"Flagging" in the State of Maine
Available Resources for "Flagger Training"
1. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices — Part VI and many other traffic safety manuals. Available thru the following organizations:
2. Maine Local Roads Center
Maine DOT— Sta. 16
Community Services Division
Augusta ME 04333
tel. 207/624-3270 or 1-800-498-9133 (only within Maine)
3. American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)
15 Riverside Pkwy Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA 22406-1022
Training dept. 540-368-1701 toll free (877) 642-4637
www.atssa.com
4. Internet site:
www.flagger.com (certified flagger course)
5. Internet site:
Work zone and flagging tutorial for Maine
6. National Safety Council
1121 Spring Lake Drive
Itasca IL 60143-3201
800/621-7619
www.nsc.org/psg/flagger.htm
7. National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse
TTI — Bldg D, Suite 106
707 Texas Avenue
College Station TX 77840
409/862-2400
http://wzsafety.tamu.edu
FLAGGING VIDEOS
(Videos available from Maine Local Roads Center-- MDOT
Flagging Operations and Procedures
Produced for So. Carolina Dep’t of Highways by Univ. of No. Carolina Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE), 23 minutes, copyright 1993
Description: The video is designed to help prepare personnel to become flaggers. Flagger’s responsibilities, the 6 typical situations of flagging and the supervisor’s responsibilities are presented. Flaggers tell their unfortunate flagging stories prior to the video presentation.
Comments: Excellent presentation. The Center utilizes this video in their Work Zone Traffic Control workshops.
Work Zone Safety for Rural Local Agencies
Produced by: Univ. of No. Carolina Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) / FHWA
Length: 7 parts, 102 minute
Description:
Part 1: Introduction - 16 minutes Focus on short term work sites. Primary concern is workers’ and motorist’s safety. Setting up a work zone.
Part 2: Traffic Control Devices - 18 minutes Sign Classifications - Regulatory, warning, guides. Proper sign spacing in a work zone. Pavement markings and types of channelizing devices (i.e. Cones, drums, barricade types, warning light types, arrow panels)
Part 3: Traffic Control Zones - 15 minutes Discuss 5 areas of the work zone. Various taper lengths and calculations. Discuss mobile operation and how areas relate to that situation.
Part 4: Typical Applications - 16 minutes Primary concern is to warn and guide motorist. Present various installation schemes (i.e. shoulder work, 2 lane w/1 lane closure @ high speed location, etc.)
Part 5: Flagging - 13 minutes Discuss responsibilities of the flagger and the necessary equipment. Proper procedures for stopping and releasing traffic. Present various flagging situations (1 flagger, 2 flagger, etc.)
Part 6: Legal Liability - 16 minutes Starts with a "staged" discussion of cases where towns, states and counties were sued. Discuss the devices and other criteria which weren’t used and led to the suits. Five steps to minimize lawsuits.
Part 7: A Typical Day - 8 minutes The process of setting up a work zone from preparation to proper sign placement to driveway and traffic involvement are discussed
Comments: Video does a good job presenting all aspects of work zone traffic control.
Freddie & Frank: It’s Up to You
Produced by: Oklahoma DOT, 7 minute
Description: This short video presents "crazy Freddie" the flagger who doesn’t have his act together and demonstrates the improper way to flag. Frank, on the other hand, has the proper equipment and attire and demonstrates the desired way to control traffic.
Comments: Excellent presentation, simple and to the point. The Maine Local Roads Center utilizes this video in their Work Zone Traffic Control workshops also.
Nighttime Traffic Control
Produced by: American Traffic Safety Services Assoc. (ATSSA); 18 minute
Description: Examines the factors making nighttime work areas more hazardous than daytime, also demonstrates the steps which can be undertaken to provide safe traffic control
Comments: Video demonstrates well how reflectorized signing helps the motorist. Shows how to improve the visibiity, at nightime, of highway traffic control devices.
Defensive Flagging - A Survivors Guide
Produced by: Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) in conjunction with Texas DOT, 17 minute
Description: This video focuses on the important role the flagger plays in the safety of the crew, themselves and the motorists. The flagger’s attire, equipment, proper hand signaling and proper positioning on the roadway are all discussed. There are traffic safety tips for the flagger to follow as well as tips on how to deal with upset motorists. An interesting part of this video has the viewer find 10 mistakes within a work zone as you travel through it
Comments: The "check for mistakes" run through is a good way to keep the viewer’s interest and is helpful as well. The focus is on "flagging", not signage, but the video refers to the MUTCD as a reference for proper work zone signage
Flagging: You're The Director
Produced by: Coastal Video Communications Corp., 18 minute
Description: The job of the flagger is crucial for preventing highway work zone accidents. However, flaggers are often not properly trained or not trained at all. This valuable video program reviews vital flagging procedures.
Last updated 12/23/08
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