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FLAGGER’SHANDBOOK
January 2012
Introduction
You have been chosen to be a flagger because yoursupervisor feels you are physically able, mentallyalert and sufficiently commanding in appearanceto properly control traffic through construction,maintenance and utility work areas. As a flagger,your chief duties are:
• Guide traffic safely through work areas.
• Protect your fellow workers.
• Prevent unreasonable delays for road users, and
• Answer motorists’ questions politely andknowledgeably.
This handbook will help you carry out theseimportant duties. Study it carefully to learn properflagging procedures and keep it handy for quickreference.
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Table of Contents
Rules of Conduct.......................................................2
Flagging Equipment ..................................................4ClothingTools
Flagger’s Position ......................................................6
Flagging to Stop Traffic..............................................9
Flagging to Release Traffic......................................10Releasing Traffic into Left LaneReleasing Traffic into Right LaneReleasing Traffic on Right Lane (two-way)
Flagging at Haul Road Intersections.......................12
Flagging for Pilot Car Operation .............................13
Nighttime Flagging ..................................................14Clothing and EquipmentStopping Traffic at NightReleasing Traffic at Night
Flagging in Emergency Situations ..........................17
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Rules of Conduct
Flagging is an important responsibility and shouldbe carried out with authority and dignity. Courtesyand a professional attitude are vital in gaining therespect of the traveling public. The image youproject can affect the public’s attitude toward thewhole project and your organization. The followingguidelines will make you a more effective flaggerand make your job easier.
Before beginning your flagging duties, do thefollowing:
l Park your vehicle outside the work zone, well offthe roadway.
l Make sure your apparel and equipment are notfaded, and are clean and neat.
l Make sure proper signs are in place.
l Become familiar with the work activities so youcan answer motorists’ questions.
l Discuss a reasonable relief schedule with yoursupervisor or crew leader.
l When two or more flaggers will be workingtogether, make sure one flagger is designatedas the flagger in charge (the other flaggers willcoordinate their activities accordingly). Also,make sure you:- are positioned so you can see each other;- have two-way radios for communicating; or- are utilizing a pilot car.
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While you are flagging:
l Be neat in appearance.
l Do not turn your back to approaching traffic.
l Do not leave your position to talk with the workcrew.
l Be friendly and polite to the public, but do notengage in small talk. Do not leave your positionto visit with motorists or pedestrians.
l Never argue with road users. Be courteous, butbe brief and factual in your conversation withthem.
l If a road user refuses to obey instructions, reportthe following information to your supervisor assoon as possible without deserting your post.- General description of the road user.- Vehicle license number and description.- Circumstances involved in the incident.
l Be alert to the needs of emergency vehicles.They should be given priority of passage, butonly when their safety will not be compromised.
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Flagging Equipment
Clothing
In addition to being neatly dressed, a flagger mustbe dressed for safety. To be easily visible to traffic,you must wear the following items when flagging,even when you are serving as a replacement for ashort period. (Figure 1)
l Flaggers shall wear high-visibility safety apparelthat meets the Performance Class 2 or 3requirements of the ANSI/ISEA 107–2004publication entitled “American National Standardfor High-Visibility Apparel and Headwear” and islabeled as meeting the ANSI 107-2004 standardperformance for Class 2 or 3 risk exposure.
l For nighttime activity, high-visibility safety apparelthat meets the Performance Class 3 requirementsmay be worn.
l Faded or soiled vests will not be allowed.
l An orange or yellow/green cap or hard hat.
l A shirt with sleeves, pants and shoes (tank tops,short shorts or sandals shall not be worn.)
Tools
You will be equipped with the standard combination“STOP/SLOW” pole-type sign described below.
Specifications for “Stop/Slow,” two-sided sign
Size: Minimum 18" x 18" octagon sign with a5' rigid handle.
Color: STOP sign – Red background with whiteletters (6" series C) and border, fullyreflectorized.
SLOW sign – Orange diamond-shapebackground with black letters (6" series B)and black border outside of diamond shape.
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Nighttime flagging requires proper illumination offlagger and equipment. (See page 14 for list ofequipment required.)
In emergencies when the standard sign is notavailable, a red flag may be used (for daytimeoperations) instead. During the night the flagshould be reflectorized.
In nighttime emergencies, at a non-illuminatedflagger station, a flagger may use a flashlight witha red glow cone to supplement the STOP/SLOWsign or flag.
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SLOW STOP
Minimum 18”
Min
imum
18
”
Min
imum
5’ t
o G
roun
d
Figure 1Flagging clothing and tools
Advance Warning Signs
Advance warning signs are required. In emergenciesit might be necessary to flag without them initially,but signs must be erected as soon as possible. SeeFigure 2 for the typical rural flagger signing set-up.
Flagger’s Position
Follow these directions carefully to help keep yousafe during flagging. They will also assist you inskillfully controlling traffic through the work area.
l Be alert at all times. Do not be distractedby the work operation.
l Be on your feet facing oncoming traffic.
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STOP
500
500
AP
PR
OX
.50
0 T
OFL
AG
GE
R
Figure 2
l Stand where you will be highly visible at all timesbut do not stand in the path of an approachingvehicle. Do not stand in shadows or near parkedvehicles or equipment which might hide you fromapproaching road users.
Factors such as visibility, speed and volume of traffic,condition of the road, and the work being done mustbe considered in determining the proper location ofthe flagger. Generally, flagger stations should belocated about 200 - 350' in advance of the work site.In urban settings with reduced speed zones this maybe reduced to 50- 150'. (Figure 3)
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STOP
Traffic
500 ft.MinimumVisibility
200-350 ft.
Minimum
*
*50-150 ft. in urban areas with reduced speed zone
Figure 3Flagger’s position
l No vehicle shall be parked in the immediate areaof the flagger.
l Stand alone. Do not mingle with the work crew,the traveling public or other people.
l When two flaggers are working together (one oneither end of the work area), they should alwaysbe able to see each other or use two-way radiosfor proper communication.
Note: In such cases, one flagger is always incharge; the other flagger coordinates his or heractivities accordingly.
l Stop the first vehicle in the closed lane from theadjacent shoulder using the STOP/SLOW sign.(Figure 4)
l Stop succeeding vehicles from the centerlineposition by using the STOP/SLOW sign.
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STOP
Figure 4Stopping first vehicle from shoulder
Flagging to Stop Trafficl Hold the stop sign erect and away from your body.
Never wave the sign.
l Look directly at the approaching road user.
l Raise your free arm with the palm of your handexposed to the road user.
l Bring the vehicle to a full stop.
l After the first vehicle has stopped, move to a spot(near the centerline of the roadway) where youcan be seen by other approaching vehicles.
l Stop all remaining cars, following the aboveinstructions.
Caution – Never turn your back on traffic.
l Remain in this position with the “STOP” signfacing traffic until you can permit travel throughthe work area.
A single flagger may be used for minor pavementrepair, guardrail installation or other work where thelength of the work area is less than 100 feet, trafficapproaching in the closed lane can easily see theflagger, and the traffic volume is less than 1,000vehicles per day. Traffic approaching in the openlane shall be allowed to flow freely. The flagger shallstop the first vehicle in the closed lane, then crossthe traffic lane to stop other vehicles. (Figure 5)
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STOP
Figure 5Flagging to stop traffic
Figure 6Releasing traffic into left lane
Flagging to Release Traffic
To Release Traffic Into Left Lane (Figure 6)
l Remain standing near the centerline and turnthe “SLOW” side of the sign to face the stoppedvehicles.
l With your free arm, signal the road users toproceed in the left lane. Never wave the sign.
l After all vehicles have passed, return to youroriginal position on the shoulder to await thenext vehicle.
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SLOW
To Release Traffic Into Right Lane (Figure 7)
l Return to your position on the shoulder and turnthe “SLOW” side of the sign to face the stoppedvehicles.
l With your free arm, motion the road users toproceed. Never wave the sign.
To Release Traffic On Right Lane (two-way traffic)
When releasing traffic on a two-way highway wheretraffic is stopped temporarily in only one lane (suchas for loading or unloading operations), care mustbe taken not to confuse continuous traffic travelingthe opposite direction.
Turn the sign sothat neither “STOP”nor “SLOW” can beread by motoristsapproaching fromeither direction.The legend “STOP”should face theflagger. (Figure 8)
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SLOW
Figure 7Releasing traffic into right lane
SLOW
Figure 8Releasing traffic on right lane (two-way)
Flagging at Haul Road Intersections
Generally, traffic control procedures are the samefor haul road intersections as for other work areas.(See Flagging Procedures for Stopping, Releasingand Slowing Traffic, pages 9-11)
When trucks are making a right turn onto thehighway, only one flagger is required. (Figure 9)
When trucks have the right-of-way and are crossingthe highway or making a left turn, two flaggers arerequired to control traffic, one from each direction.(Figure 10)
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STOP
STOP
Figure 9Flagging for right turning trucks at haul road
Figure 9Flagging for right-turning trucks at haul road
Figure 10Flagging for trucks turning left or crossing highway
Flagging for Pilot Car Operation
Work is often performed over a long section ofhighway. When a flagger at the opposite end is notvisible to you, a pilot car may be used to escortvehicles through the work area. Use the followingdirections when a pilot car is being used. (Figure 11)
l Stop vehicles in the approved manner.(See Flagging to Stop Traffic on page 9)
l Detain all vehicles until the pilot car arrives fromthe opposite direction.
Note: Be alert to prevent vehicles from pulling outof line and trying to pass other waiting vehicles.
l After the pilot car arrives, has pulled into positionat the head of your column of vehicles and theopposing traffic has cleared, step back onto theshoulder.
l With the “SLOW” sign facing traffic, motion thepilot car driver and others to proceed.
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Figure 11Flagging for Pilot Car
STOP
PILOT CARFOLLOW ME
SIGN FACES TO THE REAR
Nighttime Flagging
Clothing and Equipment (Figure 12)
Effective nighttime flagging requires a well-lightedflagging station and the following items:
l Reflectorized STOP/SLOW signs and advancesigns.
l Flashlight with a red glow cone.
l High-visibility safety apparel that meets thePerformance Class 2 or 3 requirements ofthe ANSI/ISEA 107–2004 publication entitled“American National Standard for High-VisibilityApparel and Headwear” and is labeled asmeeting the ANSI 107-2004 standardperformance for Class 2 or 3 risk exposure.
l An orange or yellow/ green cap or hard hat.
l Reflectorized pants (optional).
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Flashlight withred glow cone
Reflectorized
Figure 12Clothing and tools for nighttime flagging
Flagging to Stop Traffic at Night
When flagging at night, it is doubly important thatyou use utmost care in guiding traffic through thearea and that you protect yourself from injury byconfused road users. Follow these directionscarefully:
l Standing in a safe position on the shoulder ofthe road next to approaching traffic, hold theSTOP/SLOW sign in your right hand, erect andaway from your body, with STOP facing theapproaching traffic. Hold the red flashlight inyour left hand. (Figure 13)
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STOP
Figure 13Flagging to stop traffic at night
l After the first vehicle has stopped, move to aposition near the centerline so that your lantern orflashlight can be seen by road users approachingfrom the rear.
l Request the first road user to activate vehicleflashers.
Do not abandon your post at the head of the trafficline to advise other road users.
Flagging to Release Traffic at Night
l Follow the procedure for daytime flagging, exceptto inform road users to proceed. The flagger shallpoint the flashlight at the vehicle’s bumper, slowlyaim the flashlight toward the open lane, thenhold the flashlight in that position. The flaggershall not wave the flashlight.
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Flagging in Emergency Situations
An emergency situation may arise where immediateaction to protect the safety of the public requireswork to be done on a street or highway where fullcompliance with the procedures in this handbookcannot be immediately provided. Nothing in thishandbook shall be interpreted as requiring a personor agency to delay such immediate action.
Proper traffic control shall be provided as soonas possible.
Using Red Flags (Emergency Only)
When the STOP/SLOW sign is not available, ared flag (preferably having minimum dimensionsof 24"x24") shall be used in regulating traffic inemergency situations.
To Stop Traffic During the Day
l Stand in a safe position on the shoulder facingtraffic.
l Extend the flag into the traffic lane. (Figure 14)
l Look directly at the approaching road user,establish eye contact.
l Raise your free arm with the palm of your handexposed to the road user and bring the vehicle toa stop.
l After the first vehicle has been stopped, move to aspot where you can be seen by other approachingvehicles, preferably near the centerline of theroadway. Don’t cross the centerline.
l Stop other approaching vehicles.
l Remain in this position with the flag extendeduntil you can safely permit traffic through theemergency area.
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Flagging in an Emergency Situation at Nightat a Non-illuminated Flagger Station
When a flashlight is used for flagging in anemergency situation at night at a non-illuminatedflagger station, the flagger shall hold the flashlight inthe left hand, hold the sign or flag in the right hand,and use the flashlight in the following manner tocontrol approaching road users:
l To inform road users to stop, the flagger shall holdthe flashlight with the left arm extended andpointed down toward the ground, and then slowlywave the flashlight in front of the body in a slowarc from left to right such that the arc reaches nofarther than 45 degrees from vertical.
l To inform road users to proceed, the flagger shallpoint the flashlight at the vehicle’s bumper, slowlyaim the flashlight toward the open lane, then holdthe flashlight in that position. The flagger shall notwave the flashlight.
l To alert or slow traffic, the flagger shall point theflashlight toward oncoming traffic and quicklywave the flashlight in a figure eight motion.
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24”weighted
36”minimum
24”minimum
Figure 14Using a flag to stop traffic in emergency situations
To Slow Traffic During the Day with a Flag
l Stand in a safe position on the shoulder.
l Slowly wave the flag in a sweeping motion fromthe 6 o’clock position to the 9 o’clock position andback again. Do not raise your arm above thehorizontal position. Keep the free arm down. (Figure 15)
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Figure 15Using a flag to slow traffic in a daytime emergency situation
To Release Traffic During the Day
l Move to a safe position on the shoulder, keepingthe flag in a 9 o’clock position in view of roadusers. (Figure 15)
l Lower the flag to a 6 o’clock position. With yourfree arm, motion the road users to proceed. (Figure 16)
Do not use the flag to signal the road user toproceed.
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Figure 16Using a flag to release traffic during the day
