FLAGGER SAFETY -

THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. The JOB is important !

2. The Flagger must be PHYSICALLY and

MENTALLY strong.

3. CLOTHING and TOOLS are specified.

4. Tools include a SMILE!

5. Your POSITION and MOTIONS are right!

6. You know the RULES!

7. The WARNING SIGNS are proper!

8. The traffic slowed down is safer!

9. One-way Traffic requires special attention!

10. Night Time flagging requires extra equipment.

Developed by:
Utah Department of Transportation
Division of Traffic & Safety
FHWA, Utah Division
Mountainland Applied Technology College
Utah LTAP Flagger Training
Handbook
Revised March 2018

48
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction………………………………………….3
Uniformity…………………………………………...4
Authority……………………………………………..5
Certification………………………………………….6
Flagger Qualifications……………………………….7
Proper Conduct………………………………………8
Protection & Comfort………………………………9-10
Safety Clothing………….………………………...10-12
Tools & Equipment Requirements………………..13-15
Flagger Station………………………………………16
Signal to Stop Traffic……………………………..17-19
Signal to Release Traffic…………………………….20
Signal to Slow Traffic……………………………….21
Using a Flag…………………………………………22
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, those with Disabilities……...23
Emergency Vehicles…………………………………24
Special Circumstances………………………………24
Liability……………………………………………...25
Appendix A (Utah MUTCD, Chapter 6E)…...…...26-32
Appendix B (Utah MUTCD, Partial information from
Chapters 6F & 6H)……………………………….33-47
- Traffic Control Zone Elements…………..34-35
- Advanced Warning Signs………………...36-38
- Channelizing Devices………………………39
- Signalized Intersection Flagging……………40
- Assorted Typical Applications (TA)……...41-47

2 47
Lane closure at intersec-
tion
INTRODUCTION
TA-27 pg. 687
Being a Flagger is an important job. A flagger has the charge to
Flaggers may control- protect the lives of workers, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists
traffic through a on the roadway.
signalized intersection
only when the signal Flaggers should never forget that LIVES,
has been turned to the equipment, and material are in your hands.
all RED flash mode or
are inoperable. Road construction, road maintenance, municipal services, and
A uniformed law utility operations may not be safe without a flagger.
enforcement officer is
required when the A vital element of a traffic control plan is the flagger. Flaggers
signal is operational. are used when other traffic control devices are unable to safely
direct traffic through a work zone.
Flaggers should be active, able bodied men and women who pos-
sess a good temperament, eyesight, and hearing. Flaggers should
be intelligent and have the capability of securing the traveling
public’s cooperation through effective communication.
A flagger should never take their responsibilities lightly. Not only
must the flagger provide for their own personal safety, but also
the safety of fellow workers and the public. Flaggers must also
help protect thousands of dollars in equipment and materials.
A flagger may be the first contact by the public on a project. The
impression the flagger creates will reflect on the organization
doing the work. Therefore the flagger is also a public relations
person.
The training you are about to receive will help prepare and guide
you in these responsibilities.

46 3
 Flagger with a pilot car
# 1. UNIFORMITY from UDOT Standard Drawings

Uniformity is a very important part of highway safety and opera- Two-way communications recommended
with pilot car operations. If not available,
tions. Motorists should not be subjected to undue changes. When baton method is acceptable.
changes are necessary, the motorist should be able to react in a
safe and deliberate manner.
All flaggers, wherever they are working, should be using the Use this sign on the back
same commands and hand signals so that motorists are not con- of the pilot vehicle.
fused as they enter various work zones.
Flaggers should be dressed in similar attire. This helps the travel-
ing public recognize the flagger as a control element. Same sign sequence, spacing, tapers and
buffers for opposite direction required
Flaggers should be positioned in similar locations from site to
site. This helps the motorist judge where they may most likely
encounter a flagger.
The flagger certification program has been developed
by using standards set forth in the
Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
and by practices that have been
developed through experience.
A major goal of the certifica-
tion program is to ensure that
all flaggers conduct themselves
in a professional, uniform
manner and that all who
encounter a work zone, with
a flagger present, will
receive safe passage through
the work zone.

4 45
Highway-Rail Crossing w/ Flagger NOTE: If creating a waiting
(TA 46) MUTCD pg 6H-97 line across active rail tracks
cannot be avoided, a flagger # 2. AUTHORITY
UDOT or other government or law enforcement officer is
entities may have adopted a Required. This applies even if Utah State Law 41-6a-209(1)(c) {Revised 2005}
automatic warning devices are
higher standard. Consult the
agency when required.
in place.  Flaggers have the same authority as a law enforcement
officer to control traffic.

 The flagger must be in an active work zone and all

traffic control must be in place to exercise this authority.
The only exception would be if you have an emergency
situation.

44 5
# 3. CERTIFICATION Haul Road Crossing with Flaggers
(TA 14) MUTCD pg 661
UDOT or other government
entities may have adopted a
higher standard. Consult the
The Utah Department of Transportation requires all flaggers to be agency when required.
trained and to carry a Flagger Training Certificate. In
addition to receiving the training an applicant must also meet age
requirements established by the Utah State Labor Commission.
The Flagger Certification is good for a three (3) year period. The
flagger must attend a re-certification seminar and be
re-certified every three (3) years.
Same sign sequence required for opposite direction.
The Utah Department of Transportation is requested on occasion
to accept additional certification programs. The Department will
review each program, and each acceptable program will be listed
in the Utah Department of Transportation Standard Specification
Section 01554 Traffic Control.
Some utilities and other government entities conduct their own
training, the instructors for this training are certified by UDOT.
This certification is only good on roadways under UDOT jurisdic-
tion, while working for the issuing entity. A flagger must re-
ceive a new certification from one of the accepted certification
programs before working for another employer.
All individuals who work at a flagging station must be
certified. The certification card must be on your person while
you are working on the roadway.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR FLAGGING STATION

UNATTENDED, OR TO A NON-CERTIFIED FLAGGER.

**Flaggers, who are found in noncompliance

with UDOT Standards, Policies and MUTCD
Guidelines for flagging, may result in revoca-
tion of Flagger Certification.**

6 43
Temporary Road Closure (TA 13)
From MUTCD pg 660
UDOT or other government
entities may have adopted a # 4. FLAGGER QUALIFICATIONS
higher standard. Consult the
agency when required.
THE FLAGGER:
Same sign sequence required for opposite direction.
1. Must be in Good Physical Condition
 good hearing
 good vision
 mobile enough to escape danger (errant vehicle)
 be able to control signaling device (paddle) in adverse
conditions
 able to work on site 8 hours or more
2. Must be Intelligent
 receive and perform specific instruction
 have common sense and good judgment
 make wise and informed choices
 adapt to changing situations
 recognize dangerous situation and react
3. Must be Mentally Alert
 pay constant attention to traffic
 react to emergency situations
 be able to maintain composure
4. Must be able to Communicate
 be courteous and patient
 give clear directions and instructions
 be able to take a firm command of situations without be-
ing rude or a “bully”
 be able to give motorist further assistance if they are not
able to understand your direction
5. Must maintain a Neat Appearance
 have clean clothing and equipment
 remember you are the first line of public relations
(optional)  will help command the respect required to perform your
duties

42 7
# 5. PROPER CONDUCT Lane Closure on
Two Lane Roads
With Flaggers
(TA 10)
THE FLAGGER: MUTCD pg 653

1. Should provide information to motorist, if possible UDOT or other

governments entities
 Be courteous may have adopted a
 Be Professional higher standard.
 Be Brief Consult the agency
 “There is a loader in the left lane around the curve.” when required.

2. Should not visit with the motorist

 Do not lean on the motorists vehicle
 Do not allow conversation with the motorist distract you
from your flagging responsibilities
3. Must not argue with the motorist
 Be kind
 Be understanding
4. Document disobedient motorist
 Stay out of harms way
 Do not leave your flagging station
 Notify co-workers of the situation
 Record vehicle description and plate number
 Report the circumstances to your supervisor
5. Needs to provide accurate information
 Ensure signs used to identify a flagger condition are re-
moved or covered when you are not actually flagging

6. Must be alert to emergency situations

 Follow your emergency plan
 Provide a means for the emergency vehicles to get through
the construction area in a timely manner

8 41
FLAGGING AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION # 6. PROTECTION & COMFORT
(UDOT Standard)
As a flagger you will be working in different traffic conditions and
Flaggers may flag at a signalized intersection only variable weather conditions. To meet these demands you must be
when the signal has been turned to the all RED flash prepared to protect yourself to changing conditions.
mode or are inoperable. If the signal is fully 1. Sleep
operational, a uniformed law enforcement officer is
required for controlling traffic through the intersec-  Be well rested prior to starting your shift. By being well
tion. rested you will be able to withstand the rigors of a long
shift and perform your duties in a professional
manner.
Flaggers are required for each leg of the intersection
and may only control the traffic for two through lanes, 2. Comfortable foot wear
and one left or right turn lane (if present).  Due to the potential hazard of vehicles driving over your
feet, you are required to wear safety-toe footwear. You will
be standing for long periods of time, make sure the foot-
wear fits and will protect your feet from the elements.
3. Clothing
 You have basic requirements for clothing but with the vari-
ables of the weather you may need to adjust how you meet
these requirements. By using layered clothing, you can
better adjust comfort needs. Have foul weather protection
gear available.
 You have specific requirements for safety outer clothing
you must wear, this is addressed in Section # 7.
4. Sun Protection
 Both winter & summer, you will need:
Sunglasses that are safety glasses and have the ability to
block UVA & UVB rays.
Sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF)
and a UVA & UVB block.

40 9
5. Nourishment Channelizing devices on UDOT controlled projects
 Always have water or other non-carbonated drinks availa-
ble.
 NO alcoholic beverages.
 Have something available to eat. This will help keep your
strength from dissipating between breaks.
6. Breaks
 Prior to starting your shift, arrange with your supervisor
when breaks will occur.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR FLAGGING STATION
UNATTENDED OR TO A NON-CERTIFIED FLAGGER
Must be used in tapers when posted Vertical panels require a retroreflec-
# 7. SAFETY CLOTHING speed is 50 MPH or greater. May be
used on any highway.
tive area of 270 sq. inches when
used on highways with posted
speeds of 50 MPH or greater.
1. Flaggers must be fully clothed in appropriate UDOT requires the retroreflective
work clothing. area be 12 inches above the road-
way. May be used in tapers and
tangents with speed 45 MPH or less.
 Full length pants
 No shorts or cutoff pants.

 Short/long sleeved shirt

 Short sleeved shirts must cover the shoulder and
extend down the arm and cover the entire upper
portion of the body.
 No tank tops

 Safety-toe Footwear
 Safety Glasses See TC Standard Drawings
 Required when on UDOT controlled projects. for use of cones and tubular
 Sun glasses are advised during sunlight exposure. markers.
 Must be worn during night operation. Cones and tubular markers
cannot be used on freeways,
 Glasses that improve vision at night or in overcast con- divided highways, or roads
ditions (i.e. clear or amber lenses) are advised. with a speed limit of 55 mph
 Safety glasses must have side protection. or greater.
Tubular markers may not be
used as a lane closure taper
device and are for day-time
use only.
10 39
  High Visibility Safety Apparel (Retroreflective
safety outerwear)

 High Visibility Safety Apparel is defined as fluorescent

orange-red or a combination orange-red/yellow-green,
shirt, vest, coat, coverall, etc., outerwear that meets the
Performance Class 3 requirements of the ANSI/ISEA 107-
(current year) publication.
 Safety outerwear retroreflective material will be orange,
yellow, white, silver, yellow-green or a florescent version
of these colors.
 Retroreflective safety outerwear must be worn during day-
time and nighttime operations.
 The outerwear will have a minimum of 50% background
color of fluorescent orange-red.

NOTE: If two flaggers are being used, an advance flagger symbol sign is re-  Fluorescent orange-red hard hat
quired in advance of each flagger. If used inside channelizing devices it must be
visible above the channelizing devices.  Hard hats must meet the ANSI/ISEA 107- (current year)
standard with a minimum of 10 square inches of retore-
flective material and placed so that it is visible to traffic
from all directions.

UN-ACCEPTABLE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

 Tank tops or halters.

 Short pants and cutoffs.
 Soft baseball style hats.
 Portable radios, or other devices which could distract you
 Personal listening devices with headphones or ear pieces
CANNOT be worn.
(exception: hearing aids or communication devices used
to stay in contact with others on the work crew).

NOTE: The listed buffer zone lengths are required on UDOT controlled pro-
jects. Consult Standard Drawings, TC Series, for additional information.

38 11
 High Visibility Safety Outerwear Typical sign stands and height requirements
Not Fire Rated
Type R = Roadway Use

Class 3 = Performance Class

(provides greater visibility)

Hard Hat Safety Glasses

Signs on portable stands require 2 orange warning flags

with orange retroreflective sheeting.

Safety-toe Footwear

12 37
TypicalAdvanced
Advanced Warning
Signs.Signs.
Typical
Advanced warning
Warning
signs are diamond
Advanced warning signs are diamond shaped, shaped,
with blackwith
symbol or message
black symbol
# 8. TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
on
or an orange
message background.
on an UDOT
orange requires
background. all UDOT requires
construction signs used on roadways under their jurisdiction to
all REQUIREMENTS
construction
be signs
48” x 48”. Signs areused on roadways
categorized under “Situation”,
as “ Attention”, their jurisdiction to
and “Action”.
be 48” x 48”. Signs are categorized as “ Attention”, “Situation”,
Supplemental signing may be used in conjunction with the advanced warning 1. ADVANCE WARNING SIGNS
and “Action”.
signs Supplemental
and may be square signing
or rectangular maySee
in shape. beUDOT
used in conjunction
Standard Draw-  FLAGGER SYMBOL SIGN required in advance of all
ings,
withTC theSeries, for supplemental
advanced sign size
warning signs requirements
and and flagordetail.
may be square rectangu- flagging stations. This will be the final sign in the signing
lar in shape. See UDOT Standard Drawings, TC Series, for sequences of the approaching traffic.
supplemental sign size requirements.  Refer to UDOT Standard Drawings TC series for signs in
the sign sequence.
ATTENTION SIGNING  Retroreflective sign required when used at night.
 Material as specified in UDOT Standard Specification
and/or the Utah MUTCD.
2. STOP/SLOW PADDLE:
 Flagger shall be equipped with a Stop/Slow paddle a
height of 7 feet (24” paddle and 60” handle)
 Stop/Slow Paddle requirements: octagonal shape, with a
semi-rigid substrate and a rigid handle.
 24 inches x 24 inches with 8 inch letters required.
 UDOT Standard Drawings TC Series.
 Retroreflective when used at night.
SITUATION SIGNING  Light (s) permitted on paddle as specified in the Utah
MUTCD.
SUPPLEMENTAL Holes shall not be permitted in paddle face.
SIGNING 3. FLAGS
 Use in emergency situations only.
 Will be red or florescent orange-red in color.
 24 inches x 24 inches on a 36 inch staff.
 The free edge should be weighted so the flag hangs ver-
tically, shall be retroreflective red or florescent
orange-red when used at night .
4. NIGHT FLAGGING
ACTION SIGNING  Flagging station will be illuminated with an external light
source at night. (UDOT & UTAH MUTCD requirement)
 Night defined: Begins 30 minutes after sunset
(Utah Code 41-6a-1603) Ends 30 minutes before sunrise
 Street lights and vehicle headlights are not an acceptable
source of illumination.
 Red Flagging Wand or Flashlight equipped with a red 6
inch (minimum) wand is required.

36 13
 TOOLS Components Temporary Traffic Control Zone

Flagger Symbol Sign STOP/SLOW Paddle

Flagging Wand or
External Light Source Flashlight w/wand

RED or Orange-red Flag

14 35
TRAFFIC CONTROL ZONE 5. OTHER EQUIPMENT

The Traffic Control Zone consists of specific sign types, chan-  Pencil & Pad
nelizing devices, advanced warning displays, and one or more  Used to keep records of incidents.
flaggers. The way these devices are installed and maintained is  If a crash occurs, write down any information that
crucial to how traffic flows through the work area. may apply to the crash while it is still fresh in
your mind.
This training does not certify you as a Traffic Control  Record vehicle and driver information.
Maintainer but it will give you an understanding of the  If a problem occurs such as a driver running your
traffic control zone. stop command, first protect yourself, warn your
fellow worker, return back to your working
The Traffic Control Zone consists of the following elements: position, then try to record license plate infor-
mation, brief description of vehicle , and descrip-
1. Advance Warning Area tion of the driver.
 The area in the section of highway where road users are
informed about the upcoming work zone or incident area.  Whistle or air horn
 Warning signs  Used to warn those in the work area of an emergency
situation, or dangers.
2. Transition Area
 The transition area is the section of highway where road  Communication devices
users are redirected out of their normal path.  Used to communicate with other flaggers, supervisors,
 Delineated by channelizing devices or other workers.

3. Activity Area
 The activity area is the section of highway where the
work activity takes place.
▪ buffer space (both lateral & longitudinal areas)
 work space
 traffic space
 Delineated by channelizing devices and may have
signs

4. Termination Area
 The termination area is used to return road users to the
normal path.
 May be delineated by channelizing devices and may
have signs

34 15
# 9. FLAGGER STATION
1. Flaggers should be positioned on the shoulder of
the roadway in a conspicuous position facing
approaching traffic.
 Flagger should be visible to approaching traffic a distance
equal to sign spacing requirements. Refer to Sign Spacing
Chart (page 38).
 Location should be such that an errant vehicle can stop
before entering the work space.
APPENDIX B
Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices
2. Flagger station should be free of obstructions. Part 6
 Personal vehicles and other work vehicles cannot be
parked within 100 feet from the flagging station. Chapter 6F Traffic Control Devices (partial)
 Flagging station should be clear of clutter (i.e.; coolers, Chapter 6H Typical Applications (partial)
work bags, or lunch pails).
 Flaggers should be able to move around other traffic con-
trol devices freely. These are minimum standards set by the
Federal Highway Administration.
3. Flaggers should plan an escape route.
 If an errant motorist or work vehicle does not see you or The Utah Department of Transportation may
does not obey your command, have an area to which you have higher standards.
can move without being injured.
Check the Standard Specification Section
01554 and the Standard Drawing
TC Series for specific requirements.

Buffer Space

100’ min.

Stand far enough away from Do not park your vehicle or

the work space, using the ap- allow other work vehicles to be
propriate buffer space, so that within 100 feet from the flag-
an errant vehicle can stop. ging station. (not to scale)
(not to scale)
16 33
 # 10. SIGNAL TO STOP TRAFFIC
1. Stand in a safe position on the shoulder of the
roadway facing traffic. Look directly at the
approaching driver.

2. Communicate intentions with other flaggers and

workers when required.

3. Have the paddle in the “STOP” position in your

right hand directed toward the approaching
vehicle.

32 17
4. Raise your free arm and hold palm of hand above
shoulder level toward approaching traffic.
 Make eye contact with driver prior to chang-
ing positions. 24 Inches

5. After first vehicle has come to a complete stop

move to a conspicuous position near the center
line.
 Do not stand in front of first stopped vehicle.
 Use caution at center line position. Be aware
of vehicles coming from the opposite direc-
tion.

18 31
 STOPPING DISTANCE
Flaggers need to pay special attention when they
have to stop approaching vehicles.
 Weather and road conditions need to be taken into ac-
count when stopping traffic.
 Allow for driver reaction time, which is the time it
takes a driver to apply the brakes after seeing the
STOP sign.

The following chart shows the required stopping distance for the
average vehicle under described conditions.

MPH Dry Gravel Wet Packed Ice or

Pavement Surface Pavement Snow Snow
30 88’ 135’ 147’ 194’ 430’
40 149’ 232 252’ 336’ 745’
50 243’ 374 404’ 541’ 1215’
60 366’ 561 607’ 808’ 1830’

Large trucks can require 400 ft. or more to stop.

HINT: Prior to starting your shift, evaluate the speed of the

approaching traffic. Determine a point in front of you that if
an approaching vehicle passes you will not be able to stop
the vehicle safely.

Mark the point at which you should begin stopping traffic

with a cone, or associate that point with a tree, rock, or some
other physical marker.

30 19
# 11. SIGNAL TO RELEASE TRAFFIC
1. Communicate intentions with other flaggers
and workers when required.
2. Move from the center of the roadway, with the
paddle in the “STOP” position, to a safe
position on the shoulder.
3. Turn your paddle to the “SLOW” position.
With your free arm away from your body, mo-
tion the traffic to proceed.

20 29
 # 12. SIGNAL TO SLOW TRAFFIC
1. Communicate intentions with other flaggers and
workers when required.

2. Stand in a safe position on the shoulder of the

roadway facing traffic and look directly at the ap-
proaching driver to make eye contact.
3. Have the paddle in the “SLOW” position in your
right hand.
4. With your free arm, extended away from your
body, and the palm of your hand down, use an up
and down motion.

28 21
# 13. USING A FLAG
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ONLY
An emergency is an unforeseen situation which re-
quires immediate action.

Because you are in an emergency situation communi-

cation with those assisting will be vital to protect you,
them, and motorists.

The procedures and positioning for using a flag are simi-

lar as a paddle, except for the To Alert & Slow proce-
dure. In this procedure, the flag is slowly waved in a
sweeping motion and the free hand is kept down.

FLAG REQUIREMENTS

RED or FLOURESCENT
ORANGE-RED FLAG STOP POSITION
ONLY

TO PROCEED

TO ALERT & SLOW

22 27
 APPENDIX A # 14. PEDESTRIANS, INCLUDING
THOSE WITH DISABILITIES, AND
Utah MUTCD BICYCLISTS
(Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
 Special considerations should be given to
Part 6 Temporary Traffic Control pedestrians, including those with disabilities,
and bicyclists who enter the work zone and re-
quire your assistance.
Chapter 6E Flagger Control

These are minimum standards set by the

Federal Highway Administration.
The Utah Department of Transportation may
have higher standards.
Check the Standard Specification Section  Check work zone activities with other flaggers
01554 and the Standard Drawing and workers prior to allowing pedestrians and
TC Series for specific requirements. bicyclists to pass through the work zone. They
must be able to pass through safely.
Partial list of UDOT Standards exceeding the  Have approaching traffic under your control
Utah MUTCD prior to directing pedestrians or bicyclist
through the work zone.
 Retroreflective outerwear must have a
minimum of 50% fluorescent orange-red  Allow traffic to clear prior to directing
background color. pedestrians and bicyclists through the work
zone. If impractical,
 Fluorescent orange-red retroreflective stop traffic and direct
hard hat pedestrians or bicyclists
 Safety-toe footwear through the work zone
 Paddle size, 24” x 24” with 8” letters separately.
 Do not use Automated Flagger Assistance
Devices (AFADs) on State Routes.

26 23
# 15. EMERGENCY VEHICLES # 17. LIABILITY
Have a plan developed to move emergency vehicles 1. A FLAGGER can be held liable for damages or injuries
through the work zone. incurred if a crash occurs.
 With the Work Zone Supervisor, develop a plan to move  Make sure all traffic control signing and devices are in
emergency vehicles around or through the work zone place.
 Emergency vehicles must stop, if commanded by you.  Give good direction using the proper signaling techniques.
Allow them to pass as soon as possible.  Be aware of the situation.
 Stay alert.
 Allow traffic to pass only when a safe path is available.
2. The EMPLOYER of the flagger can be held liable for
damages or injuries if a crash occurs. The employer is
responsible to:
 Provide the proper traffic control.
 Instruct flagger of any special conditions or requirements.
 Provide flagger with rest periods.
3. The ORGANIZATION having work done can be held
# 16. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES liable for damages or injuries if a crash occurs.
 Ensure the contractor is complying with your organiza-
 Ask your supervisor each day if there are plans tional standards and requirements.
for an oversized load to come through the
work zone.
 Develop a plan to move unexpected oversized
loads through the work zone.
 Be aware of planned deliveries of equipment or
materials for the project.

24 25