2Traffic controller requirements#

2.2Authority and accreditation#

2.2.2Authority of a traffic controller#

Add the following dot point:

• control cyclists and or pedestrians, including persons in or on a wheelchair or a personal mobility device, where traffic control is required on a roadway.

2.2.4Supervising a traffic controller in training#

When a traffic controller trainee is acquiring experience in using a STOP / SLOW bat in live traffic situations, the supervising traffic controller must stand within 3 metres of the trainee.

2.3Fitness for duty#

2.3.2Eyesight#

The following additional requirement must apply to the eyesight of traffic controllers:

1. i.distinguish a vehicle at a distance of approximately 150 metres, and
2. ii.have visual acuity of 6 / 12 which would allow a vehicle number plate to be read at a distance of up to 20 metres on a clear day.

Any visual defect which has not been rectified by the use of corrective lenses or by surgery should be taken into account by the Doctor / Optometrist. If the person has mild colour blindness, this should not be a problem for performing traffic controller duties, providing the person can pass the Ishihara Colour test.

2.3.6Character and suitability#

Transport and Main Roads is authorised by law to review the suitability of a traffic controller to remain accredited at any time throughout their period of their accreditation. Offence and incident reports, and information received from Queensland Police Service; registered traffic management organisations; employers; local governments; authorised officers; and Transport and Main Roads roadwork inspectors can be taken into consideration by the department.

Replace:

If during the period of accreditation, the traffic controller is convicted of a potentially disqualifying offence, the traffic controller may be required to give written notice of the matter to the relevant authority representative within 14 days of the conviction occurring.

with:

If during the period of accreditation, the traffic controller is charged or convicted with a disqualifying offence, the traffic controller must give written notification of the matter to the Chief Executive within 14 days of the charge or conviction occurring. Notification to the Chief Executive should be directed to the attention of the Transport and Main Roads customer service centre at which the traffic controller normally makes application for accreditation.

2.4Traffic controller’s responsibilities#

2.4.2Functions of a traffic controller#

Traffic controllers are also often used to manage pedestrian activity at, through or past a road work site. Traffic controllers managing pedestrian activity are not required to use a STOP / SLOW bat or other PTCDs (however boom barriers are useful in managing pedestrian access) and use other methods such as direct communication or hand signals to manage their movements and access.

Where pedestrians are directed onto the other side of the road and crossing facilities are not available, traffic controllers may be used to ensure pedestrian safety by controlling traffic at locations where pedestrians are directed to cross the road.

A traffic controller, while displaying the STOP sign of the STOP / SLOW bat to vehicular traffic, may use hand signals to direct pedestrians to cross a roadway where it is safe to do so.

2.4.3Responsibilities of a traffic controller#

Replace last dot point:

• install and remove signs that are required for traffic controllers.

with

• install and remove signs and devices that are required for traffic control.

2.4.6Give definite and clear signals#

Replace:

• the hand-held STOP / SLOW bat.

with:

• the hand-held STOP / SLOW bat or portable traffic control device.

2.4.7Breaks from traffic controller duties#

Replace:

Where having to stand at a station continuously for more than two hours, traffic controllers must be relieved from their duty after not more than 2 hours for a period of rest or "other duties" of at least 15 minutes.

with:

Traffic controllers must be relieved from their traffic control duty after not more than 2 hours for a period of rest or 'other duties' of at least 15 minutes.

Where the traffic controller is operating a PTCD while seated, this requirement for a break from traffic control duty is still required.

2.5What to wear#

2.5.1General#

Replace:

Specified traffic controller clothing is intended to signify a person on site performing specific traffic controller duties and functions and must be in compliance with AS/NZS 4602.1. Traffic controller specific garments must be worn when performing traffic controller STOP / SLOW duties or while supervising a traffic controller in training, as the supervisor may be required to step in to perform duties.

with:

Specified traffic controller clothing is intended to signify a person on site performing specific traffic controller duties and functions and must be in compliance with Section 2.5.2 of this document. Traffic controller specific garments must be worn when performing traffic controller STOP / SLOW duties, while operating a PTCD, or while supervising a traffic controller in training.

2.5.2Clothing to comply with standards#

A traffic controller must wear clothing outlined in the Transport and Main Roads Queensland Traffic Controller Clothing Standard when carrying out the duties and functions of a traffic controller. The Transport and Main Roads Queensland Traffic Controller Clothing Standard can be found on the departmental website under Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme.

A traffic controller must, at all times, whilst undertaking traffic control duties, wear clothing that is clean and has not deteriorated. The fluorescent and retro-reflective material must not be faded.

2.6What to use#

2.6.2Portable traffic control devices#

When operating a PTCD, and where suitable, the traffic controller may be seated while performing traffic control duties.

Unless specified otherwise by the TMD on the TGS, when using PTSS Type 1 or Type 2 devices, for manually controlled shuttle flow arrangements, they should be used in paired mode using a single HRC whenever possible / suitable. This will prevent a green signal being displayed to both approaches at the same time.

Additional guidance on the use, installation and operation of portable traffic control devices (PTCDs), including Type 1 and 2 portable traffic signal systems (PTSS) and boom barriers, is available in the Guideline – Traffic Management at Works on Roads.

Only PTCDs included on the current list of approved devices on the Transport and Main Roads ITS Approved Products list must be used at roadwork sites in Queensland.

In the subsection 'Location', add the following dot point:

• is not next to the PTCD, or on the road or road shoulder close to the PTCD.

2.6.3Approved equipment for manual control of traffic#

Within subsection 'Warning signs', replace:

When used side by side in a multi-message situation, the PREPARE TO STOP sign must be placed closest to the travel way as a 600 x 600 sign. In this situation, the PREPARE TO STOP must not be the 1200 x 300 size as it does not demand the same authority as illustrated in Figure 2.4.

with:

When used in a multi-message situation, it is mandatory that the PREPARE TO STOP panel is placed closest to the travel way and that the 600 x 600 version of this sign is used as illustrated in Figure 2.4, excluding where the use of the 1200 x 300 version is specifically permitted by QGTTM. The PREPARE TO STOP panel is used where warranted as part of the advance signage on approach to the traffic control position. See Section 4.8 of QGTTM Part 3 and Guideline – Traffic Management at Works on Roads.

2.6.8Departures from standards and innovation#

Replace:

Where innovative treatments are proposed to be adopted for use by traffic controllers, undertake a risk assessment in accordance with the traffic management plan and include the innovative treatment as approved by the TMP designer and road authority.

with:

Where variations to the requirements of the Queensland MUTCD Part 3 or the QGTTM are required, they must be documented by a risk assessment certified by a RPEQ, refer Clause 1.9 of Queensland MUTCD Part 3.

2.6.9Traffic control in storm conditions#

Traffic controllers must not be placed at risk by controlling traffic where lightning is occurring in the immediate vicinity of the worksite.

When controlling traffic in adverse weather conditions such as heavy storms (including for example: heavy rain, reduced visibility, hail and high winds), an on-site risk assessment must be conducted to assess the safety of continuing to control traffic at the site.

Where storm conditions include imminent lightning strikes, consideration in the first instance should be given to expediently suspending works to allow all site workers and traffic controllers to seek safe shelter from these conditions.

If active traffic control must continue temporarily for reasons of public or road worker safety, traffic controllers may cease using a STOP / SLOW bat and control traffic instead using approved hand signals only.

In periods of darkness (such as at night or where daylight is compromised due to storm conditions), the traffic controller must use approved hand signals together with an illuminated wand or a torch fitted with a luminous cone attachment. The wand or torch with luminous cone is to be weatherproof and made on non-conductive material.

Where a wand or torch is used in these circumstances, it is held in the upright position to indicate STOP and moved in a sweeping sideways motion to indicate SLOW.

Where the imminent risks posed by the above-mentioned hazards no longer exists, the traffic control is to revert to normal operating procedure, that is, controlling traffic using a STOP / SLOW bat or PTCD, and where appropriate, continued use of illuminated wands or torches.

2.7When a traffic controller gets to the worksite#

2.7.3Station set up and positioning#

Replace:

Once the traffic control station position is established, a traffic controller must ensure that:

with:

Once the traffic control station position is established, a traffic controller must ensure that all signs and devices included on the TGS which are required for traffic control activities are in place and visible, and other elements specific to traffic control duties are addressed, including the following:

Replace:

• the Traffic Controller (symbolic) / Signals Ahead / PREPARE TO STOP / STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL / STOP HERE WHEN DIRECTED signs and PTCDs are erected correctly at the beginning of the shift

with:

• the Traffic Controller (symbolic) / Signals Ahead (symbolic) / Boom Barrier (symbolic) / PREPARE TO STOP / STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL / STOP HERE WHEN DIRECTED signs and PTCDs are erected correctly at the beginning of the shift

Replace:

• the Traffic Controller (symbolic) / PREPARE TO STOP / STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL / STOP HERE WHEN DIRECTED signs are removed or covered when a traffic controller is not performing traffic control duties on site

with:

• the Traffic Controller (symbolic) / Signals Ahead (symbolic) / Boom Barrier (symbolic) / PREPARE TO STOP / STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL / STOP HERE WHEN DIRECTED signs and PTCDs are removed or covered when a traffic controller is not performing traffic control duties on site. PTCDs and their signs may remain in place for short periods when not being used to control traffic, with signals displaying a GREEN signal and with boom barriers in the raised position.

Replace:

• Where required, four cones are placed at 4 m spacing on the centreline, with the first to be 6 m from the traffic controller station, starting from the STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL / STOP HERE WHEN DIRECTED sign position (downstream). Traffic cones are used to highlight the traffic control position, where vehicles are to stop and for traffic management purposes. A temporary hazard marker or KEEP LEFT DELINEATOR sign may be installed at the start of the row of 4 cones to direct traffic to the correct travel path if needed. The requirement for the four cones is not applicable if the traffic guidance scheme specifies otherwise following a site-specific risk assessment

with:

• Four cones should be placed on the centreline spaced 4 m apart starting from the STOP HERE ON RED SIGNAL or STOP HERE WHEN DIRECTED sign position (downstream). Traffic cones are used to highlight the traffic control position, where vehicles are to stop and for traffic management purposes. A Temporary Hazard marker or KEEP LEFT delineator sign may be installed at the start of the row of four cones to direct traffic to the correct travel path if needed. The requirement for the four cones is not applicable if the traffic guidance scheme specifies otherwise following a site-specific risk assessment

Replace:

• once traffic has stopped, a traffic controller must change their position as necessary so that they are clearly visible to approaching traffic.

with

• once traffic has stopped, a traffic controller must change their position as necessary so that they are clearly visible to approaching traffic (not applicable to traffic controllers operating PTCDs).

Add the following dot point:

• Cones or bollards may be placed on the edge line at the traffic control station to delineate vehicle movements past the traffic control station. Methods of speed management, as per the QGTTM Part 3 may be used to manage vehicle speeds.

Replace notes for Figure 2.5: Station set up and positioning guide with the following:

2.7.4Sight distance and sign location#

The minimum sight distance for traffic approaching a traffic controller using a STOP / SLOW bat must be as per Table 2.3. The minimum sight distance for traffic approaching a PTCD which is being manually controlled by a traffic controller must be as per Table 2.3. The minimum sight distance for traffic approaching a PTSS which is operating in vehicle actuated, or fixed time operation (no traffic controller) must be 150 m as per Section 2.6.2, subsection 'Visibility'.

2.8Performing traffic control#

2.8.4Traffic signals, STOP and GIVE WAY signs#

A traffic controller cannot direct traffic through a STOP or GIVE WAY sign without covering the sign first, nor can traffic be directed through operating traffic signals without having the relevant RIM switch them to flashing yellow or off. Worksite supervisors must first gain the written approval of the relevant authority to cover a permanent fixture such as a STOP or GIVE WAY sign or switch traffic signals to flashing yellow or off. See Section 2.9.8 of this document for guidance on traffic controllers operating at or near traffic signals.

2.9Traffic control station operation#

2.9.2Queue monitoring#

When the traffic queue approaches the predicted end-of-queue location, the traffic controllers should consider the options provided in QGTTM Part 3 Section 4.8 (Item 7).

2.9.7Multilane roads#

Replace all references to ‘10 m’ with ‘6 m’.

2.9.8At or near traffic signals#

Replace 6th dot point:

• if the conditions only allow one traffic controller to work on a multilane road, the approach should be reduced to a single lane.

with:

• if the conditions only allow one traffic controller to work on a multilane road, the approach must be reduced to a single lane.

Replace last dot point:

• if traffic controllers are using a STOP / SLOW bat to control traffic at an intersection, they must have the “SLOW” sign covered or removed to ensure that vehicles on other approaches do not proceed into the intersection.

with:

• if traffic controllers are using a STOP / SLOW bat to control traffic at an intersection, they must manage the risk of traffic from the opposite direction seeing the reverse face of the STOP / SLOW bat and responding to that direction (which would not be intended). It is important to ensure approaching traffic is aware of the controls applicable for that direction which would likely be another traffic controller with a STOP / SLOW bat for that approach.

Add the following dot points:

• Traffic controllers operating between 50 m and 100 m of a signalised intersection should consider the impact of the signals on their operations and the impact of their operations on the signals.
• A traffic controller must not direct traffic contrary to an operating traffic signal.