WorkZone

Introduction

Navigating this site

Lesson 1: MUTCD

Lesson 2: Work Zone Safety & Responsibility

Lesson 3: The Work Zone

Lesson 4: Flagging, Equipment, & Procedures

Flagging tips

Flagging Procedures with Stop-Slow Paddle

1. To Alert and Slow Traffic

• Face the traffic.
• Extend the paddle in a vertical position so the "SLOW" side is visible to the oncoming driver.
• For emphasis, the free hand may be raised and lower5ed with palm down.

2. To Stop Traffic

• Face the traffic.
• Stand on the road shoulder.
• Extend the paddle in a vertical position so the "STOP" side is visible to oncoming driver.
• Make eye contact with driver.
• Raise and expose palm of free hand above shoulder level to indicate vehicle is required to stop.

3. To Direct Stopped Traffic to Proceed

• Face the Traffic.
• Show the "SLOW" side of paddle.
• Motion traffic  to proceed with free hand.

Lesson 4: Flagging, equipment, placement, and procedures

After completing this lesson you will be able to name the proper personal protective equipment for flaggers, identify the recommended placement of flaggers in the work zone, and demonstrate the correct signaling procedures as prescribed by the MUTCD.

Flagging *
(* Flagging is an  "old " term -- a Stop/Slow paddle should be used in most situations and a flag should be rarely used!)

Flagging is a very important and demanding job whether it be in a work zone, during utility installation or repair, or during an emergency road hazard situation. Flaggers should only be used when required to control traffic. Flaggers protect workers, emergency repair and rescue personnel, and the traveling public. It is unfortunate and sometimes disastrous that too often flagging is assigned to unmotivated or untrained people. Supervisors may assume that everyone knows how to flag when, in fact, road workers need to be trained to be effective flaggers.

Flaggers need the proper attitude, the proper equipment; and proper training. Proper attitude includes being:

• Alert
• Motivated
• Committed

High-Visibility Clothing

  For daytime work, the flagger's vest, shirt, or jacket shall be orange, yellow, strong yellow green or fluorescent versions of these colors "apparel shall be ANSI Standard Class 2". For nighttime work, "apparel should be ANSI Standard Class 3", similar outside garments shall be retro-reflective. The retro-reflective material shall be orange, yellow, white, silver, strong yellow green, or a fluorescent version of one of these colors and shall be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet. The retro-reflective clothing shall be designed to identify clearly the wearer as a person and be visible through the full range of body motions. Flagging station shall be illuminated.

Hand-Signaling Devices

  Hand-signaling devices, such as STOP/SLOW paddles and lights ( Use of flags should be limited to emergency Situations) are used to control traffic through temporary traffic control zones. The STOP/SLOW paddle, should be the primary hand-signaling device. The standard STOP/SLOW sign paddle shall be 18 inches wide and octagonal in shape with letters at least 6 inches high. A rigid handle should be provided. Flashing lights can also be used on the STOP face. When used at night, the STOP/SLOW paddle shall be retro-reflectorized.

  Flag use should be limited to emergency situations and a low-speed and/or low-volume locations which can best be controlled by a single flagger. Flags used for signaling shall be a minimum of 24 inches square, made of a good grade of red material, and securely fastened to a staff about 3 feed long. When used at night, flags shall be retro-reflective red.

Other Suitable Equipment:

• Hard hat
• Suitable clothes/footwear
• Air horn or whistle to communicate between flaggers
• "FLAGGER AHEAD" sign and other work zone traffic control devices prescribed by the MUTCD

Proper training
The first rule of flagging is do not stand in the travel lane! The proper place to stand in order to stop traffic is at the right shoulder of the road. That way, if the driver doesn't see the signal to stop or slow down, the flagger won't get hit. Flaggers should always have an escape route. It is preferable for drivers to hit traffic cones and stop in the buffer area than to hit the flagger. Make sure that the sight distance is long enough to allow drivers time to see and react (500 feet on faster roads, 200 feet in slower areas).

It is important to train all flaggers to adhere to standard signals. Non-standard actions will confuse drivers. To maintain attention level and alertness, it is important to relieve flaggers regularly.

To stop traffic:

• Stand on the edge of the road facing traffic
• Hold up your left hand palm outward, like a Police Officer
• Hold the paddle out away from your body, the STOP side toward traffic
• If you are using a flag, hold it out horizontally. Do not wave the flag! It confuses drivers. Make eye contact with the driver
• After the first car has stopped, you may go to the center of the road to stop succeeding cars.

To release traffic:

Step back to the shoulder of the road, turn your paddle to SLOW (or drop flag by your side). With your free hand, motion traffic to proceed. Do not wave the flag! It confuses drivers.

To make sure drivers see your flagger, remember these tips. Flaggers should...

• Be dressed appropriately
• Wear a clean, regulation vest
• Stand alone, away from other people
• Face traffic and make eye contact with drivers
• Be alert and pay attention
• Provide an escape path for flaggers

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