information and...

Information and TrainingFor information, copies of this pocket guide,and training opportunities in work zone trafficcontrol, flagging, or other street and highwaydesign, operation and maintenance topics,contact the Wisconsin Transportation InformationCenter, a project of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Engineering ProfessionalDevelopment, funded as a Local TransportationAssistance Program by the Federal HighwayAdministration, Wisconsin Department ofTransportation, and UW–Extension.

Transportation Information Center – LTAPUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison432 N. Lake StreetMadison, WI 53706TEL 800-442-4615FAX 608-263-3160EMAIL [email protected] SITE http://tic.engr.wisc.edu

Transportation Information Center – LTAPUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison

Flagger’sHandbook

March 2011

Flagger11r.qxd:Wisc.FlaggersHandbook 2/28/11 2:37 PM

Name

Flagger11r.qxd:Wisc.FlaggersHandbook 2/28/11 2:38 PM Page 3

Flagger’s Safety

Your safety, the safety of yourco-workers, and the safetyof the public is critical and

depends on your alertness andyour ability to control traffic


The information in this manual is intendedto illustrate the principles of proper flagging,but it does not establish standards orwarrants. Part 6 of the MUTCD and theWisconsin MUTCD Supplement containthe standards for proper flagging. Thesestandards are highlighted in yellow in thetext of this handbook.


Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1The Basic Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Appearance & Attention . . . . . . . . . . 4Advance Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Sign Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Sign Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Hills and Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Stopping Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Walking into the Road . . . . . . . . 9Releasing Traffic/Closed Lane . . . 9Releasing Traffic/Open Lane . . . 11Slowing Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11“All Clear” Signal . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Flagger Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Single Flagger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Two Flaggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Pilot Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Night Flagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16One-direction Control . . . . . . . .17Emergency Flagging . . . . . . . . . 18

Do’s of Flagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Don’ts of Flagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21


Introduction

As a flagger, you have a very important job. Itshould be carried out with authority and dignity,using proper flagging techniques. Your co-workersand the motoring public are relying on you tosafely control traffic.

You have been chosen because your supervisorbelieves that• You have good sight, hearing, mobility, and

physical stamina.• You are alert and able to react quickly in a

dangerous situation to warn your co-workersand keep yourself safe.

• You have the personal presence and peopleskills to gain respect and motorist compliance.

• You have been properly trained in flaggingprocedures and they have become secondnature to you.

1


The Basic Functions

• To guide traffic safely through the work area.• To protect the lives of workers.• To avoid unreasonable delays to motorists.• To answer questions courteously.

Courtesy is important. Your actionsreflect on you and your employer.

2


The STOP/SLOW paddle is your primarytraffic control device. The sign shall beoctagonal, at least 18” x 18” with 6” highletters and shall be mounted on a rigidhandle. A 5’ minimum mounting height isrequired on state construction jobs. A 6’ or7’ mounting height makes it easier to see.

To make the paddle more visible, an octagonal24”x 24” sign with 8” high letters may be used.A larger sign may be harder to handle on windy days.The stop/slow paddle may have either white or redflashing lights on the stop face and either white oryellow flashing lights on the slow face. Standardsfor the flashing lights, arrangements, patterns, flashrates are in MUTCD 6E.03.

You shall wear a vest, shirt, or jacket that iseither fluorescent orange-red or fluorescentyellow-green that meets ANSI Std. 107-2004Class 2. For night flagging ANSI Std. Class 3should be considered. Some agencies orcompanies may require a specific color orANSI class.

A brightly colored hat may make you more visible.Hard hats may be required by your agency.

Uniformed law enforcement officers/first respondersshall wear ANSI Std. 107-2004 or 207-2006 whenflagging.

Safe and appropriate footwear should be worn.

Flaggers must be able to communicate witheach other. Two-way radios are best.

An air horn can be used to alert co-workers.

Equipment

3

18” Min.

18”

Min

.


Appearance&Attention

Your appearance and attentionare critical to gaining motorist

respect and compliance.

• Maintain a neat appearance—do not wear attirethat could distract motorists.

• Remain alert—do not be distracted by portableelectronic devices or reading material.

4

Except in emergency situations,proper signs shall be in place before

flagging begins, and removed, covered,or laid flat when not flagging.

Night flagging requires auxiliary lighting and alltraffic control devices to be retroreflectorized.

Flags should only be used in emergency situations.(DETAILS ON PAGE 18) Experience has shown that it isvery difficult to direct motorists by waving a flag.


Notes

1. The flaggers shall use approvedflagging procedures accordingto the MUTCD.

2. For short duration work (60 minutesor less), the ROAD WORK AHEADsign may be omitted.

3. BE PREPARED TO STOP sign may beused between the ONE LANE AHEADand FLAGGER sign.

Advance Warning SignsExcept in emergencies, flagger stations shall bepreceded by proper advanced warning signs, such

as the layout shown here.

5

ROADWORKAHEAD

200'to

300' 100'

ONELANEROAD

AHEAD

Buffer

ROADWORKAHEAD

ONE LANEROAD

AHEAD

(Optional)

(Optional)

ENDROADWORK

ENDROAD WORK

A

A

B

C

C

B

A

A

50' MIN to100' MAX

Taper

Lane Closure ona Two-Lane Road

(Two FlaggerOperation)

Speed SignLimit Spacing Buffer(mph) A, B, C (ft) (ft)

25 *200 155

30 *200 200

35 350 250

40 350 305

45 500 360

50 500 425

55 500 495

* On low-speed urban streets,sign spacing may be as shortas 100 feet when fieldconditions dictate.


Sign Placement

Sign Removal

Except in emergencies, do NOTbegin flagging until advancewarning signs are in place.

When work is suspended, evenfor short periods of time, signs thatare no longer appropriate shall beremoved, covered, or laid flat.

6

Do NOT misleadthe public.


Position

You should stand on the shoulder adjacent to thetraffic being controlled and be clearly visible to traffic.You should stand alone and never allow workers togather around you. Normally, after you have stoppedthe first vehicle, you will remain on the shoulder. Ifadditional vehicles arrive and they cannot clearly seeyour paddle, you may walk toward the center of theroad so they can. Stay at least 2 to 3 feet away fromthe centerline. Remember to watch out for trafficthat may be coming from behind you.

Never stand in the path of orturn your back on traffic. Always

plan and maintain an escape path.

7

STOP


Hills and Curves

Never take a position over the crestof a hill or around a sharp curve.

When flagging near a hill or curve, take a position inadvance of the hill or curve. Make sure you are visibleto approaching traffic. A longer buffer space may beused over the hill or around the curve as shown.

Communication between flaggers is critical underthese conditions. The best way to maintaincommunications is two-way radios, but relayflaggers, a pilot car, or the flag-carrying methodcould also be used.

8

Relay


Stopping TrafficStand in a safe position on the shoulder facing traffic.

Hold the paddle away from your body and placed onor near the edge of the travel lane with the STOP signfacing traffic. Raise your free hand above shoulderheight with the palm facing the approaching vehicleand make eye contact with the driver.

Change to the STOP only if an approaching vehiclehas plenty of distance to gradually stop. Avoidscreeching halts.

Walking into the RoadAfter you have stopped the first vehicle, you willusually remain on the shoulder of the road in yournormal flagging location. If additional vehicles arriveand they cannot clearly see your STOP paddle, thenyou may walk out toward the center of the roadway.

Do not cross the centerline. Stay at least 2 to 3 feetaway from the centerline and remember to watchout for traffic that may be coming from behind you.

To prepare to release traffic, move back to yournormal position on the shoulder with the paddleremaining on STOP.

Releasing Traffic – Closed LaneStand on the shoulder of the closed lane withyour paddle turned to STOP facing traffic. Waitfor an “all clear” signal from the other flagger.

Signals

9


10


Once the “all clear” is received, turn the paddleto SLOW and with your free arm, signal drivers toproceed into the open lane. Be direct and clear withyour hand signal. Point to the vehicle and then tothe open lane.

Releasing Traffic – Open laneStand on the shoulder of the open lane with yourpaddle turned to STOP, wait for the “all clear” signalfrom the other flagger. Once the “all clear” isreceived, take a step or two back from the edge ofthe traffic lane and turn the paddle to SLOW.With your free arm, signal drivers to proceed in theopen lane. Be direct and clear with your hand signal.Point to the vehicle and then to the open lane.After traffic clears, turn your paddle to STOP beforereturning to the shoulder position.

Slowing TrafficStand on the shoulder facing traffic.

With the SLOW sign turned toward traffic, you mayslowly raise and lower your free arm with the palmfacing down in front of your paddle.

“All Clear” SignalWhen two or more flaggers are used, they mustalways be able to communicate with one another.Two-way radios are preferred, but visual signals, apilot car, or the flag-carrying method may be used.

If visual contact is possible, then the “all clear” signalcan be given by lifting your hat or paddle. When yougive this signal, you are telling the other flagger thatyou have traffic stopped and it is okay to releasetraffic.

11


12


Flagging Operations

Single FlaggerFor low volume situations (no more than three vehiclespassing through the work site in a five-minute period)and short work areas on straight roads, a single flaggermay sometimes be used to control traffic.

The flagger must be visible to both directions of traffic.

Standing on the shoulder opposite the work area, theflagger directs traffic with the STOP/SLOW paddle.

When visibility is poor, or when one flagger cannotcontrol traffic, use two flaggers.

13


Two FlaggersUsing a flagger on each end of the work zoneto control traffic is the most common operation.One flagger should be designated lead flagger tocoordinate the operation.

Begin with both flaggers displaying STOP toapproaching traffic. The lead flagger decides whichdirection to release first. Communication betweenflaggers is critical and can be maintained by:

Visual contact Flaggers must be close enough toread each other’s STOP/SLOW paddles and seeeach other’s “all clear” signals. Use signals that cannot be mistaken for flagging signals. Lifting the hator raising and lowering the STOP/SLOW paddle areproper “all clear” signals.

Two-way radio The best means of communication,even when there is visual contact.

Flag transfer The driver of the last vehicle in theplatoon is given a flag and instructed to give it to theflagger at the other end. This route should be onemile or less.

Relay flagger A relay flagger is positioned to beseen by both of the other flaggers and relays thesignals between flaggers.

14

Only after the “all clear” signalcomes from the other flagger

should you release traffic.If in doubt, stop

all traffic!


Pilot CarA pilot car may be used to guide a train of vehiclesthrough a work area or detour. This operationuses a flagger at each end of the one lane section.Control of traffic at side roads and intersectionsalso needs to be considered when using a pilot car.

This method works best when the route isparticularly long or unclear for the motorist orwhere the work area changes often.

In this operation, the flaggers hold all traffic oneach end of the work area until the pilot car arrivesand leads the traffic through the work zone.Provisions should be made so that the flagger atthe other end can identify the last vehicle in thetrain. Do not allow a late vehicle to try to catch up.

A safe turn-around location should be providedfor the pilot car at each end of the work zone.

15

A sign with ”PILOT CARFOLLOW ME” shall bemounted on the rear

of the pilot car.


Night FlaggingNight flagging procedures are generally the sameas daytime except for some equipment changes:

• Retroreflectorized STOP/SLOW paddlesshall be used.

• High-visibility apparel meeting ANSI Std.Class 3 should be considered.

• A flashlight with red glowcone may be usedto provide additional guidance to motorists

• Except in emergency situations, night flaggingstations shall be illuminated by auxiliary lighting.

• Flashing yellow warning lights may be used on theadvanced warning signs and flares can be used.

To stop vehicles, stand on theshoulder and face traffic with thestop sign in the right hand andflashlight with red glowcone, ifused, in the left hand. Slowlywave the flashlight back and forthin front of your body. Don’t let thearc extend beyond the base of thepaddle staff.

To release traffic, point from thedriver to the open lane with theflashlight and hold in that position.Do not wave the flashlight whenreleasing traffic—this may confusethe driver.

16


One-direction Control

When work vehicles occasionally block one laneof a two-lane, two-way road, such as whenloading or unloading, a flagger can control justone direction of traffic. The other direction oftraffic is not stopped.

Stop traffic in the usual manner, and release thevehicles when work does not block the lane.

When releasing traffic, turn the paddle aquarter-turn so that the word STOP faces you.This way, the STOP message will not confusethe traffic coming from either direction.

17


24”Min.

24”Min.

Emergency Flagging

Flags may be used to control traffic duringemergency work operations until STOP/SLOWpaddles can be obtained. STOP/SLOW paddles givedrivers more positive guidance than flags.

Use of hand movements alone are prohibited exceptfor law enforcement personnel or first responders.

When used, flags shall be at least 24 inches square,of red or fluorescent orange/red material, and beattached to a staff approximately 36” long.The free edge of the flag should beweighted so the flag will hang vertically,even in heavy winds.

To stop traffic, stand on theshoulder of the road andextend the flag across thetraffic lane. Raise your freehand to the stop position.

To release traffic, lower theflag to your side and with yourfree arm motion traffic toproceed. Do not use the flagto motion traffic through.

To alert and show traffic,extend the flag staff and slowlymove the flag up and down ina sweeping motion betweenshoulder height and straightdown. Keep your freehand down.

18

Replace flags with STOP/SLOWpaddles as soon as possible.


Do Stay alert at all times.

Do Use clear and distinct hand signalswhen directing traffic.

Do Stand on the shoulder of the road outof the path of oncoming traffic.

Do Have a good idea of the day’s workschedule to answer motorist’s questions.

Do Treat motorists courteously.

Do Use proper equipment and warning signs.

Do Wear proper clothing and shoes.

Do Stand aloneto be visible.

Do Plan an escaperoute.

Do Report vehiclesthat violate thetraffic controls.

Do Consult yourFlagger’sHandbook oryour supervisor,if you havequestions aboutyour flaggingduties.

The Do’s of Flagging

19


Don’t Stand in an open lane.

Don’t Make unnecessary conversation withworkers, pedestrians, or motorists.

Don’t Give flagging directions against atraffic signal.

Don’t Stand in the shade, over the crestof a hill, or around a sharp curve.

Don’t Sit down or flag from a vehicle.

Don’t Leave your station until someonetakes your place.

Don’t Daydream or read while on duty.

Don’t Leave flagger signs in place whennot flagging.

Don’t talk on a cell-phone or textwhile on duty.

Don’t Bring radiosor MP3 players.

Don’t Stand nearequipment orvehicle, includingyour own.

Don’t Stand with agroup of people.

Don’t Stand next to abridge railing,barrier, or wall.

Don’t Turn your backon traffic.

The Don’ts of Flagging

20


Acknowledgements

Information

21

Previous editions of the Flagger’s Handbookwere adapted for use in Wisconsin by theWisconsin Department of Transportation(WisDOT) and the Wisconsin TransportationInformation Center (TIC) from one producedby the Institute for Transportation Researchand Education (ITRE) at North Carolina StateUniversity. This new edition includes changescontained in the 2009 MUTCD and theWisconsin Supplement.

The Wisconsin team that produced this editionincluded representatives of the construction,maintenance, and traffic sections of WisDOT,TIC workzone training instructors, and theUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison TransportationInformation Center.

Transportation Information CenterUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison432 N. Lake Street, Room 741Madison, WI 53706

TEL 800-442-4615FAX 608-263-3160EMAIL [email protected] http://tic.engr.wisc.edu/


Notes

22


Information and TrainingFor information, copies of this pocket guide,and training opportunities in work zone trafficcontrol, flagging, or other street and highwaydesign, operation and maintenance topics,contact the Wisconsin Transportation InformationCenter, a project of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Engineering ProfessionalDevelopment, funded as a Local TransportationAssistance Program by the Federal HighwayAdministration, Wisconsin Department ofTransportation, and UW–Extension.

Transportation Information Center – LTAPUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison432 N. Lake StreetMadison, WI 53706TEL 800-442-4615FAX 608-263-3160EMAIL [email protected] SITE http://tic.engr.wisc.edu

Transportation Information Center – LTAPUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison

Flagger’sHandbook

March 2011


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