5.20Operational traffic control in heavy storm conditions#

Traffic controllers are not to 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 suspend works expeditiously to allow all site workers and traffic controllers to seek safe shelter from these conditions.

In the event that active traffic control must continue temporarily for reasons of public or road worker safety, traffic controllers (if not using PTCDs) may cease using STOP / SLOW bats and control traffic instead using approved hand signals only.

In periods 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 illuminated wand or torch with luminous cone is to be weatherproof and made of non-conductive material.

Where an illuminated wand or torch with luminous cone 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 abovementioned hazards no longer exist, the traffic control is to revert to normal operating procedure – that is, controlling traffic using STOP / SLOW bats and where appropriate, with the continued use of illuminated wands or torches with luminous cone.