Nova Scotia Traffic Control (Flagger) Course: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: Who may control traffic in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, traffic control at road work is set out in the Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Manual (the Manual). It is published by the Department of Public Works. The Manual says the current web copy on the province's website is the legal edition, and users must check it from time to time for changes. Do not rely on an old printed copy.

The Manual says signs, signals and people that direct traffic at a temporary workplace must operate under the authority of the Road Owner. The Road Owner is whoever controls the road. For a town or municipal road, the Road Owner is the town or municipality.

Two certified roles

The training and accreditation programs are under the Department's authority. Approved trainers deliver the TCP and TWS programs. Each certificate is valid until its own expiry date. A student must hold a valid TCP certificate on the first day of TWS training. The province's FAQ says that before a TWS can recertify, they must first recertify as a TCP, at a minimum frequency of once every three years.

Lesson 2: The law and the parts of a work zone

Part 24 of Nova Scotia's Workplace Health and Safety Regulations covers temporary highway workplaces. The Manual explains that under Part 24, construction, maintenance or utility work may not start until the employer adopts a code of practice for the work. The current Manual is an acceptable code of practice. Where an employer adopts it, the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration enforces compliance with the Manual. Part 24 also requires a safe-work procedure for other kinds of work on a highway.

The Designation of Temporary Work Areas Regulations, made under the Motor Vehicle Act, say a temporary work area is marked by a TC-2 "Road Work" sign at the start and a TC-4 "Construction Ends" sign at the end.

The parts of a temporary workplace

• Advance warning area: starts at the first sign telling drivers to expect road work.
• Approach area: gives drivers the information they need before the change.
• Transition area: cones or other devices move traffic out of its normal path.
• Buffer area: a space between the transition taper and the work area, so a vehicle that goes off course has room to recover.
• Work area: where the work is actually done.
• Termination area: a short distance where traffic clears the site and returns to its normal path.

Human activity signs, such as TC-21 Traffic Control Person and TC-21A Traffic Control Person Ahead, must show two red-orange flags when mounted on portable supports. Each flag must be at least 300 x 300 mm.

The Manual says Traffic Authority approval is needed before covering or changing speed limit signs or traffic signals. Work may start only after the right traffic controls are in place, and controls must change when site conditions change.

Lesson 3: Clothing, footwear and night work

Part 24 of the regulations also has requirements for employees on foot at a temporary highway workplace, and section 11.1 of the Manual sets out a TCP's clothing, equipment and night operations. Your TCP training covers them in full. Ask your employer how they apply to your site.

The Manual defines night work as work done from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. At night you are much harder for drivers to see, so the Manual has extra night operation rules for TCPs. Make sure you have the lights and gear they require before a night shift.

What the label should show

The province's Temporary Workplace FAQ says a TCP's apparel label should show CSA Z96, Fluorescent, Level 2, and Class 2 or 3. If a Class 2 vest or jacket is worn with Class 3 pants, the whole outfit must meet Class 3.

For footwear, the Manual's minimum is CSA Grade 1, marked with a green triangle patch at least 15 mm per side. An employer may require a higher standard, such as safety boots, and workers must follow it.

Lesson 4: Limits on stopping traffic and other site rules

The Manual says public traffic should be held up as little as possible. Sometimes TCPs must stop traffic in all directions for a moment. That stop may not last more than 10 minutes, timed from when all TCPs show Stop until the first TCP shows Slow. A site planned mainly to close the road to all traffic needs the Road Owner's approval before work starts.

More rules from the province's FAQ

• Automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs): one TCP may run more than one only if the devices are no more than 250 m apart and the TCP has a direct line of sight to each. Otherwise each AFAD needs its own TCP.
• Lightning: human safety comes first. Signers watch forecasts and plan so work can stop quickly.
• Private roads: if a private road is open to the public and meets a public highway, it must be included in the traffic control plan.
• Speed under 50 km/h: use the standards for the same type of street at 50 km/h.

The Manual says good communication among everyone affected by a work site is essential for safety. Know who your TWS is, how you will talk to other TCPs, and what to do if a driver ignores you.

Lesson 5: Security guards and traffic

Security guards often guide vehicles at construction gates, events and parking lots. Inside a private lot, follow your post orders and site plan. On a public road the rules above apply, and traffic must be controlled by an accredited TCP working under the Road Owner's authority.

Checklist before you help with vehicles

• Am I on private property, or on a public road or a private road open to the public?
• Is there a traffic control plan, and who is the Temporary Workplace Signer?
• Do I hold a valid TCP certificate if I am asked to control road traffic?
• Am I wearing apparel that meets CSA Z96, with the right label?
• Do I have the lights and gear the Manual requires for night work?
• Do I know where to stand and where my escape route is?

If a supervisor asks you to stop traffic on a public road and you are not a certified TCP, say so politely. Explain that only an accredited TCP under the Road Owner's authority may do it, and ask for a certified TCP. Write down the request and your answer in your notebook.