Safety and Risk Management Flashcards

A driver ignores your stop paddle and accelerates toward the work zone. What is your FIRST action?

Answer: Move quickly out of the driver's path and notify your supervisor immediately

Flaggers must never place themselves in danger; moving out of harm's way and reporting the incident is the correct response.

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) color is required for flaggers working on California roadways?

Answer: Orange or yellow-green high-visibility vest meeting ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3

California requires flaggers to wear ANSI/ISEA 107-compliant orange or yellow-green high-visibility garments at Class 2 or higher.

When should a flagger use a red flag instead of a stop/slow paddle?

Answer: Only when a stop/slow paddle is unavailable or as a backup

The stop/slow paddle is the standard device; a red flag is only an acceptable substitute when a paddle is unavailable.

What minimum distance ahead of a work zone must advance warning signs typically be placed in a 45 mph zone?

Answer: 500 feet

The MUTCD and California standards require advance warning signs to be placed approximately 500 feet before the work zone in a 45 mph speed zone.

A flagger notices the work zone layout has changed since the morning briefing. What should the flagger do?

Answer: Notify the supervisor before resuming flagging

Any change in work zone conditions must be communicated to the supervisor so the traffic control plan can be updated accordingly.

Which condition most significantly increases a flagger's risk of being struck by a vehicle?

Answer: Positioning yourself in the travel lane for extended periods

Spending unnecessary time standing in an active travel lane dramatically increases the risk of being struck by a distracted or inattentive driver.

If a work zone is set up on a curve and sight distance is limited, what additional precaution is required?

Answer: Post a flagger on both sides of the curve and use longer gaps

Limited sight distance on curves requires posting flaggers on both approaches and coordinating longer gaps to compensate for reduced visibility.