5.Roles and responsibilities of traffic controllers and associated persons#
5.1Function of a traffic controller#
The function of a traffic controller is to direct traffic in a way stated in the following:
- Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 3 (MUTCD Part 3)
- Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme – Approved Procedure (TCASAP)
- Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Accreditation and Other Provisions) Regulation 2015 (TORUM Regulation).
A traffic controller shall direct traffic at and/or through a worksite, or other event in a manner specified in the approved operating procedure for the safety of all road users and road workers.
5.2Responsibilities of a traffic controller#
Accredited traffic controllers are required to operate at the highest standards and to comply with the statutory conditions of their appointment.
A traffic controller must:
- maintain a zero percent blood/alcohol concentration while performing traffic control functions
- not perform traffic control functions while adversely affected by a drug or other medication causing functional impairment
- not direct traffic through a worksite, unless the worksite has an approach speed of 60 km/hr or less, as specified in the MUTCD Part 3
- ensure that the Traffic Controller Ahead/PREPARE TO STOP sign is erected correctly, at the beginning of the shift, and direct traffic at and/or through a worksite, or other event as specified in the approved operating procedure for traffic
- only use equipment specified in the MUTCD Part 3 to direct or divert traffic through a worksite, and
- ensure that the Traffic Controller Ahead/PREPARE TO STOP sign is removed when work is suspended throughout a shift, or completed for the day.
Mobile phones should not be used in any circumstances while directing traffic control operations.
To remain a traffic controller, a person must:
- carry out the functions of a traffic controller as specified in this code of practice and the TCASAP
- comply with the conditions and responsibilities outlined in this code of practice and the TCASAP
- carry their Queensland Transport and Main Roads issued Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme accreditation identity card at all times while working as a traffic controller
- present their accreditation identity card, upon request, to any:
- Police Officer
- Transport Inspector
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Inspector
- Department of Transport and Main Roads Safety Officer/Coordinator
- supervisor
- person in control of the workplace where the traffic controller is working.
- comply with the dress code provisions outlined in the TCASAP
- be polite and courteous at all times when interacting with other road users as part of their duties
- renew their accreditation by the expiry date after having completed an approved traffic controller refresher training course delivered by an approved traffic controller training provider.
5.3Responsibilities of PCBUs who employ traffic controllers#
PCBUs who employ traffic controllers must use only accredited traffic controllers to perform traffic control duties.
PCBUs who employ traffic controllers must not ask a traffic controller to do anything that may cause the person to:
- breach the statutory conditions of their appointment/accreditation
- breach the conditions of appointment stated in the person’s instrument of appointment
- breach the terms and conditions of the TCASAP
- breach the requirements of this code of practice, and
- operate in unsafe conditions.
PCBUs who employ traffic controllers should ensure that workers not only have the required accreditation to perform traffic control duties, but they also have sufficient experience to operate safely and efficiently in the traffic control area in which they are allocated.
5.4Responsibilities of approved traffic controller training providers#
Traffic controller training providers are approved by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver traffic controller training. Approved traffic controller training providers are responsible for:
- delivering the Department of Transport and Main Roads approved traffic controller training course
- assessing traffic control competencies of course attendants
- certifying that training requirements have been met
- maintaining a register of course attendees
- maintaining the original course assessments for auditing purposes.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads may conduct random and triggered desktop and onsite audits of approved traffic controller training providers, to ensure that contracted traffic controller training is delivered to an acceptable standard. If, as a result of a Department of Transport and Main Roads audit or investigation, it is considered that the standard of training and/or delivery methods fail to meet accepted industry standards, the Department of Transport and Main Roads may initiate proceedings against the approved traffic controller training provider, to show cause why their contract to deliver traffic control training should not be terminated. Where it is proven that the standard of training and/or delivery methods fail to meet accepted industry standards, the Department of Transport and Main Roads may terminate an approved traffic controller training provider’s contract to deliver traffic controller training courses.