Traffic Control Safety Procedures

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the safety requirements for traffic control persons (TCPs) to prevent accidents and injuries on roadways and construction sites. It applies to all workers involved in traffic control activities, including flagging, setup and removal of traffic control devices, and monitoring traffic flow. This SWP aims to minimize risks associated with vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, and environmental conditions. It does not cover complex traffic management plans requiring engineering design or specialized traffic control schemes.

2. Definitions

Traffic Control Person (TCP) A trained worker responsible for directing traffic using standard flagging techniques and traffic control devices. Traffic Control Devices Cones, barricades, signs, and other devices used to channelize traffic and protect workers. Traffic Control Plan (TCP) A temporary traffic management strategy implemented to safely guide vehicles and pedestrians through or around a work zone. Risk Assessment The process of identifying potential hazards and implementing control measures to minimize risks.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all traffic control persons are adequately trained and competent to perform their duties.
• Provide all necessary equipment and PPE in good working order.
• Conduct regular site inspections to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Ensure pre-job briefings are conducted to discuss potential hazards and control measures.

3.2 Workers

• Attend required training and demonstrate competency in traffic control procedures.
• Inspect and properly use all required PPE.
• Follow all established traffic control procedures and instructions.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Participate in job safety analysis. [1]

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Vehicle traffic	Workers being struck by vehicles.	Establish a clear and comprehensive traffic control plan. Use highly visible traffic control devices. Ensure TCPs are trained and competent.
Heavy equipment operation	Workers being struck by equipment.	Use barriers or designated walkways to separate workers from equipment. Ensure equipment operators are trained and aware of TCP locations.
Low visibility (e.g., fog, rain, night)	Reduced visibility of workers and traffic control devices.	Provide high-visibility clothing (e.g., reflective vests). Use lighting to increase visibility during low-light conditions.
Extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain)	Heatstroke, hypothermia, or other weather-related illnesses.	Provide adequate shelter and breaks. Ensure workers are hydrated and protected from extreme temperatures.
Malfunctioning or inadequate traffic control devices	Ineffective traffic control, leading to accidents.	Conduct regular inspections of traffic control devices. Replace damaged or worn equipment immediately.
Emergency situations (e.g., vehicle accidents, medical emergencies)	Delayed or ineffective response to emergencies.	Provide training on emergency procedures. Establish clear communication protocols for emergencies.
Manual handling of heavy traffic control devices	Musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., strains, sprains).	Ensure workers are trained on proper lifting techniques. Provide mechanical aids for moving heavy objects.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All traffic control persons must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

• High-Visibility Clothing: High-visibility safety apparel is essential for ensuring that traffic control personnel are easily seen by drivers, especially in low-light conditions or inclement weather. The apparel must meet ANSI standards for high visibility.
• Safety Footwear: Safety footwear provides protection against foot injuries from impacts, punctures, and compression. Steel-toed boots are recommended for traffic control personnel working in construction zones.
• Hard Hat: Head protection is necessary to protect against head injuries from falling objects or accidental impacts. Hard hats must meet ANSI standards for impact resistance. [2]
• Eye Protection: Eye protection is important for protecting against dust, debris, and other hazards. Safety glasses or goggles must meet ANSI standards for impact resistance. [2]
• Gloves: Gloves provide hand protection against cuts, abrasions, and other hazards. Work gloves with good grip are recommended for traffic control personnel. [2]

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be inspected before use to ensure they are in good working condition.

• Two-Way Radios: Used to provide clear communication between traffic control persons, especially in noisy environments or over distances. Ensure radios are fully charged and functioning properly before each shift.
• Traffic Cones and Barricades: Used to channelize traffic, delineate work zones, and protect workers. Ensure cones are clean, visible, and in good condition.
• Stop/Slow Paddles: Used to provide temporary traffic control in specific situations. Ensure stop/slow paddles are clean, visible, and in good condition.
• Warning Lights and Flares: Used to provide additional warning to drivers, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions. Ensure lights are functioning properly and batteries are charged.

Traffic cones and barricades should be inspected for damage (e.g., cracks, tears, instability) before each shift. Damaged equipment must be removed from service. Two-way radios must be tested for functionality and battery life before each shift.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All TCPs must be trained and certified in traffic control procedures. Training must include flagging techniques, traffic control device setup, and emergency response. Refresher training should be conducted regularly.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any traffic control activity. The briefing should cover the scope of work, potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: The work area must be inspected to identify potential hazards (e.g., uneven surfaces, overhead obstructions). Traffic control devices must be placed according to the traffic control plan.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Review Traffic Control Plan: Review the traffic control plan and understand the scope of work, traffic patterns, and potential hazards.
2. Inspect PPE: Inspect all required PPE, including high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and head protection, ensuring it is in good condition.
3. Set Up Traffic Control Devices: Position traffic control devices according to the traffic control plan, ensuring they are visible and properly spaced.
4. Direct Traffic: Use standard flagging techniques to direct traffic, maintaining clear and concise hand signals.
5. Monitor Traffic Flow: Monitor traffic flow and adjust traffic control devices as needed to maintain safety and efficiency.
6. Communicate with Team: Communicate with other TCPs and workers using two-way radios to coordinate traffic control efforts.
7. Take Breaks: Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue and maintain alertness.
8. Report Incidents: Report any incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
9. Remove Traffic Control Devices: Remove traffic control devices according to the traffic control plan, ensuring the roadway is clear and safe for normal traffic flow.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Never turn your back to live traffic.
• Maintain constant awareness of surroundings.
• Use clear and concise hand signals.
• Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.
• Report any unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation. Ensure personal safety and the safety of others. Activate the emergency response plan and follow established procedures.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Vehicle Intrusion into Work Zone: Activate emergency stop procedures for equipment. Provide first aid if trained and safe to do so. Contact emergency services and provide details of the incident.
• Worker Struck by Vehicle or Equipment: Move to a safe location away from the fallen worker. Contact emergency services and provide details of the incident. Do not attempt to move the injured worker unless there is immediate danger.
• Fire: Evacuate the area and move to a safe distance. Contact emergency services and report the fire. Use a fire extinguisher only if trained and the fire is small and contained.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Provide the location, type of emergency, and any injuries sustained.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A written report must be submitted within 24 hours, detailing the incident, contributing factors, and any injuries sustained.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation will involve interviews with involved parties, review of procedures, and site inspection.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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