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SWP 407 - Traffic Control & Protection Planning - en
SWP 407 - Traffic Control & Protection Planning - en
SWP 407 - Traffic Control & Protection Planning - en
1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this safe work practice (SWP) is to provide guidance to employees as they
identify and control hazards associated with working on or near roadways, or in the presence
of vehicular traffic or mobile equipment. Guidance provided in this SWP is not intended to
replace legislative requirements. Each jurisdiction such as a state, province, territory, city,
county, or transit authority, may have requirements and/or permits to perform work within the
right of way. Jurisdictional standards are minimum standards and situations may require
additional measures.
As Stantec has operations around the globe, SWPs are designed to complement and support
local legislation. Where a conflict is identified between an SWP and legislation in the jurisdiction
where Stantec work is being performed, local legislation will prevail if it requires a higher
standard. For information on legislative requirements by geography, refer to section 8.0
Resources > External.
2 SCOPE
This SWP applies where Stantec is responsible for the traffic control and protection plan for work
taking place in the following locations:
3 RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Health, Safety, Security, & Environment (HSSE)
• Maintain this SWP
• Assist with interpretation and methods of compliance with this SWP and local legislative
requirements
• Perform periodic formal and informal audits that verify whether requirements of the SWPs
are being met
• Work with BC leadership to identify training providers suitable for Traffic Protection Plan
Developers, Installers, Spotters, and Flaggers
3.3 Supervisor
• Confirm with each employee reporting to them the SWPs to be reviewed
• Verify that each employee has completed their SWP review based on the review cycle
listed in the SWP Checklist
• Confirm that each employee has completed the required training based on the SWPs they
are required to review
3.9 Flagger
Flaggers who have completed the training required under section 8 will direct traffic in one
direction through work zones during a lane closure. Flaggers are to be used when other
methods of traffic control are inadequate to safely guide traffic through a work zone or when
required by the local jurisdiction. Flaggers will:
• Meet the qualification requirements of the local jurisdiction
• Review TPPs with the traffic control subcontractor and site supervisor prior to starting work
and when conditions change that will impact their ability to perform the role or the safety
of the workers that they are observing
• Perform duties in conformance with the TPP
• Understand the responsibilities of the role to protect the workers in the work area and
provide clear direction to the travelling public
• Before starting work, agree to an alert call which is understood and audible to all members
of the work crew
• Verify that the appropriate equipment and PPE are available to complete the task of
flagging
• Never perform flagging operations in conflict with normal intersection traffic control such as
signalized traffic lights, etc.
Energy Hazard/Source
Thermal • Cold or heat stress as a result of exposure to the elements
• Hot surfaces such as asphalt
• Low visibility due to weather (snow, fog, rain, road spray)
Chemical • Dusty environment resulting from construction activities and/or vehicular
traffic on dirt roads or unfinished roads
Biological • Interpersonal conflict with motorists, cyclists, pedestrians
• Biting and stinging insects
• Domestic and wildlife encounters
• Fatigue due to work or non-work activities
Radiation • Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure
• Glare due to sunlight and ambient conditions
Noise • Traffic and mobile equipment noise impacting communications
Gravity • Fall hazards due to wet or slippery conditions, uneven surfaces
Motion • Struck by vehicles, mobile equipment, railway equipment
• Contacting pedestrians, bicycles entering the work area
• Ergonomic concerns due to static postures, lifting, carrying and duration of
activities onsite
• Blind spots created by site topography (i.e., hills, corners) and features (i.e.,
billboards)
Mechanical • Rigging, ropes, and cables (based on field activities)
Electrical • Limited visibility due to low light conditions
• Overhead or underground utilities
• Lightning and thunderstorms
Note: Additional hazards may be created based on the activity that is being performed or by
activities taking place nearby
5 CONTROLS
Stantec uses the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or mitigate exposure to hazards. The
hierarchy is based on the effectiveness of each type of control, which are listed below in order
of decreasing effectiveness:
• Elimination
• Substitution
• Engineering controls
• Warning
• Administrative controls
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
5.1 Elimination
The use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), satellite, or other technological means may
eliminate the need to work in the areas noted in the scope.
A BV without a TMA is defined as a Blocker Truck (BT). A BV with a TMA is defined as a Crash
Truck (CT). A crash truck is preferred over a blocker truck as the TMA reduces the risk of injury to
the occupants of the incoming vehicle and to the crash truck driver. A BV requires a mounted
flashing arrow board and four-way flashers.
5.2.3 Glare Screens
Glare screens are mounted on the top of barriers to minimize distraction to road users. Their
ability to discourage driver distraction and reduce headlight glare from opposing traffic may
improve safety and traffic flow. Screens should not be placed where they may interfere with
the safe operation of vehicles, in particular, where they may adversely affect road user visibility
and sight distance.
5.3 Warning
5.3.1 Traffic Control Device
Traffic control device is a general term that refers to any sign, flashing arrow board, barrier,
barricade, delineation device, pavement marking, vehicle or any other Traffic Control Device.
5.3.1.1 Barricade
A barricade is a device which provides a visual indicator of a lane or road closure, a
hazardous location, or the desired path that a road user should take but is not intended to
contain or redirect a vehicle. The primary function of traffic barricades is to block off a portion
or all of a roadway. Barricades can also be used to delineate excavations or work areas.
• Barricades are only supplemental to other delineation devices
• They are not to be used as the primary delineation around an excavation or obstacle
• Approaches to barricades should be adequately marked
Delineation of the roadside during daytime can be effectively accomplished with pavement
markings. Temporary pavement markings are normally used in combination with appropriate
warning signs, channelizing devices, and delineation devices to mark the intended vehicle
path that traffic is to follow. To the extent practicable, road users should be provided with
pavement markings within a work zone comparable to the markings normally maintained
along adjacent roads.
On paved roads in temporary work zones, markings must be considered for:
• Long duration stationary work zones on non-freeways
• Both long duration and short duration work zones on freeways where traffic is diverted from
normal paths
• Situations where guidance by channelizing devices, delineation, or warning signs, does not
clearly and adequately indicate the required vehicle path
• Projects with partial pavement removal (milling)
Night-time visibility often requires the use of small reflective delineators to provide long-range
delineation of the roadway alignment. Furthermore, delineators remain visible under adverse
weather conditions. These small retroreflective devices can be erected in series to guide
drivers, and are typically mounted on posts or barriers, or in the roadway.
5.3.1.4 Signs
There are three classifications of signs that are used in temporary conditions: regulatory,
warning, and guide. Warning and guide signs include both passive as well as dynamic signs.
5.3.2 Flagging
Consider use of a Flagger if the task or work zone does not have sufficient space to allow for a
lane shift or when there are limited sight distances and directing vehicles around the work zone
is required.
• Multiple Flaggers may be required based on hazards such as line of sight, roadway
configuration, duration of work, provision of rest/meal breaks, or legislative requirements.
• Workers conducting flagging activities must:
o Stand alone in a safe position
o Not mingle with other workers or public
o Be away from work vehicles
o Set up flagging stations in locations with adequate sightlines
Be clearly visible to drivers
Have an unobstructed view of approaching traffic
o Have options for escape routes
o Not use cell phones or other electronic devices which require ear buds or headphones
o Have a means of alerting workers of vehicle encroachment
o Remain on duty at the assigned station until relieved
o Conform with local jurisdiction flagging requirements for positioning, signaling, signage,
PPE, etc.
• Flagger will require line of sight communication or radio communication with other Flaggers
and the team if line of sight is not possible.
o A means of communication between Flaggers must be provided.
At times, police details may be an effective way to supplement traffic controls for road
operations. Driver compliance with traffic control devices is likely to be higher and vehicle
speed lower when the police are present.
5.3.5 Strobes/4-way flashers
Work vehicles parked on shoulders that are not designated public parking spots or parked in
traffic control work zones outside of a designated work zone parking area will be equipped
with a functioning 360° beacon light (or equivalent) and hazard lights in accordance with the
requirements of the local jurisdiction.
5.4 Administrative
5.4.1 General
• The PM will engage the appropriate representatives of the local authority, client, or
property owner to determine what traffic controls are already in place, in advance of
mobilization. Where appropriate controls do exist, they will be added to the Risk
Management Strategy (RMS1) or Health and Safety Plan (HASP).
o Where a traffic or safety plan/template is not available, the Stantec TPP Developer or
subcontractor will develop a plan based on the requirements of the local jurisdiction to
adequately protect the public and worksite personnel.
Australia: Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Most jurisdictions have developed typical traffic control design layouts (also known as typical
layouts or typical applications) and publish them in manuals. These manuals are often
adopted by regulatory agencies and must be adhered to as applicable. Regions that do not
have a manual to reference should adopt one for use from the related national region.
The written TPP must:
• Be created by a TPP Developer or prequalified subcontractor during the planning stages of
the project in accordance with local jurisdictional requirements and this SWP
• Include a review of road and traffic conditions to identify traffic hazards
o This review may be conducted in person or remotely (e.g., site visit, google earth, past
project information, roadway classification)
• Be reviewed by all Stantec and subcontracted personnel (when present) prior to
implementation (Note: The TPP review needs to occur out of the roadway, in a safe
location.)
• Be documented in the project file and a copy must be on site
5.4.3 Sub-contracted Traffic Control
As Stantec’s resources and ability to implement traffic control and execute the technical
scope of work may be limited, subcontracting traffic control may be required.
Subcontractors will be prequalified through Stantec’s subcontractor prequalification program.
5.4.3.1 Subcontractor Traffic Control Requirements
• The Stantec PM must review site information and planned activities to determine road and
traffic conditions and to identify traffic hazards likely to be present on site (e.g., site visit,
google earth, past project information, etc.).
NOTE: There are cases where site information obtained from google earth or past project
information will be out of date.
• The Stantec PM will provide relevant project information to the subcontractor in advance
of planned field work for purpose of conveying expected road and traffic conditions and
5.5 Inspections
• Prior to implementing the TPP, the TPP Installer or subcontractor will inspect the site to verify
the TPP can be implemented safely.
o To the extent practicable, this will include observations of traffic intensity
(volume/speed), other roadway users (e.g., bicycles, pedestrian, etc.), property use,
and no parking zones.
• A roadway traffic control check must be performed following traffic control device
installation. It will be performed by driving through the work zone to identify any areas of
confusion or concern for road users.
o This is not required for mobile operations or instances where traffic control devices are
not used
• Monitor the traffic control set-up regularly throughout the duration of the work.
• All traffic control equipment used must be in good repair and meet the applicable
regulations or standard for size, visibility, language, and crash worthiness.
Note: Where subcontractors are used for traffic control, they would conduct the inspections
noted above and would be responsible for fixing concerns or non-conformances.
5.6 Setting up, Entering, Parking In, and Exiting Traffic Control Work Zones
5.6.1 Traffic Control Set-Up
• In a safe location outside the work area, complete the applicable portions of the TPP and
conduct toolbox meeting activities.
• Erect advance warning signs first, followed by approach signing area (where required),
transition, longitudinal buffer, and finally work area and termination area traffic control
devices in accordance with placement and distance requirements set forth by the
applicable jurisdiction.
o Figure 1 (below) provides a visual representation of the sequence.
5.6.2 Entering and Exiting Traffic Control Work Zones Using Vehicles
• Entry into the traffic control work zone will be coordinated in advance and off-site with the
Stantec site supervisor, the traffic control subcontractor, or contractor in control of the work
zone to understand where and how entry of workers or work vehicles should occur and
where vehicles will be parked.
• Vehicles entering and exiting the traffic control work zone will illuminate their beacon light
or equivalent.
o If the vehicle does not have a beacon light, they will operate their hazard lights until
they reach the designated parking location
5.6.3 Parking Work Vehicles and Equipment in Traffic Control
• The TPP must note where vehicles are to be parked.
• Vehicles should proceed immediately to the designated parking location, or if used in the
work zone, will keep their 360o beacon light (or equivalent) and hazard lights illuminated.
• Where vehicle mounted attenuators (crash trucks) are used to protect the work area:
o No vehicles or equipment will park behind a truck or trailer mounted attenuator.
o No vehicles or equipment will park in the buffer zone in front of a truck or trailer
mounted attenuator.
NOTE: Striped-out medians and turn lanes are not areas of refuge.
o Cross a roadway to work on an opposite lane or shoulder that requires establishment of
a new traffic control work zone. The vehicle must be moved, and a new zone
established as described above.
o Attempt to cross a freeway on foot (with or without center barriers) at a location other
than a designate pedestrian crossing
Note: Traffic may be moving faster than the posted speed limit.
• High visibility retroreflective apparel (CSA/ANSI class 3 or equivalent) and pants (class 3 or
equivalent)
o in low visibility due to weather or dust
o between one hour before sunset and one hour after sunrise
o where traffic is moving at speeds above 80km/h (50mph)
• Gloves appropriate to the task
• Safety footwear approved by the local jurisdiction
8 RESOURCES
8.1 Internal
• Risk Management Strategy (RMS1)
• SWP-105 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• SWP-107 – First Aid
• SWP-216 – Working Near Mobile Equipment
• SWP-407a - Traffic Protection Plan
8.2 External
• Regulatory requirements outlined in legislation can be found by geographic location using
the following resources. Consult with your HSSE representative if you have questions or
concerns:
o Stantec’s Critical Task Inventory
o Health & Safety Regulatory Requirements Library
o Environmental Regulations Library
If your jurisdictional standard is not listed, please contact your HSSE representative for
guidance.
9 DEFINITIONS
The definitions provided below are specific to this SWP to allow for a common vocabulary to
be used across jurisdictions and may not reflect each region or jurisdiction.
Construction Site: A worksite where any of the following description of activities is taking place:
erecting, alteration, dismantling, demolition, structural maintenance, painting, land clearing,
earth moving, grading, excavating, trenching, boring, drilling, concreting, blasting, digging or
machinery or plant installation. This will also include projects involving a railway, pipeline,
runway, sewer, water main service connection, or parking lot.
Constructor: A person or entity who undertakes and has overall authority for a project for an
owner. In some jurisdictions this role may also be known as Prime, Prime Contractor, or Principal
Public Road, Shoulder Work, or Work within the Right of Way: Shoulder work and right of way
criteria may differ between regions and locations. Consult the local authority having jurisdiction
to determine what constitutes shoulder work or work within the right of way and applicable
requirements.
Public Road including Highways: Any thoroughfare, street, road, trail, avenue, parkway,
driveway, viaduct, lane, alley, square, bridge, causeway, ditch adjacent to a roadway or
highway, trestle way or other place or any part of any of them, that the public is ordinarily
entitled or permitted to use for the passage or parking of vehicles and includes shoulder and
off shoulder areas, including the entire area within the right-of-way. Refer to your local
regulations for further definitions on this topic.
Private parking lots, driveways, etc.: In some cases, these scenarios are not owned and
maintained by an AHJ and may not be covered by traffic control regulations. The owner, client
or constructor may require traffic protection be implemented on their property. If there is no
AHJ or general contractor requiring specific traffic protection controls, the TPP Developer will
determine the controls for Stantec activities.
Off Shoulder Work: Work within the right of way, but completely beyond the shoulder of the
road, such that workers, equipment, or vehicles (including parked vehicles) do not encroach
onto the shoulder.
Shoulder Work: Work that is carried out on the shoulder area of a road, yet which does not
encroach on the travelled lanes. Shoulders may be paved or unpaved.
Spotter: An employee whose sole duties are to visually observe the work area and workers and
provide immediate warning of an approaching vehicle or hazard.
Traffic Control Devices: Devices for channelization, guidance, and information, including (but
not limited to) cones, flexible drums, signs, barricades, barriers, etc.
Traffic Control Work Zone: An area where traffic control devices have been set up to provide
guidance to road users through a temporary situation. It includes the entire section from the
first advance warning sign through to the last traffic control device where traffic returns to its
normal path and conditions.
Traffic Protection Plan: A documented process/procedure that includes road information,
hazards and controls such as traffic control layouts and traffic control devices required
(equipment).
Work Area: The work area is where the work takes place and/or equipment and material are
stored. It is still considered a work area when work is temporarily stopped yet the road has not
returned to its normal operation conditions. A work area may or may not contain a work
vehicle.
10 DOCUMENTATION SUMMARY
In the field:
• Training documentation where required by the local jurisdiction
11 REVISION HISTORY
January 25, 2016 Added 5.2.1 - Levels of Control on J. Elkins, L. Tait, D. J. Lessard
Construction Sites/Parking Schaefer, T. Wong
Lots/Forecourts