Write a toolbox talk on refresher on signals and flagging

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# FLAGGING FLAGGER AHEAD Date Posted: 09/13/2016 Traffic control is needed at almost every job-site. This often involves the use of a flagger and a stop/slow paddle. Placing a flagger near traffic is considered a high hazard job and deserves attention. ## UNIQUE WASHINGTON STATE RULE Washington State requires a full set-up of signs. Even short duration (up to one hour), requires a complete set up of signs. Drivers can be distracted and the warning signs may be just enough to alert the driver to the construction activity and prevent an injury or even worse a fatality. WRD 27.20. ## FLAGGER HIGHLIGHTS • All flaggers must have specific orientation to the traffic plan • Never assume that a driver sees you • Never take your eye off of the first car until it comes to a complete stop • Never flag in an intersection • Always position yourself to see approaching traffic • Stand alone, stand upright, look alert and project your authority as a flagger • Always have an escape route • Always carry your flagger card while flagging • Wear proper PPE and additional PPE for hours of darkness • Be firm and courteous regardless of the road user ## YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO PROTECT • Yourself • Fellow workers - Motorists - Bicyclists - Pedestrians ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • What should you do when a road user is jeopardizing you or fellow workers safety? • What other concerns do you have on this site? • What should you do if cars are not following your directions? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.

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# FLAGGING AT NIGHT i Date Posted: 09/12/2016 Night work flaggers are faced with more challenging and dangerous situations than flaggers working during daylight hours. Nighttime drivers are more inattentive due to driver fatigue from the completion of the day. It is important for flaggers to remain alert and watch traffic approaching from both directions. ## NIGHTTIME APPAREL • Garment should be able to be seen from 1000 feet. If not, replace apparel. - Hours of darkness are 1/2 hour after sunrise and 1/2 hour before sunset. • Class 2 or 3 apparel, which meets the ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 standard, and high visibility trousers with retro-reflexive banding which meets the ANSI/ISEA 107- 1999 standard. • High visibility hardhat with 12 square inches of retro-reflexive banding - 3 inches each side. ## FLAGGER STATION - The flagger station shall be illuminated but not cause any glare on the road. • Consider additional devices or increased sign distances and additional lighting. • Locate the station away from other construction activity. ## OTHER CONSIDERATIONS • High visibility retro-reflective gloves • Flashlight with 8 inch wand - 24 inch stop/slow paddle • Warmer clothing • Warning lights SPECIAL NOTE: Never assume that a driver sees you. Do not take your eyes off of the vehicle until it has come to a complete stop. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • What other reasons are drivers more inattentive at night? • What weather conditions make flagging at night more dangerous? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. • Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.

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# FLAGGER ORIENTATION FLAGGER AHEAD Date Posted: 09/13/2016 (MUTCD Signaling & Flaggers [redacted identifier] Part E) Flaggers are to be used only when other means are not adequate to control traffic. All workers are required to have a jobsite orientation. This requirement also applies to flaggers who are working on the jobsite and any workers who will perform flagger duties. Please use MUTCD for specific requirements. ## BRIEFINGS REQUIRED DURING ORIENTATION • The employer must conduct an orientation to familiarize the flagger with the job site. • Outline the flaggers' responsibilities and location on the job site. • Review the motor vehicle and equipment in operation at the site. • Review job site traffic patterns. • Review the communications and emergency signals to be used between the flaggers and the equipment operators. - Discuss specific work zone hazards. - Outline the protective equipment that is required to be worn while on the jobsite. • Outline the planned equipment and vehicle movements. Please see MUTCD [redacted identifier]-7 for a complete list of requirements. ## TRAFFIC CONTROL SUPERVISOR The Traffic Control Supervisor must review the flagging operation and traffic control plan at the start of each job. In addition, the Traffic Control Supervisor will position the flaggers at the beginning of the day and throughout the day as conditions change. ## SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES • Workers must wear the required PPE as outlined below. - The flaggers' safety vest must be fully buttoned and or zipped up at all times. • Flaggers are to stand on the shoulder of the road under normal flagger duties. • Each flagger shall have their flagging card with photo Identification with them whenever flagging. - Flaggers shall position themselves so that they are not exposed to traffic or equipment approaching them from behind. ## PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT • High visibility hard hat for work performed during the day or night; red, white or other c…

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# FLAGGER HAZARDS (cont.) ## LOCATION AND PLACEMENT OF FLAGGERS (cont.) Locate the flagger station far enough in front of the work zone to give motorists time to recognize construction activity, slow down, and stop. When choosing flagger station location, consider road speed, visibility, and other road conditions. Advanced warning signs must be spaced and sized according to the road conditions and speed. Place stations out of the way of moving construction vehicles to avoid backing accidents. Locate stations where vehicles accidentally running through the area can have access to an escape route. At night, light the flagger station. the When a driver violates the flagger's warnings and trespasses flagging stations, the flagger must warn the workers ahead of him. A warning signal should be established for the work area crew in an emergency. ## GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR FLAGGERS • Pay attention to the surrounding conditions and be ready for conditions to change. • Adequate warning must be given to the motorists so they have time to interpret the warning and respond appropriately. • Drivers and pedestrians should be guided clearly throughout the work zone. • Use barriers whenever there is a need for positive protection. • Periodically inspect the devices. Repair or replace any damaged or missing devices. All devices should be clean. • To stop traffic, stand safely on the shoulder of the road, away from moving traffic. • Always ensure that the flagger and the paddle are visible to the drivers of all stopped vehicles. • Do not wave the paddle around; it creates a confusing message. • Do not use verbal or hand signals that conflict with the message on the paddle. • Never stand in the path of oncoming traffic. • At night, flagger stations should be well-illuminated. • A flagger should never turn their back to traffic. Note: Hours of darkness are considered a half hour before sunset to a half hour after sunrise. ## REFERENCES WAC [redacted identifie…

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# HAND PROTECTION (cont.) ## CONTACT HAZARDS Contact hazards include anything that causes cuts to the hand or fingers. These risks include sharp edges on tools, protruding nails, sharp edges, packaging, containers, and other materials. While most contact hazards focus on cutting or puncturing the hand or fingers, items that can cause burns, such as chemicals, electrical currents, or extreme temperatures, also fall into the category. ## PREVENTING HAND INJURIES According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 70% of workers who experienced hand injuries were not wearing gloves. Therefore, the first and most essential step in preventing hand injuries on construction sites is to use the right pair of gloves for your task. According to research by Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), "using the right pair of gloves for the task will reduce hand injuries by more than 60%". Gloves should fit properly and be worn by the worker when required or necessary to see decreases in hand injuries. Gloves must also fit the task being performed (e.g., thermal-rated gloves for hot and cold, cut-rated gloves for handling sharp objects, chemical (e.g., Nitrile, Butyl, etc.} rated gloves for handling hazardous chemicals, etc.). ## SELECTING THE RIGHT GLOVES FOR THE TASK There are many factors to consider when choosing the right glove for a given task. For example, the amount of dexterity needed to perform a particular job must be weighed against the glove material recommended for the hazard(s) (e.g., cut, electrical, thermal, or chemical resistance} to protect your hands from an injury effectively. In some cases, mainly when working with delicate objects where fine dexterity is crucial, a bulky glove may become more hazardous in specific scenarios. Use the OSHA PPE Guide to select the appropriate glove for the task/hazards you will be exposed to. ## REFERENCES WAC [redacted identifier] WAC [redacted identifier] WAC 296-800-[redacted postal code] Centers for Disease Contro…

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# HEAVY EQUIPMENT (cont.) ## SPOTTERS Worker visibility and visual and verbal communication are essential to keeping workers safe around moving construction equipment. Blind spots can be a significant hazard for workers on the ground where the operator is unable to see them. A spotter, using effective means of communication or hand signals, can help communicate between the operator, workers on the ground, and any pedestrians entering the work zone. Spotters must wear high-visibility clothing, stand clear of equipment, and always be visible to the equipment operator. ## GENERAL SAFETY WHEN OPERATING OR WORKING AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT • Develop a work zone traffic control plan. Indicate travel routes through the site to eliminate (as much as possible) the need for backing equipment or vehicles. • When vehicles or heavy equipment must operate in reverse, ensure they are equipped with an audible backup alarm. • Inspect equipment before operation to ensure all lights and audible alarms work correctly. • Set up the equipment in the work zone so that construction equipment and workers have adequate space to perform the planned tasks. • Use 3-point mounting and dismounting technique off heavy equipment - NEVER JUMP OFF HEAVY EQUIPMENT. • - Establish a "danger zone," the working area where contact could result in personal injury or damage during operations. • Wear high-visibility clothing when working around heavy mobile equipment. • Use predefined and understood hand signals or two-way radios to control movement within the work zone. • Maintain a clear line of sight between the operator and workers. • Use a spotter when heavy equipment is in motion. This requires communication between the operator and workers to maintain safe movement. • Workers - should keep a safe distance from all sides of the heavy equipment while it is in use. • Be aware of the swing radius on specific equipment and, if possible, cordon off the area with barriers or caution tape. • A…