Course Description:

This Flagger Training and Certification Seminar is intended for individuals designated as flaggers at their jobsites.  It is designed to provide flaggers with the basic knowledge, information and awareness to perform their jobs safely.  Participants will learn how to protect fellow construction workers, motorists and pedestrians by safely directing road users through a traffic-controlled construction zone.  Because flaggers are responsible for the public safety at their jobsites and make the greatest number of contacts with the public of all highway workers, they must be trained in safe traffic control practices and public contact techniques.

Flaggers should be able to satisfactorily demonstrate their ability to:

• Receive and communicate specific instructions clearly, firmly and courteously;

• Move and maneuver quickly in order to avoid danger from an errant vehicle;

• Control signaling devices such as paddles and flags in order to provide clear and positive guidance to drivers approaching a TTC zone in frequently changing situations;

• Understand and apply safe traffic control practices, sometimes in stressful or emergency situations;

• Recognize dangerous traffic situations and warn workers in sufficient time to avoid injury.

Physical demands that may be encountered on the job:

• While performing the essential functions of this position the flagger is frequently exposed to vibrations, working near moving mechanical parts, extreme cold, wet or humid outdoor weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles;

• Working time may require irregular hours, on-call status, and/or shift times;

• The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud and can frequently exceed 85 decibels.

Flaggers should have the physical ability to:

• Stand for prolonged periods on uneven surfaces (up to 10 hours);

• Traverse uneven surfaces and terrain;

• Stoop, kneel or crouch;

• Grasp, push or pull;

• Hear warnings;

• See dangerous situations;

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Course Objective:

This seminar is designed to train flaggers to provide safe passage of traffic through and around work areas and to minimize confusion by bringing standard flagging procedures to our highways.  Controlling traffic through work areas is one of the most important and dangerous operations in construction maintenance.

Course Topics:

Review of national standards;

Flagger Training Requirements;

Guidelines and safety procedures;

Flagger Qualifications/Responsibilities;

Positioning for Safety;

Traffic control principles;

Demonstration of various flagging tools and techniques;

Practical evaluation of flagger skills:

Demonstrate and pass flagger skills using a paddle;

Demonstrate and pass flagger skills using a flag.

Total Hours: 4 Hours

There is an exam and practical skills evaluation (for both paddle and flag skills) at the end of this course, all of which requires a minimum score of 70% or better to pass.  Upon successful course completion, participants will receive a certificate and a course completion card from Thomas Safety Solutions.