Toolbox Talk: Construction Traffic Control

Construction Traffic Control

Introduction

Effective traffic control on construction sites is essential for the safety of both workers and the public. Even with robust traffic control measures in place, there are risks of accidents caused by confused drivers or inattentive workers. By adhering to proper procedures, we can mitigate these risks and ensure a safer work environment.

Traffic Control Procedures

1. Planning

Approval and Design: Ensure all traffic control plans are carefully designed and approved by relevant authorities before work begins.
Pre-Work Review: The person responsible for traffic planning should drive through the proposed traffic pattern to confirm its clarity and effectiveness. Adjust the pattern if there is potential for driver confusion.

2. Signage

Regulations: Follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and local or state regulations for signage and barricades.
Placement: Position initial warning signs at least 1,000 feet from traffic changes. Ensure all signs and equipment are in good condition and clearly visible.
Contractors: In some cases, independent traffic safety contractors may be used for setting up signs and barricades.

3. Barricades

Visibility and Spacing: Use highly visible cones, barrels, and other devices, spaced closely enough to guide traffic effectively. These barriers should be made from materials that minimize damage if struck by a vehicle.

4. Safety Gear

Employee Protection: All workers must wear hard hats and high-visibility orange or day-glow vests. For night work, vests should have reflective strips to enhance visibility.

5. Flaggers

Designation: Assign at least one flagger to manage traffic. Use an octagonal sign paddle with “STOP” on one side and “SLOW” on the other, measuring at least 18 inches across with six-inch letters.
Communication: Flaggers should be equipped with two-way radios. Place signs indicating the presence of flaggers at least 500 feet from the start of the detour.

6. Vehicles

Equipment and Markings: Ensure all construction vehicles have backing alarms, two-way radios, and, when appropriate, Slow Moving Vehicle signs. Vehicles should be painted in highly visible colors and equipped with flashing yellow beacons.
Parking Safety: When parked along the road, use orange safety cones around vehicles to alert drivers.

7. Night Work

Illumination: Properly illuminate the entire work site. Increase warning distances in areas with high-speed traffic. Use orange-cone flashlights for flaggers and equip barricades with flashing lights. Tape off and barricade any excavations or utility accesses with flashing warning lights.

8. Training

Orientation: Provide all employees and subcontractors with initial safety training, including traffic safety procedures. Communicate any changes or unusual conditions promptly.

Summary of Main Points

Planning: Design and approve traffic control plans and review them before work starts.
Signage: Adhere to regulations for signage placement and maintenance.
Barricades: Use visible and appropriately spaced barriers to guide traffic.
Safety Gear: Ensure all workers wear the proper protective and visibility gear.
Flaggers: Use qualified flaggers with proper equipment and communication tools.
Vehicles: Equip vehicles with safety features and use cones for parked vehicles.
Night Work: Ensure proper site illumination and use additional safety measures for nighttime operations.
Training: Provide thorough safety training and promptly communicate changes.

Stay alert and stay safe—keeping these procedures in mind will help prevent accidents and ensure a safer work environment for everyone.