WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL PART 6
Flagging procedures:
To stop traffic
Stand in a safe position on the shoulder. Face traffic and extend the paddle in a vertical position so the full STOP face can be seen by approaching drivers. Night flagging may include the use of a red lantern or light. To stop traffic the light should be waved back and forth across the path of an approaching vehicle.
When it is safe for traffic to proceed. Move to a safe position on the shoulder. Face traffic and extend the paddle in a vertical position so the full SLOW face is visible. Move traffic forward by moving the free arm across the body.
To alert or slow traffic.
Stand in a safe position on the shoulder. Face traffic and extend the paddle in a vertical position so the full SLOW face is visible. For added emphasis, the free arm may be extended horizontally away from the body and raised and lowered with the palm down.
On open highways, the first sign the motorist sees should be 1500 feet in advance of the condition that affects him. The sign nearest the work site should be placed 500 feet in advance of the restriction. Additional signs should be spaced 500 feet to 1000 feet apart. On city streets this spacing should be approximately one-half the above distances. This is a basic guide. See your contract plans, permit, or LMK Pipe Renewal rules.
One-way traffic control:
Where traffic in both directions must, for a limited distance, use a single lane, provision should be made for alternate one-way movement to pass traffic through the constricted section. At a "spot" obstruction, such as an isolated pavement patch, the movement may be self-regulating. However, where the one-lane section is of any length, flaggers should control traffic at each end
emergency maintenance procedures
therefore, those vehicles will not meet head-on within the section and so that delays are not excessive at either end. Control points at each end of the route should be chosen that will permit easy passing of opposing lines of vehicles.
Flagger Control:
Where the one-lane section is short enough so that each end is visible from the other end, traffic may be controlled by means of a flagger at each end of the section. One of the two should be designated as the chief flagger for purposes of coordinating movement. They should be able to communicate with each other verbally or by means of signals. These signals should not be such as to be mistaken for flagging signals.
Where the end of an on-lane section is not visible from the other end, the flagger may maintain contact by means of radio or field telephones. So that a flagger may know when to allow traffic to proceed into the section, the last vehicle from the opposite direction can be identified by description or license.
Your Station:
In order for you to be effective, your visibility to the approaching motorist should not be impaired by curves, hills, or parked vehicles. At night your station should be adequately illuminated. Do not sit. Do not stand in the shade or in front of equipment. Never leave your paddle propped against a barricade. Never stand in the path of approaching vehicles.
YOU MUST STAND NEAR enough to the work area and the workers you are protecting so there is no doubt as to your assignment yet far enough in advance of the work site so that approaching traffic will have sufficient time to react and reduce speed before entering the work area. Usually, 200-300 feet is desirable. In urban areas where speeds are low and intersections closely spaced the distance may be reduced. Never get out of position so far as to allow a vehicle to surprise you.
DO NOT MINGLE with the crew when work is being performed. Never station yourself closer than 100 feet from the crew you are protecting.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR POST unless you are authorized to do so or until properly relieved. NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON APPROACHING TRAFFIC.
BE ALERT! If a motorist disregards your signal, causing an emergency situation, warn the working crew immediately. Their safety depends on you.
