the construction site

They communicate with construction workers and flaggers by coordinating with other flaggers at different locations around the construction site and by telling them about traffic issues that may affect the construction or worker safety. Flaggers keep records of drivers who don't obey construction signs and other instructions and send them to their supervisors, who usually send them to law enforcement officers. Although a high school degree is not a requirement for all flagger jobs, having one can help set you apart from other candidates.

It can help you acquire skills for the role. If you haven't graduated from high school, you can still get an equivalency degree. Specific training for flaggers involves learning a variety of procedures that you would use in real-world scenarios.

The Flaggers of a Highway Construction Site

The flaggers are positioned far ahead of the obstruction site. They wear reflective gear to help drivers see them better, and wear standard safety items such as hard hats and work boots. The flagger may be able to see drivers at night because the site is illuminated.

Those interested in pursuing a career in the outdoors need to be prepared to work in a wide range of conditions. They must be willing to stand for long periods and be comfortable with the public. Road workers face constant risk from traffic and should take precautions to protect themselves and avoid accidents.

Work Zone Flaggers

A flagger is needed to alert traffic or stop traffic intermittently if there is a work zone. The public and other workers are protected by the flagging operation. A flagger should act in a responsible manner.

The flagger only works in traffic control and work zone protection. The flagger must not engage in any work activities or distraction and must remain on duty until relieved. Where possible, use stop-slow paddles.

There are times when the use of a paddle is impractical at an intersection or where the back-side message is inappropriate for opposing traffic. A flagger has their activities brought into contact with the public. It is important that the flaggers conduct themselves in a way which will bring credit to themselves and the Department, as they are the ones the public sees in most cases.

Thorough and professional conduct shall always be exercised. A flagger should be courteous even under trying conditions. A spotter is a person with the same qualifications.

A Flagger for One-Way Traffic Control

The flagger should stand on the shoulder next to the traffic. A flagger is only allowed to stand in the lane being used by moving traffic after traffic has stopped. The flagger should be in position in advance of workers to warn them of danger from out-of-control vehicles, for example, with audible warning devices such as horns or whistles.

Channelizing devices, such as cones, are one of the additional flagger equipment that includes drinking water, protective clothing, and 2-way radios. To stop traffic, face traffic and aim the stop paddle face toward traffic in a stationary position with the arm extended away from the body. The free arm should be held with the palm of the hand above the shoulder.

To direct traffic to proceed after stopping, face traffic with the SLOW paddle face aimed toward traffic in a stationary position with the arm extended away from the body. The motion with the free hand for traffic to proceed, moving arm in a sweeping gesture, and ending by pointing to the lane traffic is to use, was made with the help of the free hand. To alert or slow traffic, face traffic with the SLOW paddle face aimed toward traffic in a stationary position with the arm extended away from the body.

To alert traffic, hold the SLOW paddle face toward traffic, with the free arm outstretched and palm down, move arm up and down in a pumping motion. To stop traffic, face traffic and extend the flag staff horizontally across the traffic lane in a stationary position so that the full area of the flag is visible. The palm of the hand should be higher than the shoulder level to hold the free arm.

To direct stopped traffic to proceed, stand parallel to the traffic movement and with the flag and arm lowered from the view of the traffic, motion with the free hand for traffic to proceed. The use of flags to signal traffic is not allowed. To wave the flag in a way that will alert or slow traffic, face traffic and slowly wave the flag from shoulder level to straight down without raising the arm above a horizontal position.