Bulletin Number: OPR112.14

Date Issued: 2007 06 01

Date Revised: 2020 03 17

Date Reviewed: 2019 08 16

Page 1 of 34

Traffic Control

Created By: S. Ainsworth Reviewed By: S. Bond

Revised By: P. Pollard Approved By: J. Curran

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to manage hazards to workers and the general public associated

with performing utility work on or adjacent to public roadways.

2.0 Scope

This procedure applies to Newfoundland Power and its Contractors working for or on behalf of

Newfoundland Power when performing utility work for short or very short durations on or

adjacent to public roadways.

This procedure may be followed when:

The aerial device, material handler or Radial Boom Derrick (RBD) in use will be

equipped with high-intensity beacons, strobes and four-way flashers which must be in

operation at all times during the setup and work.

All vehicles listed above will be equipped with high-intensity, retro-reflective striping,

(3M Scotchlite/Diamond Grade or equivalent).

All workers while working on or adjacent to public roadways will wear CSA Z96, Class

2 high visibility safety vests or Class 3 high visibility clothing, refer to OPR 104.01

Personal Protective Equipment.

All temporary signs in use after dark will be retro-reflective, (3M Scotchlite/Diamond

Grade or equivalent).

The work zone involves the same work unit consisting of three utility vehicles or less and

the work zone is no longer than 250m.

Work permitted under this procedure includes:

Holding a pole using only an RBD.

Street light installation/maintenance.

Line maintenance work (including Hot), similar to the work performed by NL Power

crews.

Utility vegetation management.

Bulletin Number: OPR112.14

Date Issued: 2007 06 01

Date Revised: 2020 03 17

Date Reviewed: 2019 08 16

Page 2 of 34

Traffic Control

Created By: S. Ainsworth Reviewed By: S. Bond

Revised By: P. Pollard Approved By: J. Curran

This procedure does not apply when:

Working on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH).

An Excavator, Backhoe or other heavy construction equipment is required as part of the

work including floats used to deliver or retrieve same.

In these cases the traffic control must be in accordance with the Government of NL Department

of Transportation & Work’s Traffic Control Manual or the applicable municipal traffic control

manual.

Appendix “A” specifically applies to the use of Newfoundland Power line vehicles or other

Newfoundland Power maintenance vehicles and equipment deemed consistent with the definition

of “trucks with flashers” as defined in the attached standard (Appendix “A”), in a stationary

work area on or adjacent to a roadway.

Traffic Control Guidelines for Newfoundland Power vehicles that do not match the definition of

“trucks with flashers” can be found in Section 5 of this procedure.

3.0 General

Newfoundland Power will ensure that all of its workers and members of the general public are

protected from vehicle hazards when the work area requires full or partial lane blockage or

shoulder operation on a traveled road. General public will include operators of motor vehicles

and pedestrians.

4.0 Responsibilities

4.1 Manager responsible for the work shall:

Ensure that traffic control requirements are part of the Risk Management and Job

Bulletin Number: OPR112.14

Date Issued: 2007 06 01

Date Revised: 2020 03 17

Date Reviewed: 2019 08 16

Page 3 of 34

Traffic Control

Created By: S. Ainsworth Reviewed By: S. Bond

Revised By: P. Pollard Approved By: J. Curran

Safety Planning Code and that all workers are informed of the associated hazards.

Ensure that contractors engaged to provide traffic flagging services are engaged using

approved contracting procedures and are in compliance with defined specifications.

That all workers that require the protection of traffic control are aware of the

Newfoundland Power requirements.

4.2 General Foreperson/Contract Leader for the work shall review worksites to ensure that

traffic control plans are effectively implemented in the field.

4.3 Powerline Technician Lead Hand/Site Supervisor shall:

Ensure that all jobsites they are responsible for have traffic control measures

implemented that are consistent with the job plan and in compliance with

Newfoundland Power requirements.

Oftentimes the nature of our work requires that aerial devices extend their booms out

over the roadway. The Lead Hand/Worker in Charge has the responsibility to discuss

this with flag persons and ensure effective communication is established to

adequately address any risk associated with high moving loads such as tractor trailers,

earthmovers, wood trucks etc. approaching the work site. If this traffic is at risk of

encroaching on the aerial device boom then traffic must be stopped and corrective

measures taken.

Ensure that the flagging contractor provides qualified workers with the required

personal protective equipment (PPE) and signage.

Ensure that CSA Z96 Class 2 high visibility safety vests or Class 3 high visibility

clothing or is worn by all employees working on or adjacent to public roads, refer to

OPR 104.01 Personal Protective Equipment.

Ensure that the Traffic Control/Flag persons have been included in the traffic control

portion of the hazard assessment/Tailboard Conference Plan form 85 and have signed

off on same.

4.4 Workers shall:

Ensure that traffic control measures are implemented as per Newfoundland Power

requirements.

Report any accident or incident involving traffic control to their supervisor.

Bulletin Number: OPR112.14

Date Issued: 2007 06 01

Date Revised: 2020 03 17

Date Reviewed: 2019 08 16

Page 4 of 34

Traffic Control

Created By: S. Ainsworth Reviewed By: S. Bond

Revised By: P. Pollard Approved By: J. Curran

5.0 Procedure

5.1 Appendix “A” of this procedure shall be used to implement traffic control measures for

vehicles that match the definition of “trucks with flashers”.

5.2 When vehicles that do not match the definition of “trucks with flashers” are working

adjacent to roadways, the following shall apply:

5.2.1 Every reasonable effort shall be made to ensure that all vehicles are left adjacent

to roadways and not on roadways where traffic may be impeded This may entail

using an alternate location and/or considering vehicle location during the risk

management and job planning process.

5.2.2 Maintenance vehicles, when parked adjacent to roadways during maintenance

work, shall place a 700 mm cone (refer to Appendix “A” for a full description of

our standard cone) at the front and rear of the vehicle and/or any attached

equipment. Two cones are required. Four way flashers should be activated where

and when practicable.

5.2.3 Passenger vehicles shall be equipped with two 700mm cones and an amber

rotating beacon light.

5.2.4 Passenger vehicles visiting a worksite during maintenance or construction

activities, when parked adjacent to the roadway, shall activate their rotating

beacon light, four way flashers and deploy two 700mm traffic cones.

5.2.5 Passenger vehicles when parked adjacent to roadways for a work activity that

takes place within the road reservation (this includes taking measurements or

gathering information from lines and equipment within the road reservation) shall

activate their rotating beacon light, four way flashers and deploy two 700mm

traffic cones if the driver has to exit the vehicle to work within the road

reservation.

Bulletin Number: OPR112.14

Date Issued: 2007 06 01

Date Revised: 2020 03 17

Date Reviewed: 2019 08 16

Page 5 of 34

Traffic Control

Created By: S. Ainsworth Reviewed By: S. Bond

Revised By: P. Pollard Approved By: J. Curran

5.2.6 Vehicles visiting a work site must be parked so that they do not impact the Traffic

Control layout or the Traffic Control layout must be adjusted to include the

additional vehicle(s).

5.2.7 Passenger vehicles (company or rental) used to travel along the roadway to patrol

lines shall ensure that four way flashers and beacon lights are utilized. Refer to

OPR 106.24 – Patrolling Lines

6.0 References

6.1 Reference Documents

Risk Management and Job Safety Planning Code

OPR 104.01 Personal Protective Equipment

Tailboard Conference Plan form 85

OPR 106.24 – Patrolling Lines

6.2 Related Hazards

740

6.3 Legal and Other Requirements

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

7.0 Records

Bulletin Number: OPR112.14

Date Issued: 2007 06 01

Date Revised: 2020 03 17

Date Reviewed: 2019 08 16

Page 6 of 34

Traffic Control

Created By: S. Ainsworth Reviewed By: S. Bond

Revised By: P. Pollard Approved By: J. Curran

No records

8.0 Glossary

PPE – personal protective equipment

TCH – Trans Canada Highway

Standard

For

Traffic Control

June 2012

Appendix “A”

OPR112.14

1.0 Purpose and Scope

The provisions for public and employee protection established herein are for application

by workers involved in power line maintenance and/or construction. Traffic Safety in

work zones should be an integral and high priority part of every project and shall be

considered during the risk management and job planning process. The goal shall be to

route traffic through such areas, with temporary conditions signs and traffic control

devices, as nearly as possible comparable to those for normal conditions.

The responsibility for temporary condition signs and traffic control devices rests with the

crew and supervisors. Thus, while this standard provides for the design and application

of the temporary condition signs and traffic control devices, it is not a substitute for good

engineering judgement.

While this standard will cover the majority of work scenarios involving utility operations,

there may be situations where consultation with the supervisor or Newfoundland Power’s

Corporate Safety Section or Provincial Government Departments may be necessary.

The Government of Newfoundland Traffic Control Manual shall be followed for work on

the Trans Canada Highway (TCH).

For work impacting traffic flow outside of municipalities but not on the TCH, Figures

9.1, shall be followed for shoulder work, figure 9.2 for partial lane blockages or figure

9.3 for full lane blockages.

The Government of Newfoundland Traffic Control Manual or applicable municipal

traffic control manual shall be consulted for work within municipalities if traffic control

setup is not covered in this appendix.

This standard applies only when a Truck with Flashers (TWF) as defined within this

standard, is present at the work area.

It is recognized that certain emergencies could require immediate action. During such an

emergency all reasonable steps shall be taken to ensure the safety of workers and the

motoring public.

2.0 Definitions and Descriptions

Cones: Cones shall be used to channel traffic around work areas and shall be in

accordance with the following specification.

1. Have a minimum height of 700 mm.

2. Be fluorescent orange in colour

3. Have a weighted base for stability

4. Have a minimum of two100 mm reflective band (3M Scothchlite or

equivalent)

Advanced Warning Area: The area of a roadway in advance of a work area in which

motorists are given advanced warning that they are approaching utility activity.

Approach Area: The area of a roadway between the advanced warning and transition

areas in which motorists are given the site specific information needed to safely pass the

temporary workplace.

Buffer Area: The coned portion of the roadway, between the transition and work area,

which provides an opportunity for motorists to change their course of direction before

entering the work area.

Flag Person: A traffic control person that has been trained by a WHSCC approved

trainer, to safely control and guide traffic around the work area and through the work

zone.

Full Lane Blockage: Traffic is diverted into the adjacent lane. Lane width has been

reduced to a usable width of less than 3.5 meters.

L/3: Taper length reduced to 1/3 the length of the taper distance L as listed in table of

traffic control device distances (only applicable to certain setups within municipalities).

Low Volume Traffic: Less than or equal to 750 vehicles passing the work zone in 24

hours.

Multi-Lane: A road on which two or more lanes of traffic travel in the same direction.

Normal Operations: A work area that is set to provide traffic control for periods

between 30 minutes and 24 hours.

Open Travel Lane: The portion of the road not subject to work area protection that

allows traffic to bypass the work area.

Partial Lane Blockage: A traffic lane that has been reduced in width but still has a

usable width of 3.5 meters or greater between the cones and the center line. Traffic is not

diverted into the adjacent lane.

Road: A generic term that includes all types of thoroughfares, whether divided,

undivided, multi-lane or two-lane two ways.

Short Duration Work: Work that occurs in a fixed location for a period exceeding 30

minutes but less than 12 consecutive hours.

Shoulder Work: Any work on the shoulder of the roadway where a minimum of 1

meter is maintained between the vehicle (including outriggers) and the edge of the

adjacent lane.

Taper: The area provided immediately ahead of the work zone, which provides a

gradual narrowing of a traffic lane, using various traffic control delineators or devices.

Taper Length: The length of the section of roadway required to achieve the roadway

closure.

Traffic Control Devices: Devices such as signs and cones used to control the flow of

traffic.

Transition Area: The coned portion of the roadway that channels traffic away from the

work area.

Trucks with Flashers: Vehicles equipped with a rotating amber flasher mounted on the

roof and standard four way flashers. These vehicles shall also display a 250 mm wide

bumper with a reflectorized, alternating orange and black stripes at 45 degree angles.

Very Short Duration (low speed or low volume): Work that occurs in a fixed location

for a period not exceeding 30 minutes including set up and take down. Traffic volumes

are normally less than 500 vehicles per day.

Work Area: The entire length of the roadway that is affected by any construction,

maintenance or utility work, from the first advance warning sign to the point where the

roadway is restored to normal operating conditions.

Work Zone: That portion of the work area where the actual construction, maintenance

or utility work occurs.

3.0 Fundamental Principles

3.1 All traffic signs used for temporary conditions are designed and erected for the

safety and convenience of the travelling public and for the safety of

Newfoundland Power’s workers and contractors.

3.2 Traffic control requirements shall be a vital element in the risk management and

job planning process. Traffic control and traffic control device requirements

should be determined well in advance of the work to ensure adequate traffic

control.

3.3 Work zones should be checked carefully and frequently by on site Supervisors to

ensure that changing traffic conditions are met with suitable and adequate traffic

control measures. If an immediate improvement to the traffic control is needed, it

shall be dealt with immediately.

3.4 All temporary signs used for Company operations shall conform to the

requirements for size, shape, colour, position and condition as set out in this

standard.

3.5 All temporary condition signage for Company operations will normally be in use

for less than one day at which time a “Truck with Flashers” as defined in this

standard will be present. Signs shall be promptly removed when the work is

completed.

3.6 Traffic control requirements for excavations or other works where a “Truck with

Flashers”, as defined in this standard, is not present are not covered by this

standard.

3.7 Poorly maintained, defaced, damaged or dirty temporary condition signs are

ineffective and shall not be used. They shall be replaced, repaired or cleaned

immediately before the work begins.

3.8 No work shall be permitted to commence until all traffic control devices, as set

out in this standard have been placed.

3.9 If a thoroughfare must be completely blocked for any reason the local law

enforcement authority shall be notified and their assistance requested as deemed

necessary or directed.

3.10 Due to the temporary and mobile nature of utility operations, signage

requirements normally required have been reduced in lieu of the use of “Trucks

with Flashers” as defined in this standard. It is imperative that all traffic control

measures and traffic control devices as set out in this standard be strictly adhered

to at all times.

4.0 Signs

4.1 All warning signs used for temporary operations shall meet the specifications

outlined in this section.

4.2 Signs used by the company shall be vinyl roll up type, 90 cm X 90 cm, and shall

be black symbols or lettering on an orange retro-reflectorized background of 3M

high intensity grade or equivalent. The Yield to Oncoming Traffic sign (TC-17S)

is 90 cm X 60 cm and has red lettering and symbols trimmed in black on a white

background with the same retro-reflectorized properties as above. The use of

fluorescent paint on signage shall not be permitted.

4.3 Temporary signs in use by contractors after dark will be retro-reflective, (3M

Scotchlite/Diamond Grade or equivalent) and meet or exceed the temporary sign

requirements of the Government of NL Traffic Control Manual.

4.4 Standard Company sign supports or bases shall be metallic portable type with

telescopic legs and a flexible wind resistant post.

4.5 All signs shall be equipped with two red flags mounted at the top. For taller signs

with a height of 1500 mm from the top of the sign to the travelled section of the

roadway, flags are optional.

4.6 One sign only shall be placed on each support with the exception of tab signs

erected to provide supplementary or complementary information associated with

warning signs.

4.7 Signs shall be placed a minimum of 1000 mm from the edge of the travelled

portion of the roadway.

4.8 For high wind conditions additional sandbag only ballast may be required to

maintain sign stability. The use or rocks, boulders, concrete blocks, etc, as

weights shall not be permitted.

5.0 Cones

5.1 Traffic cones shall be used to channel traffic when the traffic flow is impeded as a

result of obstructions, work area, or a narrowing of the roadway. They are also

used to provide protection for the workers at the worksite.

5.2 Company approved cones only shall be used and shall meet the following

specification:

5.2.1 Have a minimum height of 700 mm.

5.2.2 Be fluorescent orange in colour

5.2.3 Have a weighted base for stability

5.2.4 Have two 100 mm reflective band ( 3M Scotchlite/Diamond Grade or

equivalent)

5.3 Line operation vehicles shall carry a minimum of ten cones at all times for

delineation purposes. Additional cones shall be used as dictated by the

requirements of this standard.

5.4 At the work area, cones shall be located and spaced as outlined in the layout

sketches in this standard.

6.0 Flagpersons / Traffic Control Person

6.1 Under certain conditions, operations activities on or along a roadway may require

the use of a Flagperson to expedite the work and to safely guide motorists through

the work area. The following sections specify the appropriate equipment,

temporary signs, traffic control devices, and usage of Flagpersons under such

conditions.

6.2 All flagpersons shall be trained in accordance with the Occupational Health and

Safety Regulations.

6.3 The Flagperson shall wear a traffic safety vest, safety boots (CSA Grade 1), hard

hat, safety glasses, (hearing protection if required) and be equipped with a

“STOP” and “SLOW” reflectorized paddle (TC-165) with a minimum dimension

of 45mm X 45mm. For night operations, the Flagperson shall have a red

signalling baton flashlight to supplement the diamond sign.

6.4 Except for very brief emergency situations “Flagperson Ahead” (TC-21) signs

shall be posted in advance of each Flagperson.

6.5 The following shall be used as general guidelines for Flagpersons or Traffic

Control Persons:

6.5.1 Flagpersons shall be highly visible. For this reason they must stand alone,

never permitting a group of workers to congregate around them.

6.5.2 Flagpersons working as a team shall agree on communication signals

before commencing their duties. If the Flagpersons are not visible to one

another then electronic communication devices are necessary to ensure

proper communication and the directing of traffic.

6.5.3 No Flagperson shall start working unless all required advance signs are in

place.

6.5.4 No other signs shall be placed between the Flagperson and the advance

Flagperson ahead sign (TC-21).

6.5.5 The Flagperson is not permitted to use electronic music players or any

such device which impairs hearing, sight, or attention while working.

6.5.6 Flagpersons are not permitted to use flags to control traffic.

6.5.7 No Flagperson shall leave his/her post unless authorized to do so or is

replaced by another Flagperson. As long as traffic cannot flow freely,

even at mealtime, a Flagperson must stay on duty.

6.5.8 Flagpersons should stand just outside the lane of traffic at a point from the

end of the work area so as to be able to protect personnel and equipment.

6.5.9 Flagperson’s shall make every effort to keep delays to motorists at a

minimum. In heavy delays, traffic should be split equally between the

opposing lines of traffic.

6.5.10 When Flagperson’s leave their positions at the end of the operation, all

applicable advance Flagperson ahead signage must be removed.

6.6 Any operation which results in a Lane Blockage requires traffic control and may

require Flagpersons. A Yield to Oncoming Traffic sign (TC-17s) may be used in

certain locations where traffic is considered low volume and low speed (see

associated definitions and tables in the standard). The following situations shall

be used as guidelines in the use of Flagpersons.

6.6.1 Typically, at least one Flagperson shall be used when traffic flow in one

direction is diverted wholly or partially into the lane of oncoming

traffic and the lane of oncoming traffic is clearly visible beyond the

worksite for the distance shown in Table 6-A for the appropriate speed

limit.

Table - 6A

Maximum

Speed

Clear Visibility Required

in Each Direction

80 km 230 m

70 km 200 m

60 km 170 m

50 km 140 m

40 km 110 m

6.6.2 A Yield to Oncoming Traffic sign (TC-17s) may be used in certain

instances where traffic can be considered low volume and low speed as

per the attached definitions and tables. The tables contained in the layout

sketches clearly define when the sign ca be used.

6.6.3 Two Flagpersons shall be used when the traffic flow in one direction is

diverted wholly or partially into the lane of oncoming traffic and the lane

of oncoming traffic is not clearly visible beyond the one lane section as

noted in Table 6-A.

6.6.4 At least three Flag persons shall be used and positioned as shown in

Diagrams 7.5 and 7.6 on roads when the work activities require that the

traffic flow in one direction to be diverted either wholly or partially into

the lane of oncoming traffic and when the horizontal and/or vertical

alignment at the work site does not have the distance of clear visibility

required in Table 6-A. Where a form of two way electronic

communication is used, Flagperson # 2 as shown in diagrams 7.5 and 7.6

is not required.

7.0 Tables, Overview Sketches and Diagrams

7.1 Signage Descriptions

7.2 Traffic Control Layout Area Overview

7.3 Traffic Control Device Table for Work Inside Municipalities

7.4 Traffic Control Device Table for Work Outside Municipalities

7.5 Flag person: Straight and Curve Road

7.6 Flag person: Hill

8.0 Work Inside Municipalities (Traffic Control Sketches)

8.1 Shoulder Work Two Way –Two Lane

8.2 Partial Lane Blockage Two Way – Two Lane

8.3 Full Lane Blockage Two Way – Two Lane (Traffic Control Persons)

8.3 Full Lane Blockage Two Way – Two Lane (Yield to Oncoming Traffic)

8.4 Full Lane Blockage Multi Lane Road – Left Lane Closed

8.5 Full Lane Blockage Multi Lane Road – Right Lane Closed

8.6 Full Lane Blockage Multi Lane Divided Road – Left Lane Closed

8.7 Full Lane Blockage Multi Lane Divided Road – Right Lane Closed

9.0 Work Outside Municipalities (traffic Control Sketches)

9.1 Shoulder work Two Way - Two Lane

9.2 Partial Lane Blockage Two Way – Two Lane

9.3 Full Lane Blockage Two Way – Two Lane

7.3 Traffic Control Device Table for Work Inside Municipalities

Traffic Control Device Distance Table for Work Inside Municipalities

V (km/hr) A (m) L(m) B(m) D(m)

50 50 30 35 8

60 50 40 45 12

70 75 60 50 15

80 100 80 60 15

90 100 105 65 18

100 125 125 70 18

Where:

V = Speed Limit

A = Sign Spacing

L = Taper Length

B = Buffer Area Length

D = Delineation Device Spacing

7.4 Traffic Control Device Table for Work Outside Municipalities

Traffic Control Device Distance Table for Work Outside Municipalities

V (km/hr) A (m) L(m) B(m) D(m) C(m)

50 50 30 15 5 50

60 100 60 50 10 100

70 100 60 50 10 100

80 150 120 50 15 150

90 150 240 50 15 240

100 150 240 50 15 240

Where:

V = Speed Limit

A = Sign Spacing

L = Taper Length

B = Buffer Area Length

D = Delineation Device Spacing

C = Distance Between Tapers (Work Zone)

7.7 Arial Device Traffic Control Equipment Vehicle Inventory

Arial Device Traffic Control Equipment

Inventory Number Traffic Control Item

5 Sign Stands

2 NP-1 or NP-2 Utility Work Ahead

1 TC-17S Yield to Oncoming Traffic

1 TC-5R Temporary Lane Closed (Right)

1 TC-5L temporary Lane Closed (Left)

2 RB-1 Maximum Speed (50 km/hr)

10 700mm Traffic Cones with two 100mm Reflective Bands

8.0 Work Inside

Municipalities

9.0 Work Outside

Municipalities