1. Traffic Control at Emergency Scenes

2. Page 5 – ETC Participants Guide
Agenda
Course Introduction
Unit 1 Controlling Traffic at an Emergency Scene
Unit 2 Equipment and Devices
Unit 3 Setting Up the Traffic Control Zone
Unit 4 Directing Traffic
Tabletop Exercises
Unit 5 Course Wrap-up
Optional Practical Component
Page 5 – ETC Participants Guide

3. Traffic Control at Emergency Scenes
UNIT 1
Traffic Control at Emergency Scenes

4. Unit 1: Traffic Control at Emergency Scenes
Objectives:
Identify the risks of traffic at emergency scenes
Identify the responsibilities and authority for traffic control
Identify the principles for traffic control and apply them to emergency scenes
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5. Page 9 – ETC Participants Guide
Risk
Responders are at risk of being injured or killed while working at the scene of an incident.
Motorists are at risk of secondary crashes.
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6. Roles and Responsibilities
Multiple agencies are involved, each will have standard operating procedures
Know who is in charge of what
Ministry of Transportation has overall authority for anything that takes place on roads
Peace Officers have authority to control traffic in emergencies
Under WorkSafeBC traffic controllers at emergency scenes need to be trained
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7. Principles of Traffic Control
Only stop, re-route or slow traffic when you need to.
Avoid abrupt changes – give lots of advance warning.
Limit the time that traffic controllers are on the road.
Guide motorists in a clear and positive manner.
Consider varying environmental conditions.
Only use a person to control traffic when you can not control it adequate with devices.
Make sure your traffic controllers are trained.
When no longer needed, traffic control devices must be removed or covered.
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8. Professionalism
Sense of responsibility for the safety of public and fellow workers
Adequate training in safe emergency traffic-control practices
Good physical condition, including sight, mobility and hearing
Mental alertness and the ability to react in an emergency
Courteous, but firm manner

9. Review Objectives For Unit 1
Any questions??

10. UNIT 2
Equipment and Devices

11. Unit 2: Equipment and Devices
Identify recommended personal protective equipment (PPE)
Identify traffic control equipment and devices
Describe the maintenance of traffic control equipment and devices
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12. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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13. Wear Your Gear Safety Boots Hard Hat
Vest – even over your turnout gear
Wrist and ankle cuffs

14. High Standards for Vests
High Risk TCPs must wear safety apparel conforming to Class 3 garments meeting both the CSA Z96-02 standard and the WCB requirement.
This is the definition of the highest standard however, the use of safety apparel will greatly increase the safety of all personnel on the road at an emergency scene and is encouraged.

15. Example of Class 3 Apparel………Minimum areas of high-visibility material coverage requirements → Full coverage of upper torso---(front, back, sides, and over the shoulders), plus bands encircling both arms and both legs. There are many other options for reto-reflective apparel to make you more conspicuous on the road at an emergency scene.

16. Use Arm and Wrist Bands to change Class 2 Vest into Class 3

17. Red Signaling Wand for Night Use

18. An inexpensive way to add reflectivity

19. Traffic Control Devices
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20. A Sign that is Approved for Some Uses

21. May be Used Under Peace Officer Authority

22. Cones Must Have White Retro-reflective Stripe

23. Night Visibility of Stripe

24. Cones can be flexible for storage

25. Review Objectives for Unit 2
Any questions??

26. Set Up the Traffic Control Zone
Unit 3
Set Up the Traffic Control Zone

27. Unit 3: Set Up the Traffic Control Zone
Objectives:
Follow specific procedures to keep yourself safe
Identify when to call for Traffic Control Persons
Identify recommended zone layout
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28. Page 22 – ETC Participants Guide
Personal Safety
Don appropriate retroreflective vest and clothing
Look before exiting the vehicle
Exit and enter the vehicle on the downstream side
Look before you step
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29. Personal Safety Cont’d
Keep your eyes on the traffic
Limit your exposure
Reduce your profile

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Assess The Scene
Make a plan
Call TCPs if the scene will be in place for more than 2 hours
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31. Parts of a Traffic Control Zone
1. Advance Warning
2. Transition Area
3. Buffer Area
4. Work Area
5. Termination Area
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32. Page 24 – ETC Participants Guide
Parts of a Traffic Control Zone
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33. Page 25 – ETC Participants Guide
Buffer Space
In emergencies, this is set up first
Helps to make the incident scene safer for workers and victims
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34. Strategy and Tactics
When possible use fire apparatus and police vehicles to initially redirect the flow of moving traffic.
Any appropriate vehicle or equipment could be used as well.
“block”
Use fire apparatus and police vehicles to initially redirect the flow of moving
traffic.
Early on in a roadway incident it may not be possible to deploy traffic control
devices in an effective manner. However response cannot be delayed until
these devices are completely set up. Therefore, vehicles can be used, similarly
to blocking position, to redirect the flow of traffic.

35. Strategy and Tactics Cont’d
Assure first arriving emergency vehicle establishes an initial block to create a safe work area
Assess the parking needs of EMS, later arriving apparatus and other highway responders
Assure that all ambulances on-scene are placed within the protected work area

36. Strategy and Tactics Cont’d
If applicable:
Instruct the driver of the ambulance to “block to the right” or “block to the left” to position the rear patient loading area away from the closest lane of moving traffic.
Assure that all patient loading into transporting EMS vehicles is done within a protected work zone.

37. Page 25 – ETC Participants Guide
Blocking or Fend-off
“Block” with first-arriving apparatus to protect the scene, patients, and emergency personnel.
Block at least one additional lane
Block so pump panel is “down stream”
Block most critical or highest traffic volume direction first
Consider requesting additional PD assistance
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38. Page 26 – ETC Participants Guide
Blocking
Considerations
Positioning of apparatus
Positioning of ambulances
Buffer zone provided by the blocking units
Will they provide enough protection?
Point out the position of the EMS vehicle in this photo – If possible they should be
positioned to provide maximum protection for personnel as they operate and load
patients.
The rule of thumb for blocking vehicles should be the “bigger the better” consider
using truck companies or tankers.
Discuss the dangers of rear mounted pumps. The operator is pretty much exposed at
the rear of the apparatus no matter how the unit is positioned.
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39. Page 28 – ETC Participants Guide

40. Safety Considerations
Driver/Operator issues
The Driver may have to disembark to the traffic side, use caution and possibly a spotter
In Block Left position the operator will be between traffic and the apparatus, consider Block Right or an additional blocking apparatus if hose line is needed
These issues should be considered prior to arrival and as the apparatus arrives on
scene. If a hoseline is needed consider the Block Right position

41. Safety Considerations
Use the appropriate level of warning lights on the vehicle. Consider reducing the amount of lights or the use of blinding lights especially white flashing lights that can disorient traffic.
Daytime running lights may be turned off by applying the emergency brake, if at all possible engage the brake to eliminate blindness.
The operator should face traffic at all times if possible, so that they may observe oncoming traffic.
The use of a “Safety Cone” or a cone placed just behind and to the traffic side of the vehicle should be considered. This provides a reference to oncoming traffic to avoid the operator as other traffic control measures are being deployed.

42. Page 29 – ETC Participants Guide
Advance Warning Area
In emergencies, this is set up next
Tells motorists what to expect before they reach the work zone
Gives enough time to adjust driving in response to the warning signs
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43. Advance Warning Devices
Arrow boards, flares, cones, apparatus, police cars, signage
Variable message signs, news media / traffic reports
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44. “Pink” Signs Standard symbols Reflective material (coral)
One per direction of travel

45. Page 29 – ETC Participants Guide
Transition Area
Contains the tapers to close off the lane or lanes where the work is
If closing multiple lanes, close them one at a time, separated by “tangents”
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46. Page 30 – ETC Participants Guide
Laying Out Tapers
10 m
20 m
30 m 1m 2m 3m
At 50 km/hr the taper ratio is 1:10 1m 2m 3m
At 100 km/hr, the taper ratio is 1:30
Not to Scale
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47. Page 31 – ETC Participants Guide
Tapers and Tangents
Taper
Tangent
Taper
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48. Do not Place Tapers on Corners
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49. Staging of Other & Personal Vehicles
Limit the Exposure
Minimum Apparatus & Personnel
Limit crews on scene to only those necessary
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50. Direct the Placement of Ambulances
Assure ambulances park within shadow of larger apparatus as directed
Direct ambulance to “block to the right” or “block to the left” to protect loading doors
Place ambulance patient loading area facing away from closest lane of moving traffic
All patient loading into Med Units is done from within a protected work zone

51. Page 34 – ETC Participants Guide
Work Area
Area of the roadway or shoulder where the work is being done (closed to vehicle traffic and pedestrians other than emergency services personnel)
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52. Page 34 – ETC Participants Guide
Termination Area
Provides a short distance beyond the Work Area for the traffic to return to its normal lane or lanes
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53. Incident Termination “Best Practices” Limit the time on scene
Use two way radios to advise of conditions
Take down cones and warning signs with caution
Clear-up crews as soon as possible

54. Page 35 – ETC Participants Guide
Shut Down the Roadway
Not Popular with the public
May be Necessary ! Plan for it in advance.
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55. Establish More Than Adequate Advance Warning
Traffic cones at 10’ intervals
Deploy minimum 5 cones upstream
Cones only “Suggest” they don’t Block!
Expand initial safe work zone

56. Best Practices Scene Lighting:
Reduce emergency lights, Use “Blocking” mode,
Sign Boards, Arrow Boards, Arrow Sticks
Increase use of Amber lenses
-(more apt to slow traffic)
Provide scene illumination after dark
Presence of Police vehicles shown to slow traffic

57. Freeway Incidents Establish initial block: minimum two lanes
Ladder truck establishes upstream block
two lanes plus paved shoulder or
three driving lanes
Place cones and/or cones illuminated by flares upstream of ladder truck apparatus
last cone approximately 150 feet “upstream” of apparatus
Establish ETC position
monitor approaching traffic
sound emergency signal as necessary
Driver operator of ladder truck apparatus
sound a series of long blasts on apparatus air horn as necessary
Use police department vehicles for additional blocking
Terminate incident aggressively

58. Open Roads Philosophy Safety always comes first
Incident investigation is not compromised
When these conditions are satisfied then:
Clear the roadway of victims, vehicles, and debris
Allow traffic to resume at maximum capacity given the circumstances/conditions
Key points for the instructor to address on this slide:
Safety = The safety of responders of responders, the safety and security of incident
victims, and the general public.
After safety and the accurate investigation of the incident are dealt with the top
priority is to open the roadway by clearing vehicles, victims and debris from the
travel lanes to allow traffic to resume at the maximum possible capacity under the
circumstances.
Source: NTIMC “Anatomy of a Traffic Incident”

59. Locate Devices Where They Can Be Seen
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60. Think Horizontally and Vertically
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61. Recent (spring 2008) emergency scene in another Canadian province
Recent (spring 2008) emergency scene in another Canadian province. This fatal accident occurred just over the crest of a hill on this divided highway, initial crash was between the two small cars, driver of the car covered in blue tarp was killed. No advanced warning signs or traffic control were put out before the crest of the hill. Images used with permission.

62. Looking from the other direction, this is the final location of this tractor trailer unit that jackknifed because the driver could not stop in time as there was no warning of the scene over the hill.

63. The tractor- trailer hit this fire truck. There were no injuries to EMS.

64. Another view of damaged fire truck.

65. Now along comes a fertilizer truck and has the same problem – comes over the crest of the hill, slams on brakes and tips into centre median.

66. Night or Reduced Light Conditions
Turn OFF vehicle headlights
Turn OFF Opticom
Provide overall scene lighting
All personnel in PPE w/helmets
Illuminate cones with flares
Consider additional vehicle for additional upstream “Block”
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67. Strategy and Tactics
At nighttime incidents, turn off all unnecessary sources of vision impairment to approaching vehicles including vehicle headlights and spotlights
200’ min
Establish advance warning and adequate transition area traffic control measures upstream of incident to reduce travel speeds of approaching motorists
At nighttime incidents turn off all sources of vision impairment to approaching
vehicles including vehicle headlights and spotlights.
Consider the effect on approaching traffic of all emergency lighting. The high
intensity lights that are so effective for emergency warning can also be blinding
and confusing to approaching traffic in darkness, especially white light.

68. Strategy and Tactics Cont’d
Use signs and traffic cones and/or cones
Illuminated by flares for sustained highway
Incident traffic control and direction
Assign personnel to monitor approaching traffic and activate an emergency signal if the actions of a motorist put responders at risk
Section 6I-1 Warning and guide signs used for TTC traffic incident management situations may have a
black legend and border on a fluorescent pink background (see Figure 6I-1).
Section 6F.16 Position of Advance Warning Signs Guidance: Where highway conditions permit,
warning signs should be placed in advance of the TTC zone at varying distances depending on roadway type,
condition, and posted speed. Table 6C-1 contains information regarding the spacing of advance warning
signs. Where a series of two or more advance warning signs is used, the closest sign to the TTC zone should
be placed approximately 30 m (100 ft) for low-speed urban streets to 300 m (1,000 ft) or more for freeways
and expressways. Support: Various conditions, such as limited sight distance or obstructions that might
require a driver to reduce speed or stop, might require additional advance warning signs. Option: As an
alternative to a specific distance on advance warning signs, the word AHEAD may be used. Support: At TTC
zones on lightly-traveled roads, all of the advance warning signs prescribed for major construction might
not be needed. Option: Utility work, maintenance, or minor construction can occur within the TTC zone
limits of a major construction project, and additional warning signs may be needed. Guidance: Utility,
maintenance, and minor construction signing and TTC should be coordinated with appropriate authorities
so that road users are not confused or misled by the additional TTC devices.

69. Review Objectives for Unit 3
Any questions??

70. UNIT 4
Directing Traffic

71. Unit 4: Directing Traffic
Objectives:
Position yourself for maximum visibility
Identify your escape routes
Use standard hand signals to control traffic
Minimize and manage driver anger
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72. Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide
Be Conspicuous
Stand where you can see and be seen by approaching drivers.
Stand where the background will make you as conspicuous as possible.
Draw attention to your position by using a cone situated near you.
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73. Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide
Position Yourself
In an area that provides the maximum visibility.
Where you have a safe escape route.
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74. Page 42 – ETC Participants Guide
Signaling
Use standard signals to signal other ETCs or TCPs
Use standard direction for traffic
Use your paddle, or gloves if you do not have a paddle
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75. Be Confident
Firm
Clear
Repetitive
Correct

76. Dealing With Anger Remain calm Be respectful Give good directions
Repeat your directions
Briefly give verbal instructions
Do not engage in altercation or discussion
Call for help if you need it

77. Review Objectives for Unit 4
Any questions??

78. To be done in groups and presented to the class
Table Top Exercises
To be done in groups and presented to the class

79. UNIT 5
Course Wrap Up

80. Unit 5 - Course Wrap Up
Bill C45
Summary
Exam
Evaluations

81. Bill C45 Criminal Code of Canada
Highest Authority in Canada for Health & Safety
Holds everyone accountable for their actions or failure of actions
Everyone must do everything reasonable, that the reasonable person would do under similar circumstances
Everything reasonable, would be the minimum of following the laws and standards set forth in regulations and acts

82. Bill C45 Criminal Code of Canada
Criminal negligence causing injury could result in a sentence of 10 years in prison
Criminal negligence causing death could result in a sentence of life in prison
Every person can be held responsible, so follow the regulations and standards

83. Page 49 – ETC Participants Guide
Key Points
There is no substitute for training
Multi-agency coordination and communication are a must
Be conspicuous
Find your escape route
Limit your time, limit your exposure
Give traffic plenty of warning
Protect the scene with apparatus
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84. Time, Distance and Shielding Will Help Protect Responders
Time – The more efficiently an incident can be safely resolved, the less exposure responders will have to the hazards of traffic
Distance – The farther away from moving traffic responders can be, the safer they will be
Blocking –Protects responders from vehicles that do not or cannot conform to the altered flow of traffic

85. Optional Practical Training Exercise (1) Classroom or Parking lot Exercise
This Exercise will demonstrate:
Proper positioning of a TCP
Identifying Escape Routes
Traffic Control Signals

86. Optional Practical Training Exercise (2) Roadway Training Exercise
This Exercise will demonstrate:
Proper positioning of a TCP
Identifying Escape Routes
Traffic Control Signals