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A traffic control person may also be known as a flag person (flag woman/flag man) or signaller. The main role is to:
Only use traffic control persons when other methods of traffic control are not adequate. Always use barriers, barricades, lane control devices, traffic signal lights, sign trucks, and other methods as appropriate instead of, and/or in addition to, traffic control persons to ensure the safety of all workers.
Yes. Most Canadian jurisdictions require that a person who is controlling traffic have training, complete a certificate, or be considered competent (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon). Nova Scotia and the Canadian Federal jurisdiction’s occupational health and safety laws do not directly address training requirements for a traffic control person.
Each jurisdiction has specific requirements, for example, Ontario specifies that each traffic control person receive adequate oral and written instruction from the employer in a language the worker understands before performing traffic control duties. Northwest Territories requires that the employer ensure the designated signaler be trained to carry out his or her duties to ensure the signaler’s safety and the safety of other workers.
This fact sheet does not cover all of the education or training required for a traffic control person. Always confirm any requirements with your local jurisdiction.
Before starting each job, know:
When controlling traffic, a traffic control person should:
Wear personal protective equipment that is CSA approved, including:
Be sure that clothing, or eye and hearing protection do not interfere with your ability to see and hear while working.
Other tips include: