Traffic Flagger Job Description

Traffic Flaggers

Traffic flaggers expose themselves to the most dangerous road conditions in order to prevent accidents. The safety of everyone on the road, including themselves, is ensured by the trained flaggers. They receive certification to use signaling methods.

Equipment operators, drivers and road workers are familiar with construction vehicle routes. Good vision, exceptional hearing and mental acuity are required for traffic flagging. The traffic flaggers must wear high visibility clothing.

During daylight hours, flaggers wear orange, yellow, yellow-green or fluorescent attire. Nighttime hours require retro reflective orange, white, yellow, yellow-green, silver, and fluorescent attire visible from at least 1,000 feet. A traffic flagger never argues with people in a vehicle.

The flagger informs his supervisor when drivers refuse to obey instructions, usually via two-way radio. The flaggers never leave their post. The driver's identifying features are reported by flaggers.

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.

Traffic Safety Training for Construction Workers

Get training on safe work practices, traffic control procedures, and communication techniques from a qualified person. Understand the different roadwork dangers. If needed, warn coworkers of emergency situations.

You can control traffic with the correct procedures. To give motorists time to notice construction activity, locate the flagger station far enough in front of the work zone. When choosing a flagger station location, consider road speed, visibility, and other road conditions.

The signs are sized according to the road conditions. Place stations away from construction vehicles to avoid accidents. Vehicles can get to an escape route if they accidentally run through the area.

Stay alert at all times while on duty. Stand off to the side of the road or in the closed lane of traffic to avoid traffic. Don't enter the road until traffic has stopped.