Lesson 1: The traffic control rules that apply in British Columbia
In British Columbia, traffic control at work is covered by three sets of rules. Knowing which one applies helps you understand what you may and may not do.
| Rule | Who is in charge | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 18 (Traffic Control) | WorkSafeBC | Worker safety around traffic: training, equipment, positions, night work |
| Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways (2020 edition) | BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit | Signs, devices, layouts and traffic control persons in work zones |
| Motor Vehicle Act | Province of BC (police enforce it) | What drivers must do when traffic is being directed |
Under section 18.2 of the Regulation, the employer must make sure effective traffic control is provided whenever traffic could be a hazard to a worker. Under section 18.3, the Traffic Management Manual applies to all work zones, and employers must meet it as far as practicable.
Key words in Part 18
- Traffic control person (TCP): a person who has finished the approved training in section 18.6.2 and who is designated by the employer to direct traffic.
- Traffic assistant: a person who has finished workplace training under section 18.6.3 and who directs drivers in parking or holding areas, such as a parking lot or a vessel-holding area at a ferry terminal.
- Work zone: an area where a worker is or may be exposed to a moving vehicle. Parking lots and vessel-holding areas are not work zones.
Lesson 2: Who may direct traffic and what training they need
Section 18.6.2 says employers must make sure every TCP has completed a traffic control training program approved by WorkSafeBC. To finish the program, a person must pass an assessment of both knowledge and practical skills. Since December 1, 2023, the program must be based on a job analysis and recognized competency standards, such as ISO/IEC 17024 or CSA Z1001-18.
WorkSafeBC lists only these providers as approved for TCP training:
- B.C. Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA)
- BeeSafe, a division of WorksafeT Solutions Inc.
- Universal Health and Safety Inc.
WorkSafeBC says training from any other provider does not meet the employer's duties under the Regulation. Always check the current list on the WorkSafeBC traffic control training page before you sign up.
Traffic assistants
Lower-risk traffic work, such as in a parking lot, can be done by a traffic assistant. The employer may train its own traffic assistants. The training must be specific to the workplace and have both coursework and a practical part. It must cover basic traffic control, setting up devices, escape routes and personal protective equipment.
Police, sheriffs and emergency responders
Under section 123 of the Motor Vehicle Act, a peace officer or sheriff may direct traffic when they think it is needed to keep traffic moving in order, to prevent injury or damage, or in an emergency. People must obey those directions. Section 125 says drivers follow traffic signs and signals unless a peace officer, or a person a peace officer has authorized, directs otherwise.
Under section 18.6.1 of the Regulation, emergency responders may direct traffic in an emergency, but those who are not peace officers need specific training. If they still need to direct traffic after 2 hours, it must be done by someone with full TCP training.
Lesson 3: Planning and setting up the work zone
Traffic control starts before anyone picks up a paddle. WorkSafeBC says the employer must have a qualified person do a risk assessment to decide if TCPs are needed.
Section 18.4 says a qualified supervisor must be named whenever traffic control is needed. The supervisor checks that the traffic control plan is followed, that devices are in place, that the work zone is inspected, and that TCPs are trained and given a site orientation. When two or more TCPs work as a team, one of them coordinates any change in traffic flow.
Placing signs and devices (section 18.5)
- Place devices as the traffic control plan shows, so traffic can move safely.
- Put them in place before work starts and remove them when they are no longer needed.
- Install and remove them in an order that protects the workers doing it.
- Place the "Traffic Control Person Ahead" sign no more than 150 metres before the first TCP, unless that is not practicable.
منظّم حركة مرور أمامك Construction zone
Where TCPs may not be used (section 18.6)
- Where the posted speed limit is more than 70 km/h
- To direct traffic against a sign, signal or other traffic control device
- Standing in an intersection that is open to traffic
- Standing in the travelled part of the road
Lesson 4: Equipment for day and night
Sections 18.9 and 18.10 list what a TCP must use. Section 18.11 adds that signs, paddles and protective equipment must be kept clean and in good condition.
| التاريخ | Equipment a TCP must use |
|---|---|
| Daytime | A sign paddle that meets the Traffic Management Manual, with an extension pole if the risk assessment calls for one to reduce fatigue |
| Daytime | A "Traffic Control Person Ahead" sign, removed or covered when no one is directing traffic |
| Daytime | Class 3 high-visibility apparel that meets CSA Z96-15, fluorescent yellow-green or orange-red, with retroreflective stripes |
| Daytime | High-visibility headgear with retroreflective tape |
| Darkness or poor visibility | All the daytime items, plus a flashlight with a red signalling wand and spare batteries close at hand |
What "darkness" means
Section 18.10 defines darkness as the time from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. In that time, or when it is hard to see, the TCP's station must be lit by street lighting or by temporary lighting that does not cause too much glare for drivers coming toward it.
Lesson 5: Working safely at your station
Section 18.8 says a TCP must stand at a location that the risk assessment has found to be safe. Where practicable, that location is:
- On the shoulder of the road or in a closed lane
- Next to an escape route
- At least 25 metres from the work zone
- Highly visible to drivers
If such a spot is not practicable, the employer must do a written, site-specific assessment before the TCP is placed.
Rules for doing the job
- Stay on duty at your assigned station whenever the traffic control plan needs a TCP there (section 18.7).
- Make every signal precisely and deliberately, so drivers clearly understand it (section 18.12).
- When more than one TCP works in the same work zone, the employer must give you an effective way to communicate, such as radios, and you must use it (section 18.13).
Drivers must obey you. Section 141 of the Motor Vehicle Act says that when a flagger is controlling traffic around a section of highway being worked on, a person must drive only as the flagger directs.
The figures of standard hand signals were removed from Part 18 on December 1, 2021. TCPs now learn signals in their approved training and follow the Traffic Management Manual.
Before-shift checklist
- I hold valid TCP training from an approved provider, or I am only working as a trained traffic assistant in a parking or holding area.
- I know the traffic control plan and who the supervisor is.
- My Class 3 apparel, headgear and paddle are clean and in good condition.
- I have a flashlight with a red wand and spare batteries if I may work after dark.
- My radio works and I know who coordinates the TCP team.
- I know my escape route.