Safety Training Topic FLAGGER SAFETY

Safety Training Topic
FLAGGER SAFETY

Purpose of Meeting

 To remind workers that flagging is an essential component of
worksite safety, and improper flagging can result in serious
injuries to workers, motorists and pedestrians.

 To reinforce flagging safety rules.
 To consider ways to protect yourself from the hazards of flagging.

Materials and Preparation

 A copy of the written flagging safety rules or policy.

Note to Trainer

 Enter your name and the training date on the Training
Sign In Sheet.

 Have each attendee sign the Training Sign In Sheet next
to their name.

 Use this page for your reference and give attendees
copies of the remaining pages.

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SAFETY TRAINING TOPIC FLAGGING SAFETY

Introduction NOTES:

Due to the nature of our work, it is necessary
at times to work in public roadways. In such
instances traffic control, including flagging, is
an essential part of workplace safety. In order
to ensure your safety and the safety of your
coworkers, motorists and pedestrians, it is
vital that you are properly trained in flagging
and then refresher trainings are given
periodically.

This training has been developed to educate
workers about how to be an effective flagger.

Responsibilities

Flaggers have direct responsibility for the safe
passage of traffic in a work area. The lives of
workers, drivers and pedestrians depend on
the flagger’s alertness and ability to control
traffic.

Flaggers shall be utilized at locations on a
construction site where barricades and
warning signs cannot control the moving
traffic.

When flaggers are required, they shall be
placed in relation to the equipment or
operation so as to give effective warning.

Flaggers are responsible for warning the work
crew when a driver disregards a flagger’s
signal causing an emergency.

Flaggers should be on duty during the
installation and removal of equipment and
traffic control devices located on any portion
of a through traffic lane.

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Dealing with the Public NOTES:

FLAGGING SAFETY As a flagger, you are representing us. We
expect you to be courteous to the public while
exercising your authority to control traffic.
Some key things to remember:

 When stopping traffic, briefly advise
the driver of the situation and
estimated length of the delay when it
is appropriate and safe to do so.

 Never lean on a vehicle or argue with
drivers

 If a driver refuses to obey instructions,
note the vehicle description and
license plate number and notify your
Supervisor.

Apparel

Flaggers should wear warning garments in
specific, highly visible colors, such as a vest,
jacket or shirt in orange, strong yellow-green
or fluorescent versions of these. These
garments must be worn rain or shine.

If it’s dark, the flagger should be wearing
reflectorized garments, visible from a
minimum distance of 1,000 feet. Additionally,
the flagger’s station should be lit so the
flagger will be clearly visible to approaching
traffic.

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FLAGGING SAFETY Two lane / two way roads NOTES:

 The flagger stands in a safe position
on the shoulder and is visible to traffic.

 The flagger faces traffic and extends
the STOP/SLOW paddle in a vertical
position with the arm extended
horizontally away from the body,
aiming the full STOP face to oncoming
traffic.

 The flagger should look directly at the
approaching driver and shall raise and
expose the palm of the free hand
above the shoulder level to indicate
the vehicle is required to stop.

 After the first vehicle has stopped, the
flagger then moves to a position near
the centerline so the STOP face can
be seen by approaching drivers.

Working with another
flagger

 When there are two flaggers, one Provided by:
should be designated as the chief DKF Solutions Group
flagger for purposes of coordinating for
movement.

 Flaggers shall be able to communicate
with each other verbally, by means of
signals that cannot be mistaken for
flagging signals or by two-way radios.

 Where the end of a one-lane section is
not visible from the other end, the last
vehicle can be identified by description
or license and relayed to the other
flagger.

 Each flagger must be stationed at
least 100 feet from the work crew and
should be visible to oncoming traffic
for a minimum of 500 feet.

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One-way Traffic Control NOTES:

FLAGGING SAFETY  When traffic traveling in both
directions must for a short distance
use the same lane, alternate traffic
flow must be used allowing traffic from
each direction to pass through the
constricted section.

 Select control points at each end that
will allow easy passing of opposing
lanes of traffic.

 Establish method of communication
between flaggers—verbal, signals or
two-way radio.

Releasing Traffic

 When releasing traffic the flagger
should move to a safe position on the
shoulder or in the closed lane and face
traffic.

 The flagger will then hold the paddle in
a vertical position with the arm
extended horizonally away from the
body and rotate the paddle so that the
full SLOW face is aimed at traffic.

 Traffic movement should be waved
forward by moving the free arm across
the body.

 The free arm may be extended
horizontally away from the body and
raised and lowered with the palm
down, indicating that the vehicle
should slow down.

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Safety Guidelines NOTES:

FLAGGING SAFETY  Notify your Supervisor if you are
fatigued and are not alert enough to
perform your duties safely.

 Do not mingle with the work crew.

 Do not leave your post unless
authorized to do so or when replaced
by another flagger.

 Never turn your back on approaching
traffic until the motorist has come to a
complete stop.

 Do not sit while on duty.

 Maintain two safety escape routes in
case of emergency.

 Avoid standing in the shade as it will
reduce your visibility significantly.

 Avoid standing in front of your
equipment as it reduces your visibility
signifacantly.

 Be aware of your placement near hills
and curves so that drivers can see you
in time to slow down.

 The use of cellular phones while
performing flagging duties is
prohibited.

Conclusion

Working in traffic areas always presents some
risks. It takes everyone working together to
minimize hazards and create a safer work
environment.

Follow all safety policies and procedures, and Provided by:
if you are ever unsure about how to safely DKF Solutions Group
perform flagging duties see your supervisor for
immediately.

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