2. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
RESPONSIBILITIES OF
A TRAFFIC CONTROL PERSON (TCP)
• Check with crew leaders or traffic control
supervisors before the shift starts to find out about
the day’s activities.
• Check location of first aid stations and identify
workers with First Aid Certification.
• Identify and locate equipment working on the site
and locations of work activities of the equipment.
• Assist in setup of traffic control zones in
accordance with regulations and standards.
3. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
• Check hand signals used by crew to indicate
work activities.
• Control traffic from highly visible and safe
positions.
• Locate safe escape routes.
• Adjust work zones as work progresses.
• Respond to emergency situations and hazards,
as required.
• Remove traffic control devices at the end of the
day or when the job is finished.
4. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
CHALLENGES
WORKING AS A
TRAFFIC CONTROL PERSON
5. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Working safely in different geographic locations.
Small residential neighborhoods
Bridges
Malls
Busy commercial areas
Hospital zones
Construction sites
Various road configurations
straight stretch
hills
curves
6. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Working safely under various environmental
conditions.
Winter – cold stress
Summer – heat stress, insect bites
Fog
Snow
Rain
Noisy – requiring hearing protection
Dusty – requiring eye protection
7. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Working safely at various times of the day.
• Early in the morning
• All through the night
8. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
TCP’s must often participate in onsite safety meetings
(often called tailgate meetings because they typically
occur around the back of the traffic control
supervisor’s vehicle).
Traffic control plans and other safety issues
are discussed.
Provide opportunities for TCP’s to ask
questions and raise concerns. Do not be shy
about asking questions! Your safety will depend
on your understanding of work zone hazards and
safety precautions.
Frequently are held at the beginning of a shift
but may occur throughout the shift if the work
zone is moving or if adjustments are required to
the work zone setup.
10. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
The use of personal protective equipment
(PPE) on the job is required. It is your
responsibility to wear appropriate clothing on
the job that will provide you with general
protection and comfort. For most worksites,
long pants and a shirt with sleeves will
provide adequate protection. Never wear
clothing that will distract motorists.
11. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
In addition to dressing for the weather you are
always required to wear:
o Safety footwear
o Safety headgear
o Retro-reflective vest
o Retro-reflective wrist bands
You may also be required to wear hearing, eye, or
respiratory protection depending on worksite
conditions.
12. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Workers are usually required to provide the
following equipment:
Clothing required for protection
against natural elements
Safety footwear and general
purpose work gloves
Safety headgear
13. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
SAFETY FOOTWEAR
Safety-toed footwear with ankle support must be
worn. (No running shoes) If there is a hazard of hot
material falling into your footwear, always wear long
pants with cuffs outside the footwear.
SAFETY HEADGEAR
Wear approved safety headgear that meets or
exceeds the approved headgear standards and fits
properly and comfortably. Do not write on, paint, or
decorate your headgear with stickers as glues and
paints may deteriorate the plastic and detract from
the warning color. In cold weather, an insert can be
used to keep warm.
14. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
RETRO-REFLECTIVE VEST
• Must be fluorescent orange with at least one
horizontal retro-reflective strip around the waist.
• Must meet or exceed approved standards for
high visibility garments.
• All vests will have two vertical retro-reflective
strips on each side of the front and an “X” on the
back.
• A battery-operated flashing-light vest can be
worn for additional safety in situations where
visibility is extremely poor.
15. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
EAR PROTECTION
1. Choose a style of ear protection that you can
wear comfortably that meets or exceeds
recognized standards.
2. Earplugs may be more comfortable in hot
weather. They should be pliable, fit each ear
tightly and be disposable or easy to clean.
3. Earmuffs may be required in cold weather.
4. In high noise situations both earplugs and
earmuffs may be required.
5. Both hearing protection and audiometric hearing
tests should be provided by the employer.
16. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
EYE PROTECTION
Regular prescription glasses or sunglasses will
not provide adequate protection.
Wear shatterproof approved safety glasses to
protect eyes in areas where there is the danger of
flying objects and/or excessive dust levels.
(Excessive dust concentrations may irritate contact
lenses.).
Choose a style and type of eye protection that is
comfortable and applicable to the type of worksite.
17. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Necessary where there is an unacceptable level of
contamination from dust, fumes, or other pollutants.
High dust level – wear an approved particle mask
Extreme dust level – wear a respirator
Fumes or chemical pollution – wear a cartridge
style mask
It is the employer’s responsibility to provide
equipment.
A tight face seal usually requires a clean shaven
face.
Consult your supervisor or employer if you are
unsure about what type of protection to use.
18. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
MAINTAINING YOUR PPE
• Keep footwear waterproofed and clean to prevent
deterioration of the leather.
• Keep earplugs clean and stored in their protective
case when not in use. Replace them if they are
disposable or become damaged.
• Keep earmuffs clean and free from damage.
•Store protective glasses in a case, when not is use,
to prevent damage. Keep them clean at all times.
19. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Store retro-reflective vests and accessories
carefully when not in use. Check before use for
cleanliness and damaged or missing retro-
reflective strips. Check batteries for flashing
type vests.
Keep headgear clean. Check for damage and
the expire date. Replace when required.
Check headgear regularly by flexing it to see if
it has become brittle due to sun exposure and/or
other weather conditions.
Check the suspension inside headgear and
replace it annually or sooner if there is evidence
of damage or extreme wear.
20. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Maintain a kit containing:
water bottle
lip balm
insect repellant
sunscreen
band-aids
antiseptic cream
sunglasses
spare socks
rain gear
spare gloves
washcloth
chin strap for safety
headgear
whistle
air horn
pen and notebook
masking tape
21. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
USING TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
Traffic control equipment is used to regulate,
warn, and guide motorists and pedestrians.
Traffic control can be achieved by the use of
permanently installed devices. In work zones,
traffic control is achieved by the use of
temporary equipment and TCP’s.
22. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
PERSONAL TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT
Traffic Control Paddles - used to direct traffic.
Flashlights with Red Signaling Wands (night use
and in poor visibility) – used to direct traffic
Communication Devices – audible communication
such as a whistle to get the attention of a machine
operator or motorist. Two-way radio may be
required to communicate with other TCP’s.
Recording Materials – Pen/Pencil and a small book
like a diary or notebook that can be used to record
important information, i.e., license plate number.
23. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
MAINTAINING PERSONAL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
Before beginning your shift check:
traffic control paddle for cleanliness and
damage.
flashlight for operation and replace batteries
if necessary (always carry spare batteries).
signaling wand for damage and replace if
necessary.
audible devices for operation (always carry
spare batteries for radio).
for paper and pen/pencils for record-keeping.
24. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
A strip of masking tape can be attached to a
traffic control paddle on which to write a
temporary note in the event paper and pencil
are not readily available. Information like
license number or vehicle type can then be
transferred to a permanent record later.
HELPFUL HINT:
25. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT
Signs – permanent ones already in place or temporary
signs used for specific control situations. All signs
must be reflectorized or illuminated.
Regulatory Signs – traffic sign that advises motorists
or pedestrians that certain actions are required of
them.
Warning Signs – warns motorists that conditions on or
adjacent to a highway are potentially hazardous.
Flags – red or orange flags must be securely attached
to all signs warning of workers on the road.
26. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Channelizing Devices – used to guide motorists
and pedestrians safely away from, around, or
through the work zone; may also be used to
separate traffic traveling in opposite directions.
1. Flexible drums
2. Cones and tubular markers
3. Temporary delineator posts
4. Barricades
5. Barriers
27. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Lighting Devices – draw attention to traffic
control devices and work vehicles.
• Flashing yellow warning lights
• Flashing vehicle lights
• Steady burning warning lights
• Flashing arrow boards
• Floodlights
28. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Buffer Vehicles – equipped with appropriate
warning devices providing protection for workers
Shadow Vehicles – vehicles with an appropriate
sign on the rear used as an advanced warning
device in moving operations.
High Level Warning Devices – used mostly in areas
where normal advance warning distances are not
available or where regularly mounted temporary
signs might be concealed by parked vehicles.
30. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
Devices must be constantly checked and
maintained to provide good visibility and perform
the functions for which they are designed.
Check carefully for damage and condition.
Avoid the use of faded or marred retro-reflective
surfaces.
Examine flashing and rotating lights for
brightness and operation.
When the job is completed, control devices
should be checked to make sure they are in good
condition before being put into storage so they
will be in good repair for the next job.
31. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
The work zone traffic control supervisor or
designate should ensure that the control
devices are inspected at regular intervals for
continued relevance and to make sure they
have not been hit, displaced, damaged, or are
becoming worn or deteriorating in any way.
This includes checking flashing lights and
rotating beacons for brightness and
operation. The inspection interval should be
frequent enough that safety of the workplace
is maintained.
32. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
USING AND INTERPRETING SIGNALS
A TCP must:
Be able to indicate to workers, equipment
operators, pedestrians and other TCP’s what
they have to do.
Be able to signal quickly and accurately
with clarity and without confusion.
Gain the other person’s attention by using:
• Traffic control paddles
• Whistles
• Flashlights and signaling wands
• Hand signals
• Radios
33. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
All of these devices may be used separately or
together to allow you to convey instructions to
another person.
Be aware that the sound of a whistle may be
difficult to hear in a very noisy work zone.
A good method of determining whether or not you
have someone’s attention is to make eye contact.
Their reaction or non-reaction will let you know if
they have received your signal.
GENERAL INFORMATION
34. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
POSITIONING
1. Position yourself in an area that provides
maximum visibility AND a safe escape route.
2. Positioning is important especially on curves and
hills.
3. For safety there may need to be more than one
TCP.
4. If a TCP cannot be positioned so there will be no
interference with other traffic control devices
(stop signs, traffic signals) it may be necessary to
cover those signals in order to avoid confusion.
35. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
To direct traffic:
Place yourself in a safe position usually on the
shoulder out of the way of vehicles.
Display the paddle with the STOP side visible
to the first oncoming vehicle.
As the vehicle approaches, and the driver
acknowledges you by making eye contact, move
out onto the traveled part of the road on the
driver’s side of the traffic that you are
controlling.
36. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
REMAINING ON DUTY
A TCP must remain at his/her assigned traffic control
station until relieved by another TCP or the traffic
control supervisor.
SIGNALING OTHER TCP’s
When two or more TCP’s are working as a team, one
should be responsible for traffic coordination. That
person will issue required signals for change of traffic
flow. Responsibility for co-ordinating traffic flow can
be switched from TCP to TCP throughout the day
depending on which one has the best visibility.
38. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
TCP’s are present at work zones:
• to control traffic
• to provide for safe passage of equipment and
workers
• to allow for work to proceed as smoothly as
possible.
To perform these functions:
• TCP’s must be visible to the traffic for a sufficient
distance to allow them to signal motorists and the
required response before traffic enters the work
area.
39. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
PROESSIONAL CONDUCT
1. TCP’s should be courteous but firm with
motorists, pedestrians and workers.
2. TCP’s should have a sense of responsibility for the
safety of the work crew and the general public.
3. To properly direct traffic, TCP’s should stand
facing the traffic under their control, in a position
where they can easily be seen.
4. TCP’s should use standard signals to indicate
what actions they want the motorist, pedestrian
or equipment operator to perform.
40. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
TRAFFIC CONTROL VIOLATIONS
It is important to keep accurate records of incidents
while controlling traffic to provide information to the
police. In order of importance the TCP should note:
License plate number
Province or state of origin
Make and color of vehicle
Description of the driver
Time of day during which incident occurred
Names and telephone numbers of witnesses
42. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
HAZARDOUS INCIDENTS
1. Transportation of dangerous goods
2. Hazardous spills
3. Broken gas lines and mains
4. Broken sewer lines and water mains
5. Downed or broken power lines
43. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
If a hazardous spill occurs around the work zone:
1. Do not take undue risks:
Do not approach or investigate until the
hazard and/or material has been identified.
Do not touch, taste or smell material if it
has not been identified.
Remain upwind and uphill of spill if
possible.
44. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
2. Direct traffic around the spill if possible.
3. Information to gather when reporting a
hazardous spill:
Type of terrain (include ditch, creek, river,
lake, etc.)
Type of dangerous goods label and placard,
if visible.
4. Notify your traffic control supervisor.
45. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
BROKEN GAS LINES AND MAINS
Very hazardous because the pressure of the
gas could cause a widespread explosion.
When controlling traffic, choose a position
further back from the work area so traffic can be
stopped if the line breaks.
Look for an alternate emergency route that
will allow escape from the broken gas line.
Stop all traffic and make sure that workers
and motorists stay well back from the area.
46. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
BROKEN SEWER LINES
The effluent is possibly toxic. Stay away from the
area and wait for directions from the traffic control
supervisor or crew foreman.
BROKEN WATER MAIN
May undermine the road structure. Important
to communicate with the crew to see if there
are any hazards they encountered in their
work.
47. Security Officer Training Program
Traffic Control
July 2004
DOWNED OR BROKEN POWER LINES
•At the beginning of each shift, note any power
lines that may run through or close to the
worksite.
•Be aware, a raised bucket from an excavator or
the raised box of a dump truck can bring down
power lines.
•If this occurs, stop traffic immediately and
keep workers and motorists away from the area.
•The traffic control supervisor or the crew
foreman should call the local electrical utility for
assistance.
