Lesson 1: The rules for traffic control in Nunavut
In Nunavut, workplace safety falls under the Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) enforces them. The WSCC serves both Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Part 9 of the regulations covers traffic at work sites. The regulations use the term designated signaller: a worker chosen by the employer under paragraph 138(1)(a) to give signals. The WSCC's Traffic Control Person (TCP) Code of Practice explains how to do this job. A TCP is also called a flag person or signaller.
The code took effect in Nunavut on May 31, 2016. A code of practice is guidance, not law. You cannot be charged just for not following it. But it may be used as evidence in a legal case, so follow it unless you have another way that is as safe or safer.
The traffic control plan
- Under section 139 of the regulations, the employer must write and use a traffic control plan, make it available to workers and train them in it.
- Where it applies, the plan sets out speeds, grades, sign types and places, vehicle routes, barriers and the duties of workers and the employer.
- On a highway, designated signallers are used only when the other methods in the plan are not enough or not suitable (s. 139(4)).
- A TCP does not write the plan, but must know it.
The code does not give a sign-spacing table. Your traffic control plan sets where each sign goes.
Lesson 2: Training and the TCP card
Under section 138 of the regulations, the employer must make sure each designated signaller is trained. The employer must keep a record of the training and give the signaller a copy.
The WSCC training guideline lists ten topics, from the job role and equipment to communication and the traffic control plan.
| TCP card rule | What the WSCC code says |
|---|---|
| Who signs it | The trainer or employer |
| How long it is valid | One year |
| On the job | Carry it at all times |
| If asked | Show it to the authorities |
| New job site | Get site-specific training for every job location |
| Refresher | Every year, or as needed |
Personal requirements
- Good physical health, good vision and good hearing
- Alert, with good judgment
- A pleasant, cooperative manner with the public; tell your supervisor about medicines that could affect you
- Nothing that impairs your ability to work safely
Lesson 3: Clothing and equipment
Section 139(1) says that if a worker may be at risk from vehicle traffic, the employer must provide a high-visibility vest, armlets or other clothing and make the worker use it. Section 138(2) says a designated signaller must have high-visibility clothing and a suitable light in darkness or poor visibility.
The WSCC High Visibility Apparel Code of Practice points to the CSA standard CAN/CSA-Z96-15. It lists flagging crews as a Class 3 (high-risk) example. Class 3 also fits traffic over 80 km/h, low light and night work. Background colours are fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red or red.
What a TCP wears and carries
- A CSA-certified hard hat with retroreflective material around it. Under section 94(4), head protection must be fluorescent orange or another high-visibility colour where you need to be seen.
- A high-visibility vest, a shirt with sleeves and full-length pants
- CSA grade 1 safety footwear with the green triangle patch
- A portable air horn or whistle for emergencies
- Winter layers and a hard hat liner; in summer, sunscreen, insect repellent and bear deterrent
The STOP/SLOW paddle and the TCP sign
| Voce | Requirement in the WSCC code |
|---|---|
| Paddle height | At least 1.6 m tall |
| STOP side | White letters on a red background |
| SLOW side | Black letters on a yellow background |
| Both sides | Retroreflective, clean and undamaged |
| TCP sign | Two red-orange flags, unless mounted high on a post or barrier |
Traffic control person ahead Construction zone
Lesson 4: Setting up and choosing your position
The TCP sign must be set up before you take your position. Use it only while a TCP is actively controlling traffic.
The code places the control position halfway between the last sign and the taper, just outside the travel lane, with the paddle resting on the edge line. A taper is the row of cones that moves traffic around the work area (approach taper) and back to its normal path (termination taper).
Pick a safe spot
- Plan an escape route as soon as you take your position.
- Be easy to see, and able to see oncoming traffic, with room for drivers to stop.
- Avoid bridges, railway crossings, hilltops and curves.
- Do not stand in shade, in a group, or too close to the taper.
- Do not flag in icy road conditions.
| Speed | Stopping distance on dry, level pavement (WSCC code) |
|---|---|
| 50 km/h | About 65 m (13 car lengths) |
| 100 km/h | About 210 m (42 car lengths) |
Heavy trucks, icy roads and downhill grades make these distances much longer.
How many signallers?
Section 139(5) allows one signaller when traffic comes from one direction, or from both directions when the signaller and drivers can clearly see each other. Use two signallers when traffic comes from both directions and they cannot clearly see each other.
Lesson 5: Signals and communication
- To stop traffic: hold the STOP paddle upright, away from your body, where drivers can see it. Raise your free hand, palm toward the driver.
- To slow traffic: show the SLOW side and move your free hand, palm down, up and down.
- To release traffic: first confirm with your partner TCP that it is safe. Turn the paddle to SLOW and wave drivers on with your free arm.
Never wave the paddle. It confuses drivers. Check over your shoulder for traffic coming from behind you.
Signals between TCPs
- Halt traffic: raise your free hand, fist closed, above your shoulder, then move it slowly out to the side.
- All clear: move your free arm out to the side at shoulder height, then lower it.
- Emergency or runaway vehicle: drop the paddle, raise both arms and wave them fast above your head.
Radios
- Without radios, each TCP must be able to see the other.
- Test radios across the whole zone first and carry spare batteries.
- Agree on voice signals before you start. Use "over", "copy" and "out".
- Do not use radios in blasting areas.
If the radio fails, do not change your paddles. Repeat the message and check the battery. Once failure is confirmed, the TCP showing SLOW stops one vehicle briefly and asks the driver to tell someone in charge. Traffic from both directions must never pass at the same time. Some sites use a pilot vehicle with a warning light and a "Follow Me Do Not Pass" sign.
Lesson 6: Night work, breaks and difficult drivers
At night, the code requires a flashlight with a red or orange cone, reflective material around your hard hat and reflective stripes on your clothing. At night you wave the light back and forth to stop traffic. Section 138(3)(b) asks for overhead lighting where reasonably possible.
The code suggests rotating TCPs every two hours, or as arranged with the supervisor. Plan meal, coffee and washroom breaks with your supervisor.
Drivers and emergencies
- Do not argue with an angry driver. Politely give the site supervisor's contact information.
- Never fight back. If you are threatened with harm, leave your position.
- Emergency vehicles get top priority: turn both paddles to STOP, let the zone clear, then let them through.
- Report dangerous drivers to your supervisor or the police. Write down the date, time, place, plate number and vehicle details in your logbook.