1 Rules for Flaggers WAC 296-155-305. 2 “Flagger” “A person who provides temporary traffic control.” –Definition straight from MUTCD Definition

1

Rules for FlaggersRules for FlaggersWAC 296-155-305

http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/construction/HTML/296-155e.htm

2

““Flagger”Flagger”

• “A person who provides temporary traffic control.”– Definition straight from

MUTCD

Definition

3

M.U.T.C.D.M.U.T.C.D.

• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Read it on the web: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/trafficoperations/mutcd.htm

Definition

Where to obtain a copy

Where to obtain a copy

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/trafficoperations/mutcd.htm

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/trafficoperations/mutcd.htm

4

General RequirementsGeneral Requirements

When flaggers are used, employers must

• First, apply the requirements of 296-155-305

• Then, set up & use temporary traffic control per MUTCD

Click here to understand full

text of Subparagraph

(1)(a)

Click here to understand full

text of Subparagraph

(1)(a)

Click here to Read WISHA’s

EnforcementPolicy

5

TrainingTraining

• “Job site workers with specific traffic control responsibilities must be trained in…”– Traffic control techniques– Device usage– …and placement

Click here to read full text of Subparagraph

(1)(b)

Click here to read full text of Subparagraph

(1)(b)

6

““When to use flaggers”When to use flaggers”

a. “Flaggers are to be used only when other reasonable …methods will not adequately control traffic…”

b. “If signs [etc.] do not provide necessary protection…..you must use flaggers….”

Click here to read full text of Subparagraphs

(2)(a) & (b)

Click here to read full text of Subparagraphs

(2)(a) & (b)

7

Sign PaddlesSign Paddles

• Flagger signaling must be done with sign paddles

Click here to read full text of

Subparagraph (3)(a)


Subparagraph (3)(a)

8

Sign paddles must comply with Sign paddles must comply with MUTCDMUTCD

• At least 18” inches in diameter

• Printed with letters at least 6” high

• “STOP” in white letters on red background

• “SLOW” in black letters on orange background


Subparagraph (3)(b)

9

During Periods of DarknessDuring Periods of Darkness

• Paddles must be retroreflective or

• Illuminated in the same manner as signs


Subparagraph (3)(c)

The definition of “hours of darkness”

The definition of “hours of darkness”

10

Sign PaddlesSign Paddles

• Flagger signaling must be done with sign paddles

• Flags no longer acceptable except for emergency situations.


Subparagraph (3)(d)

11

Vehicles Approaching from Vehicles Approaching from BehindBehind

Either position flaggers so they’re not exposed to such traffic

Or ensure flaggers have adequate visual warning


Subparagraph (4)

12

Examples of methods to Examples of methods to adequately warn or protect adequately warn or protect

flaggersflaggers

Thanks to Pacific Road & Bridge Company

“Jersey” barriers”

Spotter

Mirror on hardhat

Read “Note” in Subparagraph (4)

13

High-Visibility Garments for High-Visibility Garments for FlaggersFlaggers

During daylight hours

Read details inSubparagraph (5)(a)

14


During hours of darkness

Read details inSubparagraph (5)(b)

“Retroreflectivity”

15


During hours of darkness – when snow or fog limit visibility

Read details inSubparagraph (5)(c)

Reflective tapes

16

Flagger TrainingFlagger Training

Each flagger must have a valid flagger card in their possession.

• Includes details about flagger’s training

Read details inSubparagraph (6)

17

Exemption to Flagger Training Exemption to Flagger Training RequirementRequirement

In emergency situations only, a person without flagger training may be temporarily assigned duties as a flagger.

Read Exemption to Subparagraph (6)

18

Flagger Orientation Flagger Orientation andand

Traffic Control PlanTraffic Control PlanFlagger must have an orientation

• for each new project, or

• when job site conditions change significantly

Read required contentfor orientation in

Subparagraph (7)(a)

19

• Site specific traffic control plan required when a job will last more than one day

Flagger Orientation Flagger Orientation andandTraffic Control PlanTraffic Control Plan

Read required contentfor traffic control plan

in Subparagraph (7)(b)

20

Advance Warning Advance Warning SignsSigns

• A three sign sequence below 45 mph

• Four sign sequence 45 and above

Read Subparagraph (8)(a)

21

SignsSignsTable 1 – (WSDOT assigned speed to type of road)

22

* Single Asterisk ** Single Asterisk *

“All spacing may be adjusted to accommodate interchange ramps, at-grade intersections & driveways.”

23

** Double Asterisk **** Double Asterisk **

• Figures for distance between advance warning signs

• Figure 1 shows situation typical for roadways with limits under 45 mph.

24

*** Triple Asterisk ****** Triple Asterisk ***

• Spacing may be reduced in urban areas to fit roadway conditions

25

• When flagger moves with the operation

Mobile Flagging OperationMobile Flagging Operation

Read exemption to Subparagraph (8)

26

Employers, Contractors, Owners Must Employers, Contractors, Owners Must Provide a Safe Job Site for Flaggers…Provide a Safe Job Site for Flaggers…

• Flagger stations are far enough ahead of the work space– Details in Table 2

ReadSubparagraph (9)(a)

27

Where Flaggers Where Flaggers MustMust Stand Stand

• Shoulder or closed lane– OSHA/WISHA say “must”

• Exception: when road users have stopped

• What is a “closed lane”?

ReadSubparagraph (9)(b)

28

Floodlight PlacementFloodlight Placement

Flagger workstations must be illuminated during hours of darkness by floodlights– except for emergencies– floodlights must not create a glare

for drivers

ReadSubparagraph (9)(c)

29

Flaggers must not be assigned Flaggers must not be assigned other duties while engaged in other duties while engaged in

flagging activitiesflagging activities

ReadSubparagraph (9)(d)

30

Flaggers must not use devices Flaggers must not use devices which may distract the vision, which may distract the vision,

hearing or attentionhearing or attention

• Cell phones

• Pagers

• Radios

• HeadphonesReadSubparagraph (9)(e)

31

Flaggers must receive Flaggers must receive appropriate breaksappropriate breaks

• At least 10 minutes for each four hours of working time

• As near as possible to the midpoint of the work period

• No more than 3 hours work without a rest period

ReadSubparagraph (9)(f)

32

BarricadesBarricades

• Only thing added was reference to the MUTCD

33

It’s not about the rules. It’s about people’s lives!!

34

End of PresentationEnd of Presentation

The following slides are text from the standard.

Click here to exit

35

WRD 27.20WRD 27.20

• Clarifies how to combine & enforce WAC 296-155 and the MUTCD

Link to WRD 27.20on the Web

Return to previous slide


36

• You may purchase copies of the MUTCD by writing to:

US Government Printing OfficeSuperintendent of DocumentsMail Stop: SSOPWashington DC 20402-9328

• Or log on to: https://www.transportation.org/publications/bookstore.nsf/Home?OpenForm

• http://www.ite.org/bookstore/index.asp%20• http://www.atssa.com/%20

Return to the program


Return to the text of the paragraph you

were reading

Return to the text of the paragraph you

were reading

https://www.transportation.org/publications/bookstore.nsf/Home?OpenForm

https://www.transportation.org/publications/bookstore.nsf/Home?OpenForm

http://www.ite.org/bookstore/index.asp

http://www.atssa.com/

37

ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 is available by:ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 is available by:

• Purchasing copies by writing:– American National Standards Institute

11 West 42nd StreetNew York, NY 10036 or

– Contacting the ANSI website at http://web.ansi.org/

• Reading a copy at any Washington state library

Return toprevious slide

38

Text of WAC 296-155-305(1)(a)Text of WAC 296-155-305(1)(a)

When flaggers are used, employers must first apply the requirements of this section. Then you must set up and use temporary traffic controls according to the guidelines and recommendations in Part VI of the MUTCD.



Read the text of paragraph 1b


39

Text of WAC 296-155-305(1)(b)Text of WAC 296-155-305(1)(b)

Job site workers with specific traffic control responsibilities must be trained in traffic control techniques, device usage, and placement



40

Text of WAC 296-155-305(2)(a)Text of WAC 296-155-305(2)(a)

Flaggers are to be used only when other reasonable traffic control methods will not adequately control traffic in the work zone.





41

Text of WAC 296-155-305(2)(b)Text of WAC 296-155-305(2)(b)

If signs, signals, and barricades do not provide necessary protection from traffic at work zones and construction sites on or adjacent to a highway or street, then you must use flaggers or other appropriate traffic controls.



42

Text of WAC 296-155-305(3)(a) & (b)Text of WAC 296-155-305(3)(a) & (b)

(a) Flagger signaling must be with sign paddles approved by WSDOT and conform to guidelines and recommendations of MUTCD.

(b)Sign paddles must comply with the requirements of the MUTCD.



Read the text of paragraph 3c

Read the text of paragraph 3c

43

Text of WAC 296-155-305(3)(c)Text of WAC 296-155-305(3)(c)

(c) When flagging is done during periods of darkness, sign paddles must be retroreflective or illuminated in the same manner as signs.



Read the text of paragraph 3d

Read the text of paragraph 3d

44

Text of WAC 296-155-305(3)(d)Text of WAC 296-155-305(3)(d)

(d) During emergency situations, red flags, meeting the specifications of the MUTCD, may be used to draw a driver’s attention to particularly hazardous conditions. In nonemergency situations, a red flag may be held in a flagger’s free hand to supplement the use of a sign paddle.



45

Text of WAC 296-155-305(4)Text of WAC 296-155-305(4)(Slide 1 of 3)(Slide 1 of 3)

Adequate warning of approaching vehicles. Employers must:

• Position work zone flaggers so they are not exposed to traffic or equipment approaching them from behind.– If this is not possible, then the employer, responsible

contractor, and/or project owner must develop and use a method to ensure that flaggers have adequate visual warning of traffic and equipment approaching from behind.



Read the next part of

Paragraph (4)


Paragraph (4)

46

NOTE: • The following are some optional examples of

methods that may be used to adequately warn or protect flaggers.– Mount a mirror on the flagger’s hard hat

– Use an observer

– Use “jersey” barriers




Read the NOTE in Paragraph (4)Read the NOTE in Paragraph (4)

47

NOTE (part 2)• The department recognizes the importance of

adequately trained flaggers and supports industry efforts to improve the quality of flagger training. However, training alone is not sufficient to comply with the statutory requirement of revising flagger safety standards to improve options available that ensure flagger safety and that flaggers have adequate visual warning of objects approaching them from behind.




48

Text of WAC 296-155-305(5)(a)Text of WAC 296-155-305(5)(a)(Slide 1 of 3)(Slide 1 of 3)

While flagging during daylight hours, a flagger must at least wear, as an outer garment:

• A high-visibility safety garment designed according to Class 2 specifications in ANSI/ISEA 107-1999, American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel.

• Consisting on at least 775 square inches of background material that are fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red in color; and

• 201 square inches of retroreflective material that encircles the torso and is placed to provide 360 degrees visibility around the flagger.




Paragraph (5)(a)


Paragraph (5)(a)

49

Text of WAC 296-155-305(5)(a)Text of WAC 296-155-305(5)(a)(Slide 2 of 3)(Slide 2 of 3)

While flagging during daylight hours, a flagger must at least wear, as an outer garment:

• [requirements of previous slide]• A high visibility hard hat that is white, yellow,

yellow-green, orange or red in color



Read the last part of

Paragraph (5)(a)

Read the last part of

Paragraph (5)(a)

50

Text of WAC 296-155-305(5)(a)Text of WAC 296-155-305(5)(a) (Slide 3 of 3)(Slide 3 of 3)

NOTE:

A high-visibility garment meets Class 2 specifications if the garment:– Meets the requirements above

or– Has an ANSI “Class 2” label





51

Text of WAC 296-155-305(5)(b)Text of WAC 296-155-305(5)(b)(Slide 1 of 4)(Slide 1 of 4)

While flagging during hours of darkness, a flagger must at least wear, as an outer garment:

• A high-visibility safety garment designed according to Class 2 specifications in ANSI/ISEA 107-1999

• Consisting on at least 775 square inches of background material that are fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red in color; and

• 201 square inches of retroreflective material that encircles the torso and is placed to provide 360 degrees visibility around the flagger.




Paragraph (5)(b)


Paragraph (5)(b)

52



• [requirements of the previous slide]

• White coveralls, or other coveralls or trousers that have retroreflective banding on the legs designed according to ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 standards.




Paragraph (5)(b)


Paragraph (5)(b)

53



• [requirements of the previous two slides]

• When snow or fog limit visibility, pants, coveralls, or rain gear, meeting these additional requirements must be worn:– In a highly visible color– With retroreflective banding on the legs;– Designed according to ANSI/ISEA 107-1999




Paragraph (5)(b)


Paragraph (5)(b)

54



• [requirements of the previous three slides]

• A high visibility hard hat:– Marked with at least 12 square inches of

retroreflective material applied to provide 360 degrees of visibility.



55

Text of WAC 296-155-305(6)(a)Text of WAC 296-155-305(6)(a) Flagger Training. Employers must make sure that:Flagger Training. Employers must make sure that:

Each flagger has in their possession:• A valid Washington traffic control flagger card;

or• A valid flagger card from a state such as:

• Oregon

• Idaho

• Montana; or

• Other states having a flagger training reciprocity agreement with Washington



Read the text of paragraph (6)(b)Read the text of paragraph (6)(b)

56

Text of WAC 296-155-305(6)(b)Text of WAC 296-155-305(6)(b) Flagger Training. Employers must make sure that:Flagger Training. Employers must make sure that:

(b) The flagger card shows the following:• Verification that the flagger training required is

completed;

• Date the flagger received their flagger training;

• Name of the instructor providing the flagger training;

• Name of the state that issued the flagger card;

• The card’s expiration date, not to exceed three years from the date of issuance; and

• The flagger’s picture or a statement that says “valid with photo ID.”



Read the text of paragraph (6)(c)Read the text of paragraph (6)(c)

57

Text of WAC 296-155-305(6)(c)Text of WAC 296-155-305(6)(c) Flagger Training. Employers must make sure that:Flagger Training. Employers must make sure that:

(c) Flagger training is based upon the MUTCD.

Exemption: Personnel that have not completed a flagger training course may be assigned duties as flaggers only during emergencies. Emergency assignments are temporary and last only until a certified flagger can be put into the position.



58

Text of WAC 296-155-305(7)(a)Text of WAC 296-155-305(7)(a) Flagger orientation and traffic control plan.Flagger orientation and traffic control plan.

(Slide 1 of 2)(Slide 1 of 2)

The employer, responsible contractor or project owner must conduct an orientation that familiarizes the flagger with the job site. This requirement applies each time the flagger is assigned to a new project or when job site conditions change significantly.



Read the rest of paragraph (7)(a)Read the rest of paragraph (7)(a)

59

Text of WAC 296-155-305(7)(a)Text of WAC 296-155-305(7)(a) Flagger orientation and traffic control plan.Flagger orientation and traffic control plan.


The orientation must, include but is not limited to:• The flagger’s role and location on the job site;• Motor vehicle and equipment in operation at

the site;• Job site traffic patterns;• Communications and signals to be used

between flaggers and equipment operators;• On-foot escape route; and• Other hazards specific to the job site.



Read paragraph (7)(b)


60

Text of WAC 296-155-305(7)(b)Text of WAC 296-155-305(7)(b) Flagger orientation and traffic control plan.Flagger orientation and traffic control plan.


If flaggers are used on a job that will last more than one day, then the employer, responsible contractor and/or project owner must keep on-site, a current site specific traffic control plan. The purpose of this plan is to help move traffic through or around the construction zone in a way that protects the safety of the traveling public, pedestrians and workers.



Read the rest of paragraph (7)(b)Read the rest of paragraph (7)(b)

61

Text of WAC 296-155-305(7)(b)Text of WAC 296-155-305(7)(b) Flagger orientation and traffic control plan.Flagger orientation and traffic control plan.

(Slide 2 of 2)(Slide 2 of 2)The plan must include, but is not limited to, the following

items when they are appropriate:• Sign use and placement;• Application and removal of pavement markings;• Construction;• Scheduling;• Methods and devices for delineation and channelization;• Placement and maintenance of devices;• Placement of flaggers;• Roadway lighting;• Traffic regulations; and• Surveillance and inspection.



62

Text of WAC 296-155-305(8) Text of WAC 296-155-305(8) Advance warning signs.Advance warning signs.

(a) Employers must provide the following on all flagging operations:

• A three sign advance warning sequence on all roadways with a speed limit below 45 mph.

• A four sign advance warning sequence on all roadways with a 45 mph or higher speed limit.





63

Text of WAC 296-155-305(8) Text of WAC 296-155-305(8) Advance warning signs.Advance warning signs.

(b) Warning signs must reflect the actual condition of the work zone. When not in use, warning signs must either be taken down or covered.

(c) Employers must make sure to follow Table 1 for spacing of advance warning sign placement.



View Table 1View Table 1 See “Exemption”See “Exemption”

64Return to previous slide


See “Exemption”See “Exemption” See Figure 1, per double asterisk

See Figure 1, per double asterisk

65

In a mobile flagging operation, as defined by the MUTCD when a flagger is moving with the operation, the “flagger ahead (symbol or text)” sign must be:

• Within 1,500 feet of the flagger; and• The flagger station must be seen from the sign.

-------------------------------If terrain does not allow a motorist to see the flagger from the “flagger

ahead” sign, the distance between the flagger and the sign must be shortened to allow visual contact, but in no case can the distance be less than the distance specified in Table 1, Advanced Warning Sign Placement.



““Exemption”Exemption”Following Paragraph 305(8)Following Paragraph 305(8)

Return “Mobile Flagging Operation”

Return “Mobile Flagging Operation”

66





Figure 1 – per **Figure 1 – per **

67

Text of WAC 296-155-305(9) Text of WAC 296-155-305(9) Providing a safe job site for flaggers.Providing a safe job site for flaggers.

Employers, responsible contractors and/or project owners must make sure that:

(a) Flagger stations are located far enough in advance of the work space so that the approaching road users will have sufficient distance to stop before entering the work space. Follow Table 2 for the distance of the flagger workstation in advance of the work space





68Return to the

programReturn to the

programReturn to

paragraph (9)(a)Return to

paragraph (9)(a)Read paragraph

(9)(b)Read paragraph

(9)(b)

* Posted speed, off-peak 85th percentile speed prior to work starting or the

anticipated operating speed.

** This spacing may be reduced to fit roadway and worksite conditions. Distances greater than those listed in the table are acceptable.

69



(b) Flaggers stand either on the shoulder adjacent to the road user being controlled or in the closed lane prior to stopping lane users. A flagger must only stand in the lane being used by moving road users after road users have stopped.



Read paragraph (9)(c)

Read paragraph (9)(c)

70



(c) Flagger workstations are illuminated during hours of darkness by floodlights that do not create glare that poses a hazard for drivers.

NOTE: To identify potential glare, observe the lighted area from various directions and angles on the main roadway after initial floodlight setup.



Read paragraph (9)(d)


“Exemption” to (9)(c)

“Exemption” to (9)(c)

71

Emergency situations are exempt from these illumination requirements.



““Exemption”Exemption”Following Paragraph 305(9)(c)Following Paragraph 305(9)(c)

Return to text of paragraph (9)(c)Return to text of paragraph (9)(c)



72



(d) Flaggers are not assigned other duties while engaged in flagging activities.



Read paragraph (9)(e)

Read paragraph (9)(e)

73



(e) Flaggers do not use devices that may distract the flagger’s vision, hearing, or attention.

• Examples of these devices include cell phones, pagers, radios, and headphones.

• Devices such as two-way radios used for communications between flaggers to direct traffic or ensure flagger safety are acceptable



Read paragraph (9)(f)

Read paragraph (9)(f)

74



(f) Flaggers receive a rest period of at least ten minutes, on the employer’s time, for each four hours of working time.

• Rest periods must be scheduled as near as possible to the midpoint of the work period.

• A flagger must not be allowed to work more than three hours without a rest period



Read “Exemption” to paragraph (9)(f)

Read “Exemption” to paragraph (9)(f)

75

Scheduled rest periods are not required where the nature of the work allows a flagger to take intermittent rest periods equivalent to ten minutes for each four hours worked.



““Exemption”Exemption”Following Paragraph 305(9)(f)Following Paragraph 305(9)(f)

Return to paragraph (9)(f)

Return to paragraph (9)(f)

76

• Employers must make sure that barricades used for the protection of employees meet the requirements of Part VI of the MUTCD.

Text of WAC 296-155-310Text of WAC 296-155-310 BarricadesBarricades



Definition of “Barricade”Definition of “Barricade”

77

BarricadeBarricade

Barricade means an obstruction to deter the passage of persons or vehicles.

Definition



78

WRD 27.20WRD 27.20Traffic Control and Flagging OperationsTraffic Control and Flagging Operations

• See http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Rules/Policies/PDFs/WRD2720.pdf

79

““Hours of Darkness”Hours of Darkness”WAC 296-155-305(5)(b)WAC 296-155-305(5)(b)

“For the purpose of this rule, “hours of darkness” means one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise.”

Definition



80

““Emergency”Emergency”

“For the purpose of this rule, ‘emergency’ means an unforeseen occurrence endangering life, limb, or property.”



Definition

81

Road UserRoad User

Road user means a vehicle operator, bicyclist, or pedestrian within a public roadway, including workers in temporary traffic control zones.

Definition



82

SignsSigns

Signs are the warnings of hazard, temporarily or permanently affixed or placed, at locations where hazards exist.

Definition



83

SignalsSignals

Signals are moving signs, provided by workers, such as flaggers, or by devices such as flashing lights, to warn of possible or existing hazards.

Definition



84

Advance Warning Area

Transition Area

Buffer Space

Work Space

Definitions

