Temporary Traffic Control Devices
Temporary Traffic Control Devices (TTCDs)
Workers and motorists face different hazards. Some hazards workers face are being struck by motorists and construction equipment, falling from vehicles, and angry motorists. Motorists’ hazards are merging as the lane closes, traffic congestion and rear-end collisions, and entering buffers or workspaces as TTCDs are set up or removed.
How to safely place Temporary Traffic Control Devices:
The contractor must provide safe equipment. Contractors should provide the following:
- Platforms for secure deployment and retrieval
- Seat belts, fall restraints, or guardrails
- Shadow vehicles or attenuators
- Automated TTCD deployment/retrieval devices
- A means to communicate with supervisors or law enforcement in case of aggressive motorists or emergencies
The contractor must require safe work practices. Workers must:
- Wear Class III or II high-visibility clothing
- When possible, work from a platform on a vehicle
- Use fall restraint equipment
- Stay in constant communication with the driver
- Visual communication as a minimum
- Audio communication is strongly encouraged
Some of the best practices are:
- Place, relocate, and remove TTCD when traffic is light
- Install from the first TTCD motorist sees to the last
- Remove since the previous TTCS motorist see to the first
- Prohibit workers on foot from operating behind a backing vehicle, vehicles that might back up, or in blinds spots
- Plan “moving work zones” with proper mobile warning devices