Traffic Control Person Training

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Traffic Control Person Training

Participant Guide

MN2059

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Acknowledgement

The Traffic Control Person Training Course was reworked by Nutec Training Ltd. on behalf of the Committee to Review Training Standards for Traffic Control (TCP Committee).

The TCP Committee consisted of representatives from the British Columbia Government, industry, labour and education. The project was sponsored by the Ministry of Transportation, and funded by the Ministry, the Workers’

Compensation Board of British Columbia and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

Members of the TCP Committee included:

Argo Road Maintenance (Thompson) Inc.

BC Association of Police Chiefs BC Federation of Labour

BC Government and Service Employees Union

BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology BC Ministry of Transportation

BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association BC Safety Council

Canadian Union of Public Employees City of Vancouver

Construction and Specialized Workers’ Training Society Insurance Corporation of BC

International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 213 J Cat Holdings Ltd.

JJM Group, JJM Maintenance Ltd.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 258 Telus Communications (BC) Inc.

Union of BC Municipalities

Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia

The TCP Committee would like to thank all those who participated in the

development of the training standards and course materials including BC Hydro and Finning (Canada) Ltd. who provided digital images of equipment.

September 2002

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Traffic Control Person Training

Participant Guide

Province of British Columbia Ministry of Transportation

2002

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National Library of Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data Main entry under title:

Traffic control person training : participant guide

“The Traffic control person training course was reworked by Nutec Training Ltd. on behalf of the Committee to Review Training Standards for Traffic Control”--

Acknowledgement.

ISBN 0-7726-4880-8

1. Traffic regulations – British Columbia. 2. Traffic safety – British Columbia. 3.

Traffic signs and signals – British Columbia. I. British Columbia. Ministry of Transportation. II. British Columbia. Committee to Review Training Standards for Traffic Control. III. Nutec Training Ltd.

TE228.T72 2002 363.12'56'09711 C2002-960253-X

For Information and Online Materials Ministry of Transportation

PO Box 9850 Stn Prov Govt Victoria British Columbia Canada V8W 9T5

Web: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/bchighways/trafficcontrol/home.htm

Traffic Control Person Training Participant Guide

ISBN: 0-7726-4880-8 Order Number: MN2059 Ordering

Curriculum Sales & Licensing Open Learning Agency 4355 Mathissi Place Burnaby, British Columbia Canada V5G 4S8

Telephone: 604-431-3210 or 1-800-663-1653 Fax: 604-431-3381

Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.ola.bc.ca

Traffic Control Person Training Instructor Guide

ISBN: 0-7726-4879-4 Order Number: MN2060

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Using Traffic Control Equipment

Participant Guide September 2002 i

1 Course Introduction

Welcome...1-1 How to Use this Guide ...1-2 Course Description...1-3 Agenda ...1-6 Performance Objectives ...1-7 Roles and Responsibilities ...1-10 Tailgate Meetings...1-13

2 Complying with Regulations and Standards

About This Unit...2-1 WCB Regulations...2-3 Self Test 2-1 ...2-7 Traffic Control Standards...2-9 Self Test 2-2 ...2-11 Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations...2-14 Self Test 2-3 ...2-16 Self Test Answers...2-18

3 Using Traffic Control Equipment

About This Unit...3-1 Using Personal Protective Equipment...3-2 Self Test 3-1 ...3-8 Using Traffic Control Devices ...3-10 Self Test 3-2 ...3-15 Self Test Answers...3-17

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Traffic Control Person Training

ii September 2002 Participant Guide

4 Setting Up Work Zones

About This Unit...4-1 Parts of a Work Zone...4-3 Self Test 4-1 ...4-7 Work Zone Layouts...4-9 Self Test 4-2 ...4-16 Setting Up a Work Zone...4-19 Self Test 4-3 ...4-26 Self Test Answers...4-28

5 Basic Traffic Control Skills

About This Unit...5-1 Using and Interpreting Signals...5-2 Self Test 5-1 ...5-6 Controlling Vehicles and Pedestrians ...5-9 Self Test 5-2 ...5-11 Practical Exercise 5-1: Procedures...5-12 Practical Skills Evaluation Checklist 5-1 ...5-14 Self Test Answers...5-16

6 Working Around Equipment

About This Unit...6-1 Recognizing Construction Equipment ...6-2 Self Test 6-1 ...6-15 Controlling Equipment and Workers ...6-17 Self Test 6-2 ...6-18 Self Test Answers...6-19

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Participant Guide September 2002 iii

7 Building on Basic Traffic Control Skills

About This Unit...7-1 Dangerous Goods and Other Hazards ...7-2 Controlling Uncommon Traffic ...7-6 Self Test 7-1 ...7-9 Using Two-Way Radios...7-11 Self Test 7-2 ...7-13 Practical Exercise 7-1: Procedures...7-15 Practical Skills Evaluation Checklist 7-1...7-27 Self Test Answers...7-27

8 Course Review

About This Unit...8-1 Best Practices ...8-2

9 Appendix

Contact Numbers and Websites ...9-1 References ...9-2

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Unit 1

Course Introduction

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Course Introduction

Participant Guide September 2002 1-1

Welcome

Welcome to the Traffic Control Person Training Course. This course will enable you to become a qualified traffic control person (TCP). You will be eligible to work on public roads throughout British Columbia.

The course covers the knowledge and practical skills you will need to work safely according to the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Ministry of Transportation (MOT) standards and other regulatory requirements.

The materials for the course include the following:

• Traffic Control Person Training Participant Guide

• Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways, current Office Edition, Ministry of Transportation

• Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways, current Field Edition, Ministry of Transportation

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, current edition, Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia

• Marks of Safety, Transport Canada

Check that you have received all these materials. Contact your instructor if you have not received some of them.

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1-2 September 2002 Participant Guide

How to Use This Guide

This Guide is designed as a workbook for participants in the Traffic Control Person Training Course. It can to be used in two ways. It will guide you through the pre-course work prior to the course. You can read the Guide and the references at your own pace. You will then be well prepared to discuss them when you come to the class.

The Guide can also be used as a reference during the classroom sessions. You can make notes in it as the instructor reviews the main points and complete the self tests in each unit.

Units 5 and 7 contain procedures for the field sessions and Practical Skills Evaluation Checklists. You should review these before the classroom session so you are familiar with the exercises that will be used to evaluate your performance.

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Course Description

Traffic Control Person Training is a minimum two day, competency- based course which covers the basic theory and practical skills that are required to become a qualified traffic control person.

The course has three components:

Pre-course Work

Classroom Sessions

Field Sessions

Pre-course Work

To complete the pre-course work, participants will read this Participant Guide and specific sections of the reference materials that are provided, then complete the self tests which are included in each unit. The tests are designed to help participants assess their own learning progress.

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The pre-course work is self-paced allowing participants to work through it at their own speed. We recommend that you complete it in short sections of 45 minutes followed by a break. This will take

approximately 4 to 6 hours and must be completed prior to attending the classroom sessions.

Participants will be asked to complete a quiz on this material at the beginning of the classroom session. The purpose of the quiz is to help you review the pre-course work and identify parts you need to study for the written competency exam.

Classroom Sessions

In the classroom sessions, instructors will review the main points and self tests in each unit. They will also highlight key topics and

procedures through videotapes, group discussions, demonstrations and displays. These sessions will be interactive and will allow participants an opportunity to discuss any questions or problems that arose during the pre-course work.

Field Sessions

The field sessions will give participants a chance to practice basic traffic control skills and demonstrate their competence. They will include setting up, controlling and removing work zones on a two-lane, two- way roadway with a speed limit of 50 km/h, an intersection, and a work zone that uses only one TCP.

Evaluation

Participants’ knowledge and practical skills will be evaluated during the course through self tests, a written exam and a practical skills

evaluation. Participants will be given the pre-course quiz on the first morning of the classroom session to assist them to review the basic theory covered in the course and to prepare them for the written evaluation that is conducted on Day 2.

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Participants’ practical traffic controls skills will be evaluated after they have completed the exercises in Units 5 and 7. The criteria used to evaluate participants’ practical skills are given in the Practical Skills Evaluation Checklists at the end of Units 5 and 7. We recommend that participants review it prior to the course.

Upon completion of the course, a list of successful participants will be registered with the BC Traffic Control Person administrating agency.

Course Evaluation

At the end of the course, all participants will be given a course

evaluation form to complete. The instructor values your comments and suggestions regarding the course because they assist him/her to improve the delivery.

Participant and instructor feedback plays a vital role as the Traffic Control Person Training Course is updated and revised to provide training that is technically accurate, relevant and worthwhile.

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Agenda

The Traffic Control Person Training is a minimum two-day training course. Instructors may expand some topics or include additional ones.

The following agenda shows the core topics that will be delivered.

Day 1 • Course Introduction - TCP Theory Review

• Complying with Regulations and Standards

• Using Traffic Control Equipment

• Setting Up Work Zones

• Basic Traffic Control Skills

- Practical Exercise: Controlling a Two-lane, Two- way Roadway, 50 km/h

- Practical Skills Evaluation: Controlling a Two-lane, Two-way Roadway, 50 km/h

Day 2 • Review Day 1

• Working Around Equipment

• Building on Basic Traffic Control Skills

- Practical Exercise: Controlling Work Zones with One TCP, an Intersection and Intermittent Moving Work (optional)

- Practical Skills Evaluation: Controlling Work Zones with One TCP, an Intersection and Intermittent Moving Work (optional)

• Course Review

- Traffic Control Person Theory Exam

• Wrap Up

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Performance Objectives

The goal of the Traffic Control Person Training course is to enable participants to become qualified traffic control persons.

Here are the skills participants must be able to demonstrate to successfully complete the course.

Unit Skills

1 Course Introduction • N/A 2 Complying with

Regulations and Standards • Comply with specific provisions of Part 3, Division 3 and Division 10 of the Workers’ Compensation Act

• Comply with specific WCB regulations located in Parts 3, 4 and 7 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

• Locate MoT traffic control standards and procedures in the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways (Office Edition)

• Comply with the Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations that govern the control of traffic in temporary work zones 3 Using Traffic Control

Equipment • Describe specific safety standards with which personal protective equipment must comply

• Identify personal traffic control equipment

• Identify work zone traffic control devices

• Describe the maintenance of traffic control equipment

• Comply with specific Regulations located in Part 8 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

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Unit Skills

4 Setting Up Work Zones • Describe the different areas in work zones

• Describe the purpose of each area

• List factors which will affect the choice of a work zone layout

• Locate standards in the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways that describe requirements for placing traffic control devices in work zones

• Describe procedures for setting up, maintaining and removing a work zone

• Describe when a TCP is required to control traffic through a work zone by referring to Part 18 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

5 Basic Traffic Control

Skills • Use audible signals to communicate with motorists and other TCPs

• Use visual signals to communicate with motorists and other TCPs

• Position yourself for controlling traffic in an area that provides maximum visibility and a safe escape route

• Assist in setting up a work zone on a two-lane, two-way roadway that has a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h 6 Working Around

Equipment • Recognize common construction equipment used on public roads

• Describe associated hazards to avoid and precautions to take when working around construction equipment used on public roads

• Demonstrate how to control equipment and traffic using signals to communicate with other TCPs, workers and motorists

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Unit Skills

7 Building on Basic Traffic

Control Skills • Identify classifications used in the transportation of dangerous goods

• Describe procedures for responding to incidents such as broken gas lines, sewer lines and gas mains, or downed power lines

• Describe procedures for controlling uncommon traffic

• Describe procedures for using radios

• Demonstrate basic traffic control skills such as controlling traffic at an

intersection and controlling traffic in a work zone that requires only one TCP

8 Course Review • N/A

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Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of a Traffic Control Person (TCP)

TCPs have a great deal of responsibility on the job. The safety of workers, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians depend on the directions they give. Everyone relies on TCPs to give them proper directions for passing safely through work zones.

Controlling traffic may look easy, but it is not. A TCP must stay alert and in control for long hours and at times under difficult conditions. In the summer it can be hot and TCPs can suffer sunburn, dehydration, insect bites and heat stress, while winter conditions can cause cold stress and other problems. It can also be hazardous working around

construction equipment, fast moving traffic and inattentive drivers.

What do TCPs do during a day? Here are some of the activities they perform:

• Attend and participate in regular onsite safety meetings with the traffic control supervisor and other TCPs; these meetings are commonly called tailgate, worksite, toolbox, tailboard or crew meetings; they cover safety, setup and removal of the work zone and other procedures specific to the work zone

• Check with crew leaders or traffic control supervisors before the shift starts to find out about the activities that day

• 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

• Check hand signals used by crew to indicate work activities

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• 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

As you can see, TCPs have a lot of responsibility at a traffic control site.

They must be alert at all times, check for variations in the worksite and adapt the worksite setup as required.

Job Locations and Conditions

One of the challenges in working as a TCP is learning how to work safely and comfortably in different geographic locations, environmental conditions and at various times of the day. You may be asked to control traffic on quiet country roads, major highways, hectic city streets, in small residential neighbourhoods, on bridges, around shopping malls, or through busy commercial areas. In each location you need to watch for different hazards or take specific precautions.

Road configurations also affect the way you control traffic in a work zone. You may be positioned on a straight stretch of roadway, on hills or curves. Or the work zone may be close to a hospital that has

emergency vehicles arriving constantly or near a construction site that has a lot of heavy equipment moving in and out. Drivers may be attentive and co-operative, but at times you may have some who are rude and impatient. Keeping cool under pressure is tough to do!

During the winter, you may have to protect yourself from cold stress and in the summer you may be concerned about heat stress and insect bites. TCPs need to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Some jobs are very noisy while others are dusty. You may be required to wear special equipment such as hearing protection or a particle mask.

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Your shift may start early in the morning, or you may have to work throughout the night, in fog, snow or rain. At times, there can be

dramatic changes in the weather throughout the day. It’s a challenge for TCPs to remain alert and work safely!

It is important to learn about hazards that are related to these locations and conditions so that you can take appropriate precautions. You

should also take time to become familiar with the safety regulations and traffic control standards with which you must comply in each situation.

Your traffic control supervisor is an important source of information about specific job conditions and requirements, so do not hesitate to ask questions – the life you save may be your own!

A good time to review specific job conditions and requirements is at the beginning of a shift or at a safety tailgate meeting.

Responsibilities of a Traffic Control Supervisor

It is important for TCPs to identify the traffic control supervisor (TCS) at the beginning of each shift. The TCS is a supervisor who has been designated responsible for the complete traffic control installation and who is knowledgeable and competent in all aspects of traffic control.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Part 18.3, the TCS is responsible to ensure that:

• Required traffic control devices are in place

• All TCPs are wearing the required personal protective clothing and equipment

• TCPs are positioned in a safe location clear of potential environmental hazards such as a slide or avalanche

• TCPs perform traffic control duties competently and safely

• Responsibility for co-ordination of changes in traffic flow when two or more TCPs are required to work as a team in a traffic control zone has been assigned to an experienced TCP

When you gain more traffic control experience you may become a traffic control supervisor. Until then, it is important that you do not take on any more responsibility than you can handle.

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Tailgate Meetings

Earlier in this section, onsite safety meetings were mentioned as one of the activities in which TCPs participate. On the job, these meetings may be called a variety of names. For the purposes of this course, we will call them tailgate meetings because they typically occur around the back of the traffic control supervisor’s vehicle.

These meetings are very important because the traffic control plan and other safety issues are discussed at this time. They also provide

opportunities for TCPs to ask questions and raise concerns. Frequently, tailgate meetings are held at the beginning of a shift, but they may occur throughout the shift, particularly if the work zone is moving or if

adjustments are required to the work zone setup.

Throughout the course we will refer to topics and procedures that should be discussed in tailgate meetings to remind you to ask your traffic

control supervisor about them if the are not covered. Do not be shy about asking questions! Remember that your safety depends on you being absolutely clear on work zone hazards and safety procedures.

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Unit 2

Complying with

Regulations and

Standards

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Complying with Regulations and Standards

About This Unit

All traffic control in British Columbia is governed by the Workers’

Compensation Board Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and the latest edition of the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways.

Other regulations which govern traffic control include the Motor Vehicle Act and Act Regulations and the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations.

These regulations and standards have been developed to protect you, the onsite workers, and the general public while they are travelling on roadways throughout the province.

This unit introduces the regulations, standards and procedures with which you must comply when you are working as a TCP.

The topics covered in this unit include:

• WCB Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

• MoT Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways

• Motor Vehicle Act and Act Regulations

The transportation of dangerous goods is covered later in Unit 7, Building on Basic Traffic Control Skills.

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Performance Objectives

When you have successfully completed this unit you will be able to:

• Comply with specific provisions of Part 3, Division 3 and Division 10 of the Workers’ Compensation Act

• Comply with specific regulations located in Parts 3, 4 and 7 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

• Locate MoT traffic control standards and procedures in the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways, current Office Edition

• Comply with the Motor Vehicle Act and Act Regulation that governs the control of traffic in temporary work zones.

Resources

You will need to refer to the following resources:

• Workers’ Compensation Act, British Columbia.

• Parts 3, 4 and 7 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia

• Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways, Office Edition

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WCB Regulations

The Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia (WCB) is an administrative agency that operates under the authority of the Workers’

Compensation Act (WCA). The WCB is dedicated to the safety, protection and good health of workers. Its employees:

• Monitor and promote occupational safety and health practices through regulation, inspection, education and consultation

• Provide rehabilitation and compensation, as well as vocational training to workers who are injured or suffer from an occupational disease

• Provide compensation to dependants of workers who have been disabled or killed as a result of a work-related injury or occupational disease

• Provide compensation and assistance to victims of criminal acts, under the authority of the Criminal Compensation Act

Employers in industries covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act fund the WCB. Most employers in British Columbia are covered by the WCB under the Act.

Compensation for work-related injuries is not the same throughout Canada. Each province or territory has its own laws. Payments made by employers and benefits for workers and services differ from province to province.

Several parts of the Act and Regulation contain requirements that TCPs should become knowledgeable about because they define TCP

responsibilities and safe work practices. These parts include, but are not limited to:

• Workers’ Compensation Act

- Part 3, Division 3: General Duties of Employers, Workers and Others

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- Part 3, Division 10: Accident Reporting and Investigation

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulation - Part 3: Rights and Responsibilities - Part 4: General Conditions

- Part 7: Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature - Part 8: Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment - Part 18: Traffic Control

In this unit we will cover the Workers’ Compensation Act and Parts 3, 4 and 7 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Parts 8 and 18 of the Regulation will be covered later in the course.

Workers’ Compensation Act

The Workers’ Compensation Act is organized into three parts:

• Part 1, Compensation to Workers and Dependants, covers

compensation assessments, governance of the board and general administrative procedures

• Part 2 deals with the liability of employers in industries that are not within the scope of Part 1

• Part 3, Occupational Health and Safety, covers the rights and responsibilities of workplace parties, joint committees and worker representatives, protection against discrimination, board

administrative procedures and regulation making authority It is useful to become familiar with the various parts of the Act.

However, the most pertinent sections of the Act for TCPs are in Part 3.

Several provisions in these sections are highlighted below.

Part 3, Division 3: General Duties of Employers, Workers and Others

This section of the Act defines the general responsibilities of people in the workplace.

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!

Read Part 3, Division 3 of the Workers’ Compensation Act. As you read this section pay particular attention to the following provisions:

• 115 General duties of employers

• 116 General duties of workers

• 117 General duties of supervisors

Part 3, Division 10: Accident Reporting and Investigation This section of the Act describes employers’ responsibility to report accidents.

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Read Part 3, Division 10 of the Workers’ Compensation Act. As you read this section, note the following provisions:

• 172 Immediate notice of certain accidents

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Part 3: Rights and Responsibilities

In Part 3, an employer’s responsibility for inspecting the workplace regularly for unsafe working conditions is defined, as well as

requirements for correcting unsafe conditions and training workers. It also describes a worker’s right to refuse unsafe work.

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Read Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. As you read it, note the following regulations:

• 3.1 and 3.2 Occupational health and safety programs

• 3.3 (b) Tailgate meetings

• 3.9, 3.10 and 3.11 Correction of unsafe working conditions

• 3.12 Refusal of unsafe work

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Part 4: General Conditions

Part 4 describes emergency procedures, defines impairment and requirements for working alone or in isolation as well as other general conditions.

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Read Part 4 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. As you read this section, pay particular attention to the following regulations:

• 4.19 Physical or mental impairment

• 4.20 Impairment by alcohol, drugs or other substances

• 4.21 Working alone or in isolation

• 4.24 Workplace conduct

• 4.27 - 4.31 Violence in the workplace

Part 7: Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature

Part 7 covers noise, vibration, radiation and temperature. You should pay attention to requirements for hearing protection, heat stress and cold stress.

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Read Part 7 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. As you read it, note the following regulations:

• 7.16 Noise hazard areas

• 7.61 Heat stress, education and training

• 7.74 Cold stress, education and training

It is important that you become familiar with OHS requirements so you can prevent injuries to yourself and follow emergency procedures properly in assisting others. A safe workplace is everyone’s responsibility.

Now complete Self Test 2-1 and check your answers.

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Self Test 2-1

Use Parts 3, 4 and 7 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to answer the following questions.

1. When must an employer report a serious risk or fatal accident to the WCB?

Answer 2. Who is responsible for making sure the workplace is safe?

Answer 3. If you observe any unsafe conditions, what should you do?

Answer 4. What should you do if you are asked to perform work that is unsafe?

Answer 5. Let’s suppose that you have been taking a non-prescription

medication for a bad cold. After a few hours on the job, you feel very drowsy. What should you do?

Answer

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6. What should you do if you are asked to work alone or in isolation?

Answer

7. How should you respond if you are involved in or you are a witness to violence in the workplace?

Answer 8. Describe the rights of workers who are injured or who have suffered

adverse symptoms as a result of an incident of violence?

Answer

Check your answers with the correct ones at the end of this unit.

If some of your answers were incorrect, take time to review this section.

You can also discuss them with your instructor during class.

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Traffic Control Standards

Traffic control is required whenever traffic must be moved through or around road or utility work on or next to a roadway. The Ministry of Transportation has developed basic principles and standards for traffic control on highways and roadways throughout British Columbia. These principles and standards are located in the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways.

It is important that you are able to locate these standards quickly and easily because they describe how many of your activities as a TCP must be carried out. For instance, the Traffic Control Manual states how a temporary work zone must be set up. It specifies which signs should be used, where they should be placed and the distance between them and other traffic control devices. In addition, the WCB has adopted the standards in the Traffic Control Manual as part of the new Regulation and WCB field officers will expect compliance with them at worksites.

There are two versions of the Traffic Control Manual, the Office Edition and the Field Edition. The Office Edition is detailed and is intended for use in an office environment. A copy of this version is included in your course materials. The Field Edition, on the other hand, is small and sturdy. It can be stored in a glove box, toolbox, backpack or back pocket and is meant to be a reference on the job.

All TCPs should carry a copy of the Field Edition when they are on the job. You will need it as a reference when you are setting up or adjusting a work zone.

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We will look at the Office Edition of the Traffic Control Manual now so you will become familiar with the information it contains. It has an index and six chapters, which are as follows:

Chapter 1 General Instructions Chapter 2 Traffic Control Devices

Chapter 3 Typical Traffic Control Layouts for Short Duration Work Zones

Chapter 4 Typical Traffic Control Layouts for Long Duration Work Zones

Chapter 5 Typical Traffic Control layouts for Freeway Work Zones

Chapter 6 Appendices

You will be referring to the manual throughout the course, so take time to see how it is organized.

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Review the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways, Office Edition. As you review it, read the following sections carefully:

• Section 1.1.1 Fundamental Principles

• Section 1.1.2 Definitions

• Section 2.1.3 Sign Illustrations at a Glance

• Section 2.3 Traffic Control Persons

If you have any questions or comments about any of these sections of the Traffic Control Manual, make sure you write them down so you can discuss them with you instructor during class.

Now complete Self Test 2-2 and check your answers.

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Self Test 2-2

Use the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways to answer the following questions.

1. State in your own words the 5 fundamental principles of traffic control.

Answer 2. Write a definition in your own words of the following terms.

Roadway Highway Street Freeway

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Low volume roadway High volume roadway Short duration work Downstream direction Upstream direction Taper and taper length 3. Locate the sign number of the following signs:

• Stop/Slow Paddle

• Construction Ahead

• Crew Working Ahead

• TCP Ahead

• Single Lane Traffic 4. Explain in your own words three steps for stopping traffic.

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5. Describe the two steps TCPs use to slow traffic:

Answer

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Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations

The Motor Vehicle Act is a legal document created by the government of the Province of British Columbia to regulate the movement of traffic such as motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles on all public roads.

These roads include rural highways, municipal streets and other places such as shopping centre parking lots.

The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations contain standards and procedures that are more specific than those found in the Act.

Traffic Control Regulation

The regulation of traffic movement is described in the Motor Vehicle Act and in the Act Regulations. TCPs derive their authority to direct traffic under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Some sections of the Act that are of interest to TCPs state the following:

• Section 138 requires persons in charge of any work carried out on a roadway to erect signs indicating persons or equipment working

• Section 139 requires persons in charge of any work carried out on a roadway to erect signs to limit the rate of speed

• Section 141 requires a driver to obey the directions of a TCP

• Section 142 requires that temporary traffic control devices be removed after work is completed

The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations state that TCPs must only use signs built to the specifications given in Division 23.

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In construction zones, permanent traffic control signs may be covered with temporary ones. It is important to place temporary signs so they are easily visible. Check to ensure they do not contradict others in the work zone. For instance, signs showing speed limits should all be the same. Also make sure signs are removed as soon as the work is completed.

Authority and Jurisdiction

The Motor Vehicle Act and Act Regulations give authority for the

placement of traffic control devices to the Ministry of Transportation for provincial highways and unorganized areas, and to cities and

municipalities for streets in their local areas.

In the past, cities and municipalities developed their own signs and traffic control standards. Since many provincial highways pass through municipalities and cities, there was some confusion over who had authority and jurisdiction. There were also a variety of signs used and differing standards for their design, construction and placement.

Recently municipalities and cities have adopted MoT’s standards as provided in the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways.

However, you may still see some variation in signs and placement of them.

Now complete Self Test 2-3 and check your answers.

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Self Test 2-3

Circle the best answer for the following questions.

1. The Motor Vehicle Act regulates the movement of traffic including:

a. Motor vehicles and pedestrians

b. Pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles c. Only motor vehicles

d. Motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles

2. According to the Motor Vehicle Act, temporary traffic control devices must be removed:

a. As soon as the work is completed b. Within two weeks

c. At the end of the day

d. Within 48 hours or two days of the work being completed 3. When temporary traffic control devices are placed on the highway

you should:

a. Make sure that there are at least two of each b. Place them directly beneath the permanent signs c. Place them after the permanent signs

d. Cover or remove permanent signs

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4. If you are not sure that the signs you are using are the right colour or shape, you can check:

a. Workers’ Compensation Act b. Motor Vehicle Act, Division 23

c. Motor Vehicle Regulations, Section 141

d. Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways

5. Traffic control devices can only be changed by:

a. RCMP, city or municipal police b. Traffic control supervisors

c. Traffic control supervisors and TCPs d. Work zone superintendent

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Self Test Answers

Self Test 2-1 Answers

1. Immediately.

2. Employers and employees.

3. Fix it if you can do so without leaving your position. If not, report it immediately to your traffic control supervisor or employer.

4. Report the circumstances of the unsafe condition to your traffic control to your traffic control supervisor immediately.

5. Report your condition to your traffic control supervisor immediately.

6. Ask your traffic control supervisor who will check you and at what intervals, procedures to follow if checks are not made at these intervals, and emergency rescue procedures.

7. Report the incident to your traffic control supervisor immediately.

8. Workers have the right to see a doctor for treatment or referral if they are injured or suffer adverse symptoms as a result of an incident of violence.

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Self Test 2-2 Answers

1. The five fundamental principles are:

• Safety of road users and workers is a high priority in all road construction or maintenance

• Traffic should be restricted as little as possible

• Motorists should be guided in a clear and positive manner

• Traffic control devices should be inspected to ensure they are operating properly

• Roadside safety requires constant attention during the life of a work zone

2. Definitions:

• Roadway The portion of a street or highway that is

ordinarily used for vehicular traffic but does not include the shoulder

• Highway A roadway or roadways typically in a higher speed zone carrying inter-regional traffic

• Street A local road

• Freeway A highway with a continuous dividing median and a speed limit of 80km/h or greater

• Low volume roadway

A low volume road carries less than 1,000 vehicles per day

• High volume roadway

A high volume road carries 1,000 or more vehicles per day

• Short duration work

Work which requires a separated work area for not more than on daytime shift

• Downstream The direction towards which traffic flows

• Upstream The direction from which traffic flows

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3. The sign number for each sign is:

• Stop/slow paddle C-27

• Construction ahead C-19

• Crew working ahead C-4

• TCP ahead C-28

• Single lane traffic C-24 4. The three steps for stopping traffic are

• Stand on the shoulder of the road holding the paddle in your right hand, wait until the first car stops, then move to the centre line and hold the paddle in your left hand

• Stand where you can see and be seen

• Stand 25-75m from the work zone 5. The two steps for slowing traffic are:

• Extend the traffic control paddle towards the lane of oncoming traffic

• Wave traffic forward with the other hand to prevent it from coming to a full stop

Self Test 2-3 Answers

1. b. Pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles 2. a. As soon as the work is completed

3. b. Cover or remove permanent signs 4. d. Motor Vehicle Act, Division 23 5. c. Traffic control supervisors and TCPs

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Unit 3

Using Traffic Control

Equipment

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About This Unit

It is important to become familiar with the equipment you will use on the job that includes personal protective equipment (PPE) and traffic control equipment.

This unit covers both types of equipment and refers you to the MoT standards and WCB regulations with which you must comply.

The topics covered in this unit include

• Using PPE

• Using Traffic Control Equipment

Performance Objectives

When you have successfully completed this unit you will be able to:

• Describe specific safety standards with which personal protective equipment must comply

• Identify personal protective equipment

• Identify traffic control equipment

• Describe the maintenance of traffic control equipment and devices

• Comply with specific requirements located in Parts 8 and 18 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

Resources

You will need to refer to the following resources:

• Part 8 and Part 18, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia

• Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways, Office Edition, Ministry of Transportation

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Using Personal Protective Equipment

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job is required by the regulations of the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia and must meet their cited safety standards. 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. Always wear proper attire, not clothing which will distract motorists.

In addition to dressing for the weather, you are always required to wear the following safety equipment (Figure 3-1):

• Safety footwear

• Safety headgear

• Retroreflective vest

• Retroreflective wrist bands

You may also be required to wear hearing, eye or respiratory protection depending on the worksite conditions.

Figure 3-1 Personal Protective Equipment

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Workers are required to provide the following personnel protective equipment:

• Clothing required for protection against natural elements

• Safety footwear and general purpose work gloves

• Safety headgear

Note that this section of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulation does not alter or preclude any existing or future agreement between workers and an employer to the effect that the employers will provide this equipment at no cost or some cost to employees.

Employers are responsible for providing all other items of personal protective equipment required by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation at no cost to workers. If the PPE provided by the employer causes allergenic or other adverse health effects, the employer must provide alternate equipment.

Safety Footwear

Your feet deserve as much consideration as your eyes, ears and hands.

Because your feet are always subjected to potential hazards at the work zone, safety toed footwear with ankle support conforming to the CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z195-M92 must be worn. No other footwear should be worn and this includes running shoes. If there is a hazard of hot material falling into your footwear you should always wear long pants with the cuffs outside of your footwear.

Safety Headgear

While directing traffic TCPs are required to wear approved safety headgear that meets or exceeds the WCB approved headgear standards.

It is not advisable to write on, paint or decorate your headgear with stickers or other items as glues and paints may deteriorate the plastic and detract from the warning colour. In cold weather, you can use an insert in your headgear to keep warm. Choose headgear that fits you properly and comfortably.

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Retroreflective Vest

A retroreflective vest makes you much more visible. The vest must be fluorescent orange with at least one horizontal retroreflective stripe around the waist. Your vest must meet or exceed WCB approved standard for high visibility garments. All vests will have two vertical retroreflective stripes on each side of the front and an ‘X’ on the back.

For situations where visibility is extremely poor, a battery-powered flashing-light vest can be worn for additional safety.

Wrist Bands and Ankle Cuffs

In addition, you are required to wear 5-cm wide retroreflective wrist bands that meet or exceed the WCB standard. Retroreflective ankle cuffs are not required but are recommended to provide additional safety when visibility is poor.

Ear Protection

High noise levels can impair your ability to hear. For example, the noise from loaders and other construction machinery can damage your hearing permanently. High noise levels can also make you irritable, tired and decrease your ability to stay alert and concentrate.

Choose a style of ear protection that you can wear comfortably that meets or exceeds recognized standards. For example, earplugs may be more comfortable in hot weather than earmuffs. Earplugs should be pliable, fit each ear tightly and be disposable or easy to keep clean. In high noise situations, you may have to wear both earplugs and earmuffs for adequate protection. It is your employer’s responsibility to supply you with hearing protection.

Audiometric hearing tests are the responsibility of the employer.

According to the regulations of the Workers’ Compensation Board, you must have annual tests if you work in an area that has loud noise.

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Eye Protection

You should wear shatterproof CSA-approved safety glasses to protect your eyes in areas where there is the danger of flying objects and in areas where there are excessive dust levels. Excessive dust

concentrations can also make contact lenses a hazard for the wearer.

Regular prescription glasses or sunglasses will not provide adequate protection. Choose a style and type of eye protection that is comfortable and applicable to the type of worksite in which you work.

Respiratory Protection

You may find yourself on a worksite where there is an unacceptable level of contamination from dust, fumes or other pollutants. You should take adequate measures to protect yourself from inhaling hazardous materials by wearing respiratory protection. It is your employer’s responsibility to provide this equipment. A tight face seal usually requires a clean-shaven face.

In areas where there is a high dust level such as on a dusty road, you should wear an approved particle mask for protection. If the dust levels are extreme, you may need to wear a respirator rather than a particle mask. You may also advise your traffic control supervisor that water is needed to wet down the road for improved visibility.

If there is a danger from fumes or chemical pollution (such as near an asphalt burner) you must wear a cartridge-style mask. It is important that the correct cartridge is installed to protect you from the particular hazard. A particle mask is not adequate protection from fumes or chemicals.

If you are unsure about the protection that you require for the work situation, you should consult with your traffic control supervisor or employer.

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Maintaining your PPE

Your equipment will only be effective and useful if you take care of it and keep it in good condition. You should observe the following practices:

• Keep your footwear waterproofed and clean to prevent deterioration of the leather.

• Keep your earplugs clean and store them in their protective case when you’re not using them. Replace them if they are disposable or if they become damaged.

• Keep your earmuffs clean and free from damage.

• Store protective eyeglasses in a case to prevent damage when you are not using them. Keep them clean at all times.

• Store retroreflective vests and accessories carefully when they are not in use. Check them before use for cleanliness and damage or missing retroreflective stripes. Also check the batteries of flashing type vests.

• Keep your headgear clean and check it for damage. Also check the expiry date of your headgear and replace it when required.

• Check your headgear regularly by flexing it to see if it has become brittle from exposure to the sun and other weather conditions.

• Check the suspension inside your headgear and replace it annually or sooner if there is evidence of damage or extreme wear.

Other Personal Equipment

Conditions on a job site can change quickly during a shift. It may be sunny in the morning and raining by the afternoon. You may need sunscreen, insect repellent or more liquids to stay alert and comfortable.

It’s a challenge being prepared for all of these situations, but you will find you are more comfortable and less likely to be distracted if you maintain a kit containing the following items:

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• Water bottle

• Lip balm

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen

• Band-Aids and antiseptic cream

• Sunglasses

• Raingear

• Spare socks and gloves

• Washcloth

• Chin strap for safety headgear

• Whistle

• Air horn

• Pen and notebook

• Masking tape

!

Read Part 8, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. As you review this section, pay particular attention to the following sections:

• 8.2 Responsibility to provide

• 8.9 Worker’s responsibilities

• 8.10 Personal clothing and accessories

• 8.11 Safety headgear

• 8.14 Safety eyewear

• 8.22 Footwear

• 8.24 High visibility apparel

Now complete Self Test 3-1 and check your answers.

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Self Test 3-1

1. List four items of personal protective equipment that are mandatory for TCPs, and one item that is recommended.

Answer 2. Describe the type of footwear that must be worn on a traffic control

worksite.

Answer 3. Describe three practices for maintaining your safety headgear in

good condition.

Answer 4. List four features of retroreflective vests that make TCPs highly

visible.

Answer 5. Who is responsible for providing TCPs with hearing protection?

Answer

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6. When do TCPs require eye protection?

Answer 7. List at least ten items of personal equipment that TCPs should carry

in a kit to help them stay alert and comfortable.

Answer 8. When do TCPs require respiratory protection?

Answer 9. When is hearing protection required by TCPs?

Answer 10. List the specifications that retroreflective vests must meet or exceed

for traffic control.

Answer

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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 TCPs.

Personal Traffic Control Equipment

TCPs use the following equipment in their hands to direct traffic:

• Traffic control paddles

• Flashlights with red signaling wands (night use and in poor visibility)

• Communication devices

• Recording materials

Paddles and flashlights

The most important items that you have are the traffic control paddle and the flashlight with a red signaling wand attachment. These are the tools that you will use to direct traffic. The other equipment is used to communicate with other TCPs or to record traffic control incidents.

!

Read Part 18, Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Review these sections in particular:

• Part 18.10 to 18.12 Equipment for traffic control persons

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Communication devices

In addition to the paddle, you should have some form of audible communication such as a whistle that gets the attention of a machine operator or motorist who may not see you or may not be paying

attention to you. You may also require a two-way radio to communicate with other TCPs if you cannot see them from your position.

Recording materials

Other important items include at least one pen or pencil and a small book like a diary or notebook that you can use to record important information, such as the license number of a vehicle that did not obey your signals.

Maintaining Personal Control Equipment

Keep your traffic control equipment in good repair and top working condition. Before beginning your shift you should inspect your equipment for the following:

• Check your traffic control paddle to make sure that it is clean and undamaged

• Test the flashlight for operation and replace the batteries if necessary (always carry spare batteries for your flashlight)

• Check the signaling wand for damage and replace it if necessary

• Check to make sure that the audible device works, whether it is a whistle or a radio (always carry spare batteries for the radio)

• Make sure that you have a book or paper to write on and that your pens or pencils function

Occasionally you may find yourself in a position where you cannot easily access your book and pencil to make note of incidents where you should record a license number or vehicle type. To make this process easier, you can attach a strip of masking tape to the handle of your paddle so that you can make a temporary note on it in a hurry and then transfer it to paper when you have time.

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Traffic Control Equipment

Work zone traffic control equipment may include:

• Signs

• Channelizing devices

• Lighting devices

• Buffer and shadow vehicles

• High level warning devices

The equipment may be used in any combination to achieve the desired control of traffic provided they meet the standards given in the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways.

Signs

Signs may be permanent ones that are already in place or temporary signs used for specific control situations. All signs used must be reflectorized or illuminated to ensure visibility.

Regulatory signs

A regulatory sign is a type of traffic sign that advises motorists or pedestrians that certain actions are required of them. It is an offence of the Motor Vehicle Act to disregard a regulatory sign.

Warning signs

A warning sign is a type of traffic sign that warns motorists that conditions on or adjacent to a highway are potentially hazardous to pedestrians or to vehicular traffic.

Flags

Red or orange flags must be securely attached to all signs warning of workers on the road when posted speeds are 70 km/h or higher. The Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways recommends that flags be used in all traffic control setups because they provide additional protection to workers and TCPs.

!

Read section 2.1 in the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways, Office Edition.

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Channelizing devices

Channelizing devices are used to guide motorists and pedestrians safely away from, around, or though the work zone. They may also be used to separate traffic travelling in opposite directions. Channelizing devices include:

• Flexible drums

• Cones and tubular markers

• Temporary delineator posts

• Barricades

• Barriers

Lighting devices

Warning lighting devices draw attention to traffic control devices and work vehicles. Lighting devices include:

• Flashing yellow warning lights and flashing vehicle lights

• Steady burn warning lights

• Flashing arrow boards

• Floodlights

Buffer and shadow vehicles

Buffer vehicles equipped with the appropriate warning devices can be used as protection for workers. Shadow vehicles, with an appropriate sign on the rear, are used as advanced warning devices in moving operations.

High level warning devices

These devices are used mostly in areas where the normal advance warning distances are not available or where regularly mounted temporary signs might be concealed by parked vehicles.

!

Read section 2.2 in the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways, Office Edition.

Traffic Control Person Training

Traffic Control Person Training

Participant Guide

Acknowledgement

Traffic Control Person Training

Participant Guide

Table of Contents

1 Course Introduction

2 Complying with Regulations and Standards

3 Using Traffic Control Equipment

4 Setting Up Work Zones

5 Basic Traffic Control Skills

6 Working Around Equipment

7 Building on Basic Traffic Control Skills

8 Course Review

9 Appendix

Unit 1

Course Introduction

Welcome

How to Use This Guide

Course Description

Pre-course Work

Classroom Sessions

Field Sessions

Evaluation

Course Evaluation

Agenda

Performance Objectives

Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of a Traffic Control Person (TCP)

Job Locations and Conditions

Responsibilities of a Traffic Control Supervisor

Tailgate Meetings

Unit 2

Complying with

Regulations and

Standards

About This Unit

Performance Objectives

Resources

WCB Regulations

Workers’ Compensation Act

!

!

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

!

!

!

Self Test 2-1

Traffic Control Standards

!

Self Test 2-2

Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations

Traffic Control Regulation

Authority and Jurisdiction

Self Test 2-3

Self Test Answers

Self Test 2-1 Answers

Self Test 2-2 Answers

Self Test 2-3 Answers

Unit 3

Using Traffic Control

Equipment

About This Unit

Performance Objectives

Resources

Using Personal Protective Equipment

Safety Footwear

Safety Headgear

Retroreflective Vest

Wrist Bands and Ankle Cuffs

Ear Protection

Eye Protection

Respiratory Protection

Maintaining your PPE

Other Personal Equipment

!

Self Test 3-1

Using Traffic Control Devices

Personal Traffic Control Equipment