Traffic Control Persons Training

COURSE OVERVIEW
COURSE CONTENT
COURSE COMPLETION
RESOURCES
FAQs

3 hours duration

Ready to become the master of the road? It’s your turn to orchestrate safe roads and traffic flow on your worksite. This training will equip you with the essential skills to safely and efficiently direct traffic, ensuring everyone gets where they need to go.

In the bustling cities of southern Ontario, including Toronto, Oshawa, and Hamilton, where construction and events are constant, traffic control persons, sometimes referred to as TCPs, play an absolutely critical role in maintaining order and safety on our roadways. This isn't just about waving a "stop" or "slow" paddle; it's about being the frontline guardian of both public and worker safety. Proper training equips these individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate complex situations, mitigate risks, and ensure the smooth flow of traffic, ultimately preventing accidents and saving lives. Without highly trained traffic control persons (TCP), our roads would quickly descend into chaos.

We want to make sure that workers go home safe at the end of the day, whether their jobsite is on an eight-lane highway or the entrance to a construction site, workers have the right to know how traffic should be guided for the safety of themselves, their co-workers and members of the public.

Traffic control person or signaller training is required under O.Reg 213/91 Construction Projects and the Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 Temporary conditions. The purpose of this safety training program is for workers to learn what is required to safely perform the job of traffic control persons and what is required, including the road equipment and tools, expected worker behaviours and type of personal protective equipment for day time and night time work.

This training is purposeful for the traffic control person, traffic protection supervisor, and supervisors of traffic control persons.

Industries served: Construction

Traffic control persons (TCP) conduct the critical task of directing traffic through road construction zones and help with the protection of workers and the public.

What you will learn:

•    Recognize when a TCP/ Signaller is required
•    Identify applicable legislation
•    Understand the role of the TCP and other workplace parties
•    Describe common hazards
•    Recall work zone components
•    Identify equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE)

Course Outline

At a minimum the following information is covered in the traffic control persons (YCP) training:

o    The role of TCP through definition and legislation
o    Common hazards of road construction and traffic control
o    Safe traffic control procedures including set up and take down of work zones
o    Work zone components, layouts and placement
o    Traffic control equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
o    Importance of equipment inspection, set up and take down

Participants will learn about the importance of proper traffic control, the hazards they must be aware of while directing traffic, and the controls used to eliminate or reduce risk to workers and the public during traffic control operations.

What you Get

• Learners receive:

o    Workbook and handouts
o    Wallet-sized certificates acknowledging their successful completion of the Traffic Controls Persons training
o    Detailed Record of Training (private sessions only)

NOTE: Employers may request additional training exploring the planning specific to their worksite needs based on Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 (Temporary Conditions). Please enquire if your needs go beyond training for signallers only.

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In a city like Toronto, where the arteries of public highways are constantly buzzing with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, the role of a trained signaller (or Traffic Control Person) transcends simple direction. It is a paramount responsibility directly impacting the safety of every single individual on the road.

Consider this: every construction zone, every utility repair, every special event, and even the aftermath of an emergency on a public highway requires a clear, unambiguous, and safe passage for all. This is precisely where trained signallers become indispensable. Their expertise, honed through rigorous training that covers everything from proper hand signaling and equipment usage to hazard recognition and risk mitigation, ensures that:

• Lives are protected: They create a crucial buffer between fast-moving traffic and vulnerable workers, preventing potentially fatal accidents. They also guide motorists and pedestrians safely around hazards, minimizing the risk of collisions and injuries.

• Traffic flows efficiently: By expertly directing vehicles and pedestrians, signallers prevent bottlenecks, reduce congestion, and keep the city moving, even amidst disruptions. This minimizes frustration for commuters and ensures that emergency services can navigate quickly and effectively.

• Legal compliance is met: In Ontario, employers have a legal duty to ensure workers are competent in traffic control, and this often requires formal training that adheres to the Ontario Traffic Manual - Book 7. Proper training ensures that all operations on public highways are conducted in full compliance with regulations, protecting both workers and the public from legal repercussions.

• Unforeseen situations are managed: Public highways are dynamic environments. A well-trained signaller can react swiftly and appropriately to unexpected events, from sudden changes in traffic patterns to disoriented drivers, maintaining control and safety at all times.

Ultimately, investing in comprehensive signaller training for those working on public highways isn't just about compliance; it's about prioritizing human safety, maintaining order, and ensuring the continued functionality of our vital transportation networks.

• Ontario Regulations 213/91 requires employers provide workers who will be directing traffic with training in the form of written and oral instructions

• Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 requires traffic control persons receive training and develop and understanding of the general principles and theories outlined in Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7.

1. What is the difference between a traffic control person, signaller and flagger?

In Ontario, Canada, the terms "traffic control person," "signaller," and "flagger" are largely interchangeable when referring to the individual responsible for manually directing traffic in a temporary work zone.

While you might hear all three terms used, particularly "flagger" which is more common in the United States, in Ontario, the official and most frequently used term within the context of the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7 (Temporary Conditions) and related regulations is Traffic Control Person (TCP).

Here's a breakdown:

• Traffic Control Person (TCP): This is the overarching and most common term used in Ontario. It refers to a trained and competent individual who directs traffic, whether vehicular, pedestrian, or cycling, through or around a work zone, using hand signals, stop/slow paddles, and other approved devices to ensure safety and efficient flow.

• Signaller: This term is often used interchangeably with Traffic Control Person, emphasizing their role in giving signals to traffic. Some training programs and documents may refer to them as "Signaller and Traffic Control Person" to cover all aspects of their duties.

• Flagger: While widely understood, "flagger" is more prevalent in American terminology. In Canada, and specifically Ontario, it refers to the same role as a Traffic Control Person.

Key takeaway: Regardless of the term used, the role involves the same critical responsibilities and requires specific training and adherence to the guidelines outlined in the Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7. The primary goal is to ensure the safety of road users and workers in temporary traffic conditions.

2. How can Traffic Control Persons be taken seriously?

To ensure Traffic Control Persons (TCPs) are taken seriously, it requires a multi-faceted approach involving proper training, clear communication, visible professionalism, and strong support from employers and authorities. Here are some ideas to explore on how to professionalize the role:

1. Comprehensive and Ongoing Training:

Training should go beyond just hand signals and paddle use. It needs to cover:

o Advanced Traffic Control Techniques: How to manage complex intersections, high-volume traffic, and different types of road users (pedestrians, cyclists, heavy vehicles).

o Hazard Recognition and Risk Mitigation: Training TCPs to identify potential dangers, anticipate driver behavior, and proactively address risks before they become incidents.

o Communication Skills: Emphasizing clear, concise, and assertive communication, both verbal and non-verbal. This includes training on how to use radios effectively with other TCPs and supervisors.

o De-escalation Techniques: Crucially, TCPs need training in how to handle agitated or aggressive motorists. This includes staying calm, using neutral language, avoiding confrontation, and knowing when to disengage and report an incident to supervision or law enforcement.

o Legal Authority and Responsibilities: Ensuring TCPs fully understand their legal authority under the Highway Traffic Act and their responsibilities to both workers and the public.

o Emergency Procedures: What to do in case of an accident, a medical emergency, or other unforeseen events within the work zone.

o Refresher Courses: Regular refresher training is vital to keep skills sharp, update on new regulations, and reinforce best practices.

2. Visible Professionalism:

• Proper PPE: Consistently wearing clean, highly visible Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that meets CSA standards (e.g., high-visibility vests, hard hats) immediately conveys a sense of authority and safety.

• Appropriate Equipment: Using well-maintained and compliant "STOP/SLOW" paddles, flags, and communication devices.

• Controlled Demeanor: Maintaining a calm, focused, and authoritative presence. Avoiding distractions like cell phones (unless for work communication), personal conversations or ‘lounging’.

• Consistent Positioning: Always being in the correct, visible, and safe position as outlined in traffic control plans, demonstrating that they are an integral part of the work zone's safety.

3. Clear Communication and Signage:

• Advance Warning: Ensuring that work zones are clearly marked with adequate advance warning signs, giving drivers ample time to react and understand that a TCP is ahead.

• Clear Signals: Executing hand signals and paddle movements with precision and confidence, leaving no room for misinterpretation by drivers.

• Radio Communication: Utilizing clear and consistent radio communication with other TCPs and supervisors to coordinate traffic flow effectively and avoid confusion.

• Information Sharing: If possible, providing brief, clear explanations to motorists when they are stopped, especially during extended delays, can reduce frustration and increase compliance.

4. Employer and Authority Support:

• Empowerment: Employers must empower TCPs with the authority to do their job effectively and back them up when their instructions are challenged or ignored by motorists.

• Visible Management Support: Supervisors should be present and visible in the work zone, demonstrating that they support the TCPs and are monitoring the situation.

• Reporting and Addressing Incidents: A clear process for TCPs to report non-compliance, verbal abuse, or dangerous driving, with assurance that these incidents will be taken seriously and followed up on by law enforcement if necessary.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Local and provincial governments, alongside industry associations, can run public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on the importance of obeying TCPs and the legal implications of failing to do so. These campaigns can highlight the "why" behind their presence and the dangers of ignoring their signals.

By combining these elements, the public will increasingly recognize Traffic Control Persons not as mere obstacles, but as essential safety professionals whose directions are critical for everyone's well-being on the road.

Secure your spot today — Sign up for TCP certification!