Chapter 6E - MUTCD 2009 Edition

Section 6E.01 Qualifications for Flaggers

• Importance: Flaggers are crucial for public safety.
• Training and Skills Required:
  • Safe traffic control practices.
  • Public contact techniques.
  • Communication skills for specific instructions.
  • Quick movement to avoid errant vehicles.
  • Control of signaling devices (paddles, flags).
  • Recognition of dangerous traffic situations.

Section 6E.02 High-Visibility Safety Apparel

• Standard:
  • Day/Night: Must meet ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Class 2 or 3.
  • Color: Fluorescent orange-red, yellow-green, or a combination.
  • Retroreflective material visible at 1,000 feet.
  • Officers directing traffic must wear high-visibility apparel.
  • Option for law enforcement: ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 vests.

Section 6E.03 Hand-Signaling Devices

• Guidance: Prefer STOP/SLOW paddle over flags.
• Standard:
  • Paddles: Octagonal, retroreflectorized, 18 inches wide, 6-inch letters.
  • Night use: Retroreflectorized.
• Options for Modification:
  • Flashing lights on paddles.
• Flags:
  • Red or fluorescent orange/red, 24 inches square.
  • Weighted for vertical hang.
  • Night use: Retroreflectorized red.

Section 6E.04 Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs)

• Support: Used to control traffic remotely.
• Types:
  • STOP/SLOW sign AFADs.
  • Red/Yellow lens AFADs.
• Standards for Use:
  • Only for single-lane traffic control.
  • Nighttime use requires illumination.
  • Not for long-term stationary work.
  • Must meet crashworthy criteria.

Section 6E.05 STOP/SLOW Automated Flagger Assistance Devices

• Standards:
  • STOP/SLOW sign displays, 24 x 24 inches, 8-inch letters.
  • Active conspicuity devices (flashing lights, beacons).
  • Option for louvers for stability.
  • Optional gate arm for traffic block.
• Signage:
  • WAIT ON STOP and optional GO ON SLOW signs.
  • Display rules for STOP/SLOW faces.

Section 6E.06 Red/Yellow Lens Automated Flagger Assistance Devices

• Standards:
  • Displays CIRCULAR RED and flashing CIRCULAR YELLOW.
  • Includes gate arm descending for RED, ascending for YELLOW.
  • 12-inch lenses, specific placement height.
  • Safeguards for one-lane TTC zones.
• Change Interval:
  • Transition from flashing YELLOW to steady RED, no transition back.

Section 6E.07 Flagger Procedures

• Use: STOP/SLOW paddle or AFAD required.
• Signaling Methods:
  • With paddles for stopping, proceeding, and slowing traffic.
  • With flags for stopping, proceeding, and slowing traffic.
• Flagger Positions:
  • Stand on shoulder or closed lane.
  • Single flagger use in certain conditions.

Section 6E.08 Flagger Stations

• Location: Must allow for sufficient stopping distance.

• Flagger Escape Route: Plan for errant vehicles.

• Advance Warning: Required, especially at night.

• Table 6E-1: Stopping sight distance as function of speed.