Traffic control compliance: 6 AFAD and PPE checks

• Verify your equipment matches the specific control methods listed in the MUTCD before deploying crews.
• When AFADs are used, flaggers can position themselves out of the lane of traffic.
• In a one-lane, two-way zone run by Red/Yellow Lens AFADs, safeguards must stop a flashing yellow lens from displaying at both ends at the same time.
• When selecting hand-signaling devices, prioritize the STOP/SLOW paddle over red flags.

The Federal Highway Administration defines the role of these devices in Chapter 6E of the 2009 MUTCD. According to the Federal Highway Administration , Automated Flagger Assistance Devices enable a flagger to be positioned out of the lane of traffic. These devices are used to control road users through temporary traffic control zones.

The Federal Highway Administration outlines specific display and placement rules for Automated Flagger Assistance Devices in Chapter 6E of the 2009 MUTCD. You must verify that your AFAD hardware matches the signaling type required for your specific traffic control zone configuration.

1. Safeguards in one-lane, two-way zones If you are using Red/Yellow Lens AFADs to control traffic in a one-lane, two-way traffic control zone, the Federal Highway Administration requires that safeguards be incorporated into the system. These safeguards must prevent the flagger from actuating a simultaneous display of a flashing CIRCULAR YELLOW lens at each end of the zone.

2. AFAD Signaling The Federal Highway Administration distinguishes between two primary AFAD signaling types based on their display mechanism. A STOP/SLOW AFAD shall include a sign that alternately displays the STOP face and the SLOW face of a STOP/SLOW paddle. In contrast, a Red/Yellow Lens AFAD shall alternately display a steadily illuminated CIRCULAR RED lens and a flashing CIRCULAR YELLOW lens. The Red/Yellow Lens type is designed to control traffic without the need for a flagger in the immediate vicinity of the device or on the roadway.

3. Manual Flagging The STOP/SLOW AFAD functions as an automated paddle replacement. You should confirm which signaling type your site plan requires, as the operational needs differ between a device that replaces the paddle and one that replaces the flagger's presence.

4. Apparel Standards High-visibility apparel requirements are covered in a separate section of this guide. For a related checklist, see flagger visibility standards . Ensure your crew's gear meets the specific visibility standards before deploying AFADs, as the device's signaling does not replace the need for compliant worker visibility.

5. Badge Limits Identification badge size limits are detailed in the apparel section. Verify that any badges worn by flaggers or workers near the AFAD do not obscure the high-visibility material or interfere with the device's line of sight.

6. Helmet Classes Head protection requirements vary by electrical hazard level and are specified in the head protection section. Confirm that all personnel operating or maintaining AFADs near electrical infrastructure wear the correct ANSI helmet class.

Manual flagging remains a critical component of traffic control when automated systems are not in use. The Federal Highway Administration identifies flaggers as the highway workers who make the greatest number of contacts with the public, placing a heavy responsibility on them for public safety Federal Highway Administration . Because of this high level of public interaction, the agency states that flaggers should be trained in safe traffic control practices and public contact techniques. This training duty ensures that the individuals controlling traffic possess the specific skills needed to manage road users safely while maintaining professional conduct during these frequent interactions.

When selecting hand-signaling devices for your crew, prioritize the STOP/SLOW paddle over red flags. The Federal Highway Administration notes that the STOP/SLOW paddle should be the primary and preferred hand-signaling device because it gives road users more positive guidance than red flags Federal Highway Administration . This preference is based on the clarity of the signal provided to drivers, which is a key factor in maintaining the flow and safety of traffic through the work zone.

To apply these rules in your field operations, review your current flagging equipment inventory to ensure STOP/SLOW paddles are available for all assigned flaggers. Verify that your training program covers both safe traffic control practices and public contact techniques, as outlined by the Federal Highway Administration. If your current training materials focus solely on physical safety without addressing public interaction, update your curriculum to include the public contact techniques that the source says flaggers should be trained in. This ensures your team is prepared for the high volume of public contact that defines the flagger role. For related public project rules, see public works compliance .

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety identifies the CSA Standard Z96-15 (R2020) as the source for design requirements for high-visibility safety clothing. In the United States, the same publisher notes that design requirements are outlined in the ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 2020 American National Standard for High-visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories. These standards define the baseline for garment construction and material performance. You must verify that your inventory aligns with the specific standard applicable to your jurisdiction.

The CSA Standard Z96-15 sets out levels of retroreflective performance, which measures the effectiveness of material in returning light to its source. It also specifies the colours and luminosity of background materials and dictates how much of the body should be covered by high-visibility components. Purchasers of high-visibility apparel should get proof that the materials used and the design of the garment meet the requirements of the CSA Z96-15 Standard. Keep this documentation on file to demonstrate compliance during an audit.

Badge placement on these garments is strictly regulated to preserve visibility. According to the CSA Standard, a non-retroreflective identification badge must be smaller than 105 cm2. If such a badge is on the front of the garment, it can only cover 25 cm2 of either or both of the vertical striping. If the ID badge is made of retroreflective striping that meets the standard's requirements, the badge can be up to 500 cm2 and be placed anywhere. However, it should not obscure the pattern of the retroreflective striping. Check your current badge sizes against these limits to ensure they do not interfere with the required reflective patterns.

Review your PPE inventory to confirm that every garment carries documentation proving it meets the cited standards.

Consider a crew setting up a one-lane, two-way zone with two Red/Yellow Lens AFADs, one at each end. Before deployment, the supervisor confirms that the control units have safeguards, so a flashing yellow lens cannot display at both ends at the same time. The supervisor then checks 20 garments for documentation proving they meet the cited standards and confirms that each helmet class matches the voltage rule for the site. This example uses hypothetical numbers and describes no real project.

California Department of Industrial Relations defines helmet classes based on electrical risk. When there is no risk of head injury from contact with electrical conductors, and protective helmets are only required to reduce the danger of injury from flying or falling objects, California Department of Industrial Relations specifies that protective helmets shall be ANSI-Z89.1 designated Class C, E, or G.

When there is a risk of head injury from contact with conductors less than 600 volts, the same source requires protective helmets to be ANSI-Z89.1 designated Class E or G. This distinction matters for crews working near low-voltage electrical infrastructure. When there is a risk of head injury from contact with conductors greater than 600 volts, California Department of Industrial Relations mandates that protective helmets shall be ANSI-Z89.1 designated Class E. You must verify the voltage level of nearby conductors before assigning helmet classes to your crew.

Washington State Legislature defines specific time windows and speed metrics for site conditions. For night work, Washington State Legislature defines the period as 1/2 hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise. Regarding speed limits, the source defines the relevant speed as posted speed, off-peak 85th-percentile speed prior to work starting or the anticipated operating speed. Use these definitions to calibrate your traffic control plans for Washington state projects.

Check your current PPE inventory against these voltage and time definitions to ensure your helmet assignments and night work schedules align with the cited standards.

Related guides: Construction heater safety: 7 checks to apply · Debris chute and restricted space safety: 9 controls .

What are the specific display rules for a Red/Yellow Lens AFAD?

According to the Federal Highway Administration , a Red/Yellow Lens AFAD must alternately display a steadily illuminated circular red lens and a flashing circular yellow lens. This configuration controls traffic without requiring a flagger in the immediate vicinity of the device or on the roadway.

Which safeguards apply to Red/Yellow Lens AFADs in a one-lane, two-way zone?

The Federal Highway Administration requires safeguards when Red/Yellow Lens AFADs control traffic in a one-lane, two-way traffic control zone. These safeguards must prevent flaggers from actuating a simultaneous display of a flashing circular yellow lens at each end of the zone.

What is the maximum size for a non-retroreflective ID badge on a garment?

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety states that a non-retroreflective ID badge must be smaller than 105 cm2.

Which ANSI helmet class is required for conductors greater than 600 volts?

The California Department of Industrial Relations mandates that protective helmets be ANSI-Z89.1 designated Class E when there is a risk of head injury from contact with conductors greater than 600 volts.

What are the night work hours under Washington State rules?

The Washington State Legislature defines night work as the period from 1/2 hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.