1. Pete Coughlan, P.E. For New England OSHA Training Institute Education Center at Keene State College, March 2006. Work Zone Traffic Control

2. What is a “Temporary Traffic Control Zone” “…an area of a highway where road user conditions are changed because of a work zone or incident by the use of temporary traffic control devices, flaggers, uniformed law enforcement officers, or other authorized personnel.” Examples: construction, maintenance, or utility work activities, vehicle crash, emergency response, etc

3. Why are work zones such a “big deal”

4. Part of FHWA Strategic Plan One of FHWA’s “vital few” goals National Work Zone Safety Clearinghouse Fatalities & crashes increasing Construction spending is increasing OSHA regs Liability & lawsuits

5. WZ stats

6. National Statistics Source: National Work Zone Clearinghouse: http://wzsafety.tamu.edu

7. NH Statistics Work Zone Crashes Year# Crashes# Injuries# Fatalities 1998 1999 2000 2001 2 0 1 0 2002 2003 1 2004 3

9. Traffic Control is important because:  people die  people are injured  Money is lost  You and your company can be sued

10. Why crashes?????? Worksites create potential hazards because they:  Confront motorists with unknown conditions  Create hazards  Divert attention from driving  Expose workers

11. Goals Goals Some information on:  your liability  what is the MUTCD  proper devices  “parts” of a work zone  flagger do’s & don’ts

12. Class Example Two lane road – 20 ft pavement Little to no usable shoulder 35 mph Several cars/minute each direction Great sight distance each way Work area active for 4 hrs

13. Why is worker training so critical? What’s wrong with this picture?

14. Work Zone Traffic Control Tort Liability

15. Your legal exposure to being sued and being brought into court to recover MONEY for acts of negligence by individuals, gov’t agencies, corporations, etc.

16. “Have YOU been injured in an accident lately……?” Sound familiar?

17. Recent cases have involved: *too hot coffee *slippery broccoli *outhouse tipping *lightning on golf course *people suing God *people suing themselves *“loss” of companionship, sex *traffic accidents *lots of work zones *whatever !!

18. JOINT NEGLIGENCE usually found between all parties (contractor, highway department, utility, etc)

19. It means that your insurance company handles MANY claims and relies HEAVILY on field personnel for details ………many weeks or months after the incident

20. Tips to fight claims take (good) photos ASAP of entire WZ make detailed diary notes get names of ALL flaggers, drivers, witnesses, plate #’s….. get statements Smallest detail could save BIG $$$$$

21. Heavy reliance on the concept of “positive guidance” was traffic control installed to provide clear direction to ALL drivers?

22. M.U.T.C.D. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices THE standard first edition in 1927 Millenium Edition published in late 2000 2003 Edition published Nov. 2003

23. MUTCD Millenium Edition December, 2000 (replaces the 1993 Edition w/ revisions) Standards = “shall” Guidance = “should” Options = “may”

24. M.U.T.C.D. 2003 Edition provides much more detail on:  “accessibility” (ADA) in all work zones  crashworthiness of all devices  new safety apparel standards  control of traffic through “incident” areas (i.e. police, fire, spills, disasters, etc) 

25. MUTCD “2003 Edition” December, 2003 (replaces the Millenium Edition of 2000) Many changes & new additions

26. MUTCD “2003 Edition” Available at: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ Hard copies are available at: American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) www.atssa.com 800-272-8772

27. Worker Considerations ** key elements **  Training – all workers should be trained  Worker Clothing – all workers should wear hi- vis. safety apparel meeting ANSI 107-1999  Temp. traffic barriers – depends on type and length of work, traffic volume & speed, time of day, type of road……  Speed reduction – flaggers, lane restrictions, police, etc. should be considered

28. M.U.T.C.D. Section 1A.02 “This Manual …is for all streets and highways open to public travel regardless of type or class or the public agency having jurisdiction.”

29. MUTCD pg 1A.07 Federal law states that “traffic control devices on all streets and highways open to public travel shall be in substantial conformance with standards issued or endorsed by FHWA.”

30. M.U.T.C.D. Section 1A.08 “when the public agency…having jurisdiction over a street has granted proper authority, others such as contractors and public utilities shall be permitted to install temporary traffic control devices in temporary traffic control zones…and those devices shall conform with…this Manual

31. Sign Colors Yellow - General Warning Red - Prohibition (regulatory) Blue - Motorist Services Guidance Green - Direction Brown - Recreational/Cultural Interest Orange - Construction/Maintenance White - Regulatory FYG – Pedestrian/bike/school Warning

32. Fundamentals of Traffic Control  The ABCs:  Provide advance warning  Be visible and alert  Be in control Apply them before work begins!!

33. A dvance Warning is the Key!  To let motorists and pedestrians know you are working near the roadway  To let them know that something unusual is going on Communication!

34. B e Visible and Alert  Wear bright garments  Expect the unexpected

35. C ontrol Procedures are Critical!  Choose the proper traffic control techniques  Use standard traffic control procedures Standard devices Standard devices Standard set-ups Standard set-ups  Adjust for field conditions

36. Why are Standards Important?

37. Uniformity Through Standardization Promotes:  Recognition and understanding  Consistent interpretation  More rapid driver response  Motorists' respect

38. How do work zones and OSHA relate??

39. In NH, OSHA regs are enforced by Federal OSHA – their jurisdiction is private agencies (contractors, private utilities, etc.)

40. Federal OSHA cites violations depending on seriousness: penalty ranges= $1,500 to $70,000 (with some possible reductions due to size of company, good faith efforts, and past history) Serious violation = $1,500 to $5,000 Willful violation = up to $70,000

41. Federal OSHA Recommendations 1) Become aware of the rules and the MUTCD work zone standards, 2) “I didn’t know about them” is NOT an excuse anymore! 3) We are very serious about work zones now and will enforce the rules

42. OSHA Subpart G Fed’l Register– 9/12/02  As of 12/11/2002, this reg. adopts the Millenium edition of the MUTCD  Many updates related to: Signaling by flaggers, and the use of flaggers, including warning garments, Signaling by flaggers, and the use of flaggers, including warning garments, All traffic signs or devices All traffic signs or devices Barricades Barricades Crashworthiness Crashworthiness

43. 1926.21(b)(2) Safety Training “The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.” MUTCD Millen.Reference Section 6D.02 Worker Considerations Section 6E.01 Qualifications for Flaggers.

44. 1926.28(a) Personal Protective Equipment The employer is responsible for requiring the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment in all operations where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions or where this part indicates the need for using such equipment to reduce the hazards to the employees. MUTCD Millen.Reference Section 6D.02 Worker Considerations Section 6E.02 High-Visibility Clothing

45. 1926.200(a) Accident prevention signs General. Signs and symbols…. shall be visible at all times when work is being performed, and shall be removed or covered promptly when the hazards no longer exist. MUTCD Millen. Reference Section 1A.04 Placement and Operation of Traffic Control Devices. Section 1A.08 Authority for Placement of Traffic Control Devices Section 6F.29 Flagger Sign (W20-7, W20-7a)

46. 1926.200(g)(1) Traffic Signs Construction areas shall be posted with legible traffic signs at points of hazard. MUTCD Millen. Reference Section 1A.04 Placement and Operation of Traffic Control Devices Section 1A.08 Authority for Placement of Traffic Control Devices Section 6F.04 Sign Maintenance

47. 1926.200(g)(2)Traffic Signs Al l traffic control signs or devices used for protection of construction workers shall conform to Part VI of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Millennium Edition, December 2000, FHWA……. MUTCD Millen. Reference

48. Section 1A.03 Design of Traffic Control Devices Section 1A.03 Design of Traffic Control Devices Section 1A.07 Responsibility for Traffic Control Devices Section 1A.07 Responsibility for Traffic Control Devices Section 1A.08 Authority for Placement of Traffic Control Devices Section 1A.08 Authority for Placement of Traffic Control Devices Section 1A.10 Interpretations, Experimentations, and Changes. Section 1A.10 Interpretations, Experimentations, and Changes. Section 1A.12 Color Code Section 1A.12 Color Code Section 6F.01 Types of Devices Section 6F.01 Types of Devices Section 6F.03 Sign Placement Section 6F.03 Sign Placement

49. 1926.201(a) Flaggers Signaling by flaggers and the use of flaggers, including warning garments worn by flaggers shall conform to Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Millennium Edition, December 2000, FHWA………... MUTCD 2000 Reference Section 6E.01 Qualifications for Flaggers Section 6E.02 High-Visibility Clothing Section 6E.03 Hand-Signaling Devices Section 6E.04 Flagger Procedures Section 6E.05 Flagger Stations..

50. Traffic Control Devices  Signs  Channelization Devices  Lighting Devices  Pavement Markings

51. Traffic Control Devices Should meet 5 basic requirements: 1)Fulfill a need 2)Command attention 3)Convey a clear, simple meaning 4)Command respect from road users, and 5)Give adequate time for response

52. Section 6F.01 Section 6F.01 The needs and control of all road users (motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, …including persons with disabilities) through a work zone shall be an essential part of highway, construction, utility work, maintenance operations, and the management of traffic incidents” Traffic Control Devices

53. Warning Signs Road Work Ahead Road Work Ahead Flagger Symbol Flagger Symbol Be Prepared to Stop Be Prepared to Stop One Lane Road Ahead One Lane Road Ahead Advisory Speed plate Advisory Speed plate

54. Warning Signs Typically diamond shaped Typically diamond shaped Typically black lettering on orange Typically black lettering on orange (for “incidents”, fluor. pink is OK) Should be placed in advance of hazard Should be placed in advance of hazard May be rigid or flexible material May be rigid or flexible material Size – minimums Size – minimums Generally 36” by 36” Low speed 30” by 30” (rural, <400ADT & 35mph) High speed shall be 48” by 48” (minimum 5” letters)

55. Warning Signs Section 6F.03 Signs mounted on barricades or barricade/sign combinations shall be crashworthy Sign supports shall be crashworthy

56. Sign Mounting (temporary) Sign supports must be crashworthy Bottom of sign at least 1 foot off the ground Orange flags or flashing lights shall not block the sign face Must be retroreflective if used at night Should be located on the right side

57. Sign Mounting (post mounted) Sign supports must be crashworthy Bottom of sign at least 5 feet off the ground in rural areas, and 7 feet in urban or residential areas Orange flags or flashing lights shall not block the sign face Must be retroreflective if used at night Should be located on the right side

58. ReflectiveRetroreflective Retroreflectivity  Retro = “return”  Light reflects back to the source

59. Principle of Retroreflection Light beam from headlamp Retroreflected light to driver Retroreflective sheeting

60. What is “crashworthy”? in simple terms…….. they are not wicked heavy or sharp things which can do some serious damage to persons or cars when hit…. In other words, they are not potentially dangerous obstacles which could pose great danger as flying projectiles.

61. What is “crashworthy”? Section 1A.13– definitions “a characteristic of a roadside appurtenance that has been successfully crash tested in accordance with a national standard such as the NCHRP Report 350,…” http://safety.fhwa.dot/programs/roadside_hardware.htm This site identifies all such hardware and includes copies of FHWA acceptance letters for each of them

62. Suggested Advance Warning Sign Spacing

63. Traffic Control Devices  Signs  Channelization Devices  Lighting Devices  Pavement Markings

64. Channelization Devices Warn and alert road users of work conditions in or near the roadway Warn and alert road users of work conditions in or near the roadway “Protect” workers in the work zone “Protect” workers in the work zone Guide drivers and pedestrians safely Guide drivers and pedestrians safely Should provide a smooth, gradual,and obvious transition Should provide a smooth, gradual,and obvious transition Should yield or break away Should yield or break away Any weight must be at BASE of device Any weight must be at BASE of device

65. Channelization Devices Traffic Cones Traffic Cones Tubular markers Tubular markers Vertical Panels Vertical Panels Drums Drums Barricades Barricades Barriers Barriers

66. Traffic Cones Minimum heights: 18” – daytime and low speed roads 18” – daytime and low speed roads 28” – high speed roads, all freeways, and all nighttime uses 28” – high speed roads, all freeways, and all nighttime usesNighttime: 28” plus 2 retroreflectorized white bands One 6” band about 2” above one 4” band

67. Drums Give the appearance of being formidable objects/ command respect of drivers Give the appearance of being formidable objects/ command respect of drivers Must be lightweight, deformable Must be lightweight, deformable Minimum 36” high and 18” wide Minimum 36” high and 18” wide Metal drums shall not be used Metal drums shall not be used Shall have closed tops Shall have closed tops Orange & white retroreflectorized horizontal stripes 4” to 6” wide Orange & white retroreflectorized horizontal stripes 4” to 6” wide Minimum of 2 stripes with top being orange Minimum of 2 stripes with top being orange Weighting – not hazardous, at bottom Weighting – not hazardous, at bottom

68. Barricades 3 types Type I Type II Type III Type is determined by number of rails

69. Barricades Should be used for traffic separation or shoulder dropoff Should be used for traffic separation or shoulder dropoff Minimum 24” wideBe crashworthy Minimum 24” wideBe crashworthy Each rail must be 8” to 12” wide Each rail must be 8” to 12” wide Orange & white retroreflectorized, diagonal stripes Orange & white retroreflectorized, diagonal stripes Stripes MUST slope downward at 45° in direction traffic is to pass Stripes MUST slope downward at 45° in direction traffic is to pass Weight shall not be placed on top of any striped rail – also no rocks,concrete... Weight shall not be placed on top of any striped rail – also no rocks,concrete...

70. Barricade – Type I Channelization or marking of hazards where traffic movement is maintained Channelization or marking of hazards where traffic movement is maintained One rail One rail Usually 6 to 8’ in length (2’ minimum) Usually 6 to 8’ in length (2’ minimum) Can be used singly or in series Can be used singly or in series Conventional roads, urban streets, and arterials Conventional roads, urban streets, and arterials

71. Barricade – Type II Channelization or marking of hazards Channelization or marking of hazards Two rails Two rails Uses similar to Type I Uses similar to Type I Have more reflective area than Type I Have more reflective area than Type I Typically for higher speed roads Typically for higher speed roads

72. Traffic Control Devices The name and telephone number of the agency, contractor, or supplier may be shown on the nonreflective surface of all types of channelizing devices. The letter and numbers shall be nonreflective and not over 2 inches high

73. Traffic Control Devices  Signs  Channelization Devices  Lighting Devices  Pavement Markings

74. Lighting Devices  Warning lights  Flashing warning beacons  Floodlights  Vehicle “emergencies”  Changeable message signs

75. Vehicle “emergencies”  “emergencies” shall NOT be used instead of rotating or strobe lights  rather…… they need to supplement rotating or strobe lights  Should be used by ALL work vehicles in or near the work zone

76. Arrow Panels  Shall be finished in non-reflective black  Shall be mounted on a vehicle, trailer,or other suitable support  Type A, B, and C’s shall have solid rectangular appearance Panel TypeMin. Size Min. # of elements A 48 x 2412 B 60 x 3013 C 96 x 4815 None Arrow length = 48”, head width= 24” 12

77. Arrow Panels  Arrows shall not be used on a two-lane, two-way road  An arrow shall ONLY be used on multi-lane roads  Use only in the caution mode for shoulder work, or roadside work near the shoulder, or for temporarily closing one lane on a two-lane, two way road  Shall not be used to shift all lanes on a multilane road

78. Work Zone Traffic Control Traffic Control Zones

79. ADVANCE WARNING AREA – tells traffic what to expect ahead (signs, flaggers, etc.) TRANSITION AREA – moves traffic out of its normal path BUFFER SPACE – provides protection for traffic & workers WORK AREA – set aside for workers, equipment and materials TERMINATION AREA – allows traffic to resume normal driving Lateral Buffer Space Activity Area

80. A C B

81. Suggested Advance Warning Sign Spacing

82. Transition Area  Moves road users out of normal path using channelizing devices  Needs to be obvious to road users  Suggested minimum of 5 channelizing devices in any taper  Most important part of work zone

83. Transition Area within transition area, there are 4 possible types of tapers  Two way traffic taper  Merging taper  Lane shift taper  Shoulder taper ______________________  Downstream taper (at end)

84. Merging Taper (longest type- “L”)  When 2 or more lanes in the SAME direction must merge  Length depends on speed and width of lane closure  Multi-lane roads only (ex. I-95, 4 lane arterials) (ex. I-95, 4 lane arterials) L

85. Taper Length Formulas Determining Value of “L” Speed LimitFormula 40 MPH or less L = W x S 2 60 60 45 MPH or greater L = W x S L = taper length in feet W = width of lane in feet S = speed limit

86. Example: Merging Taper Given: Merging taper 45 MPH speed limit 10 ft lane closed Solution: L = W x S L = 10 x 45 L = 450 ft

87. Example: Merging Taper Given: Merging taper 30 MPH speed limit 10 ft lane closed Solution: L = W x S 2 = 10 x 30 2 60 60 60 60 L = 10 x 900 = 9000 6060 6060 L = 150 ft

88. Example: Given: One lane shut down Two lane road 45 MPH speed limit 12 ft lane closed for 6 hours Solution: L = 100 ft maximum

89. Shifting Taper  Moves traffic laterally into a different path when a merge is not required  Number of lanes remains the same  ½ length of a merging taper  Ex: 2 lane lateral shift, I-95crossover

90. Shoulder Taper  Normally used when improved shoulders might be mistaken as a driving lane  1/3 length of a merging taper  Ex: culvert cleaning, sidewalk repair, parking lanes, sign installation

91. Two-way Taper (one lane, 2 way taper)  Portion of road is used alternately by road users in each direction  ALL two-lane roads  Typically requires flaggers  100 ft maximum (rule of thumb is 50’ – 100’) Ex: culvert installation, utility work

92. Buffer Space  Provides safety for workers and road users  Open and unoccupied space before the work area  Free of equipment, workers, materials, and workers’ vehicles  Provides additional stopping area

93. MPH vs. Feet/second MPHFT/SEC MPHFT/SEC 35 51 45 55 65 66 81 95

94. Stopping Sight Distance (wet pavement) From AASHTO – A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 1984 25354555 2.5 90 130 165 200 55 120 215 335145250380535 Design speed (mph) Brake Reaction Time (sec.) Distance (feet) Braking Distance on level (feet) Stopping Sight Distance (feet)

95. Work Area  Portion of roadway closed to traffic and set aside for workers, equipment, material, and any “shadow vehicle”.  May be fixed or may move as work progresses  You need to consider full extent of work zone & equipment when setting up devices

96. Downstream Taper  Guides road users back into the original lane  Placed in termination area  100 ft minimum per lane  Not always necessary

97. Device Spacing Buffer and Work Area (parallel to travelway) Maximum spacing= 2 x speed limit (in feet) Transition Area (across travelway) Maximum spacing= speed limit (in feet) SL 2 x SL Across Parallel

98. Work Duration (how long you gonna be there?) Since 1994, this has been a major factor in determining the number and types of devices to be used 5 categories have been developed based on TIME

99. 5 Categories 1) Mobile– work that moves intermittently or continuously 2) Short duration – work that occupies a location up to 1 hour 3) Short-term stationary – daytime work that occupies a location for more than 1 hour within one daylight period 4) Intermediate-term stationary -- work that occupies a location more than 1 daylight period up to 3 days, or nighttime work lasting more than 1 hour. 5) Long-term stationary – work that occupies a location more than 3 days

100. 5 Categories *For mobile & short duration: Safety should not be compromised with fewer devices; keep it simple by using larger/more dominant and more mobile devices (brighter vests, better sign sheeting, high intensity strobes/lights, signs on vehicles, flags) ; ** flaggers should be used when traffic conditions warrant their use ** flaggers should be used when traffic conditions warrant their use *Short-term stationary *Intermediate-term stationary *Long-term stationary All devices shall be retroreflective; may be necessary to remove inappropriate markings with temporary ones.

101. Flagging “rules”  State law  OSHA  MUTCD  DOT Spec

102. State Law TITLE XXI -- MOTOR VEHICLES CHAPTER 265 ---RULES OF THE ROAD 265:3-b Obedience to Flagpersons. – I. The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any flagperson in the act of directing, controlling, or regulating traffic within any construction, maintenance, or utility work area indicated by official traffic control devices. If the flagperson is displaying a signal to stop, the driver of a vehicle upon a way shall stop the vehicle at least 25 feet before reaching such flagperson. The driver shall not proceed until the flagperson indicates that traffic may proceed and until the driver may do so safely. II. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation and shall be fined not more than $100 for the first offense and not more than $250 for any subsequent offense committed during any calendar year.

103. OSHA 1926.201(a) Flaggers Flaggers. Signaling by flaggers and the use of flaggers, including warning garments worn by flaggers shall conform to Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Millennium Edition, December 2000, FHWA Flaggers. Signaling by flaggers and the use of flaggers, including warning garments worn by flaggers shall conform to Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Millennium Edition, December 2000, FHWA

104. MUTCD(2003) Part 6  Flaggers shall wear ANSI Class 2 apparel that has a background color of either fluorescent orange/red OR yellow/green AND have retroreflective material that is orange, yellow, white, silver, yellow-green (or fluorescent versions), AND be visible for at least 1,000 ft., AND identify the wearer as a person.  For nighttime work, ANSI Class 3 apparel should be considered for flaggers.  ST/SL paddle should be primary device  Flags should be limited to emergency situations

105. Tools of the trade…..

106. S/S Paddle  Must be 8 sided (not round)  Minimum 18 inches on a rigid handle  STOP= 6 in. white letters & border on red  SLOW=6 in. black letters & border on orange  Must be retroreflectorized for night  Either face MAY have flashing lights meeting certain criteria

107. Flags (emergency use only)  Minimum 24 inch square  Red material  Fastened to 36 inch staff  Free edge should be weighted  Retroreflectorized red for night

108. Safety Vests Class 1,2, and 3  As of June 1999, it is the first VOLUNTARY consensus standard set by ANSI  It is a guide to help the manufacturer, consumer, and general public  Class 1 – offers least visibility and best for off-road work  Class 2 – good for highway workers and offers good visibility  Class 3 – most conspicuous and best in high hazard areas

109. Flaggers shall wear: ANSI Class 2 apparel that has a background color of either fluorescent orange/red OR yellow/green AND have retroreflective material that is orange, yellow, white, silver, yellow-green (or fluorescent versions), AND be visible for at least 1,000 ft., AND identify the wearer as a person. For nighttime work, ANSI Class 3 apparel should be considered for flaggers.

110. Flaggers should…  Stay alert at all times  Face oncoming traffic  Be highly visible  Stand alone  Stay on the shoulder  Out of the path of vehicles

111. Preferred Flagger Location  NEVER in the path of moving vehicles  On the shoulder  At the beginning of the taper (on lane closures)

112. Flagger positions *drivers must have sufficient distance to stop *flaggers should stand on the shoulder until the oncoming traffic has stopped *must have an escape route *must be clearly visible to first and all road users *should stand alone

113. ADVANCE WARNING AREA TAPER Flagger positions

114. Single Flagger Operations Several conditions have to be met for single flagger operations:  Low volume  Good visibility  No curves or hills  Short work space  Short duration  Low speeds

115. ADVANCE WARNING AREA TAPER Flagger position if conditions warrant one if conditions warrant one

116. Stopping Sight Distance by Speed can be used to determine the location of a flagger station before the “Work Area” Speed (mph) Distance (ft) 20115 25155 30200 35250 40305 45360 50425 55495 should be increased with downgrades or wet conditions

117. That one moment of complacency….

118. Take down or cover the “Flagger” sign when you are gone

119. Summary We need to make work zones safer because:  There is more construction spending  Growing traffic volumes  More work is done under traffic flow  Increasing congestion  Increasing crashes  Public dissatisfaction and frustration with wz’s

120. Where to get the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (Parts 1, 5, & 6) http:// http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno-2003r1.htm