Common use of FLAGMEN Clause in Contracts

FLAGMEN. The use of flagmen is an easy and flexible method of controlling traffic. The method should be used where traffic volumes are less than about 200 vehicles per hour and the flagmen at the beginning and end of the work area are clearly visible to each other. The length of the work section should be no more than about 100 m and the method can be used for two-way or one- way passing of traffic. Where the obstruction is only intermittent this method may be used in conjunction with appropriate signs for higher traffic volumes than stated above. The standard size of flags should be 450 mm square. Flags should be made of durable bright red cloth fastened to a staff about 1 m long. The free edge of the flag should be weighted to ensure a vertical position during windy weather. A diagonal stiffener may also be used for the same purpose. The efficiency of flagging traffic control is often dependent on the intelligence of the flagmen. The careful selection and training of flagmen before making them responsible for the flow of traffic is essential. Flagmen should have good eyesight and hearing, be mentally alert, courteous and pleasant-natured. Distinctive clothing should be given to flagmen on duty so that the public will recognise them and respect indications given by them. A bright-coloured helmet, preferably red, together with a yellow safety jacket should be issued to them. Flagmen stations should be located far enough from the roadworks so that drivers will have sufficient distance to slow down their vehicles before entering the project but not so far away that the drivers tend to increase the speed of their vehicles before passing the roadworks. Normally the flagmen should stand either on the shoulder adjacent to the lane of traffic he is controlling or in the barricaded lane. Under no circumstances should he stand in the traffic lane. In rural areas he should be clearly visible to the traffic he is controlling from a distance of at least 150 m. For this reason he should stand alone never permitting a group of workmen to congregate around him.