USGC GulfstreamProgram
The Dow Chemical Company / 11_GS_1305_00
August 11, 2017
Page 1 of 18

GulfstreamVehicle and Equipment Flagging and Spotting

Introduction:

This procedure provides the requirements and instructions for employees who are required to flag traffic or spot vehicles and other mobile equipment on all Gulfstream construction sites.

Scope and Application:

When employees perform flagging/spotting activities, this procedure is to be followed.

Prior to and employee performing flagging/spotting tasks, the employee must meet the requirements listed in the Responsibilities and Training sections as both Flagger and Spotter.

Responsibilities:

Supervisors:

Ensure that only personnel trained and experienced in vehicle and equipment flagging and spotting shall perform this task. Only spotters trained in operation of ground controls should be assigned to spot aerial lift equipment.

Assure that flagger/spotter and operator/driver responsibilities and danger zones are communicated to each affected employee.

Assure required PPE and high visibility vest, flag, whistle or air horn, etc. are available, accessible and used by all employees that perform flagging/spotting duties.

Flagger / Spotter:

Use a flag, paddle and / or proper hand signals for flagging and spotting.

Maintain a safe position to ensure continuous visual contact with the driver or operator.

Know where the danger zone is for the equipment you are spotting.

Assure the path and danger zone of the moving vehicle or equipment is not crossed or entered.

Maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet from the moving vehicle or equipment.

Instruct the operator / driver to STOP immediately if visual contact is lost, instructed to do so, or for any unexpected hazards identified.

Keep the route free from pedestrians.

Stay alert and do not assume any other responsibilities.

Do NOT turn your back on approaching traffic or equipment.

Spotter to perform360 walk around prior to moving of the vehicle or equipment to identify hazards.

Flaggers are to evaluate the route with the Driver or Operator.

Communicate with the Driver or Operator there should be no movement of equipment or vehicle without directions from the Flagger / Spotter.

Flagger/Spotter and driver must complete a Pre-Task Hazard Analysis (PTHA card) for spotting prior to moving equipment.

Flagger/Spotter has some sort of noise making device (whistle, air horn, etc.) to get equipment operators attention quickly.

EHS:

Assure a hazard assessment for the job site and task has been performed and a Danger Zone Management Plan/ Traffic Plan has been prepared before any heavy equipment operation is done on the job site. TheHeavy Equipment Danger Zone Management Plan checklist can be used to assist in the planning. This plan must:

  • Identify when and where spotters/flaggers will be required
  • Identify Danger Zones for equipment used
  • Eliminate and reduce workers in the Danger Zone unless required to complete the job safely
  • Identify ways to separate workers from the Danger Zone
  • Define and control traffic patterns inside the Danger Zone
  • Provide ways to detect and workers who may enter the Danger Zone
  • Post diagrams of the blind spots for each type of equipment throughout each construction site

Monitor and evaluate personnel performing spotter/flagging task to determine if they are in compliance with this policy.

Audit the process and PTHA cards.

Driver / Operator:

STOPimmediately if you cannot see the flagger/spotter.

STOPimmediately if instructed by sound or signal to do so by the flagger/spotter.

STOPimmediately if anyone comes within eight (8) feet of the vehicle or equipment.

Operate the vehicle / equipment so the speed does not exceed the pace of the flagger / spotter

Communicate danger zone of equipment to the flagger / spotter prior to movement.

Eliminate or prevent any distractions inside the cab / basket (e.g. radio, cell phone, radar detector, Nextel, two-way radio, etc.).

Assure windows are open to receive flagger/spotter communications and mirrors are clear, line of sight / view is not obstructed.

Driver/Operator must complete a pre-task hazard analysis (PTHA card).

Definitions:

Blind Spot – The area that is not visible to the heavy equipment operator, either by direct line of sight or indirectly by use of internal and external mirrors.

Congested Area – Any location within a construction work area that restricts access, limits (obstructs) the vehicles driver or equipment operators view, or is mandated by the site to require assistance into / out of the unit or work zone.

Danger Zone – The area where there is the potential for personnel being struck by moving heavy equipment or objects. Danger one include but are not limited to

  • Blind Spots
  • Areas of limited visibility
  • Swing radius
  • Travel path
  • Beneath suspended loads
  • Overhead hazards
  • Working around excavation areas
  • Within close proximity to moving equipment and
  • Fall radius of a bed that is dumping material

Spotter – A person who stand outside of heavy equipment and interacts with the driver while it is in operation. This includes people

  • Directing the driver
  • Walking as an escort
  • Guiding equipment-for example within excavating activity

Many terms are used to refer to a spotter. This includes

  • Banksman
  • Flagger
  • Swamper
  • Guide

VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT –SPOTTING:

Spotter Safety Requirements:

Working as a Flagger or Spotter requires the following safety precautions:

  • Position yourself to enable the driver to maintain visual contact with you.
  • Maintain two way communication with the driver
  • Never cross the path of travel of a moving vehicle.
  • Maintain a minimum 8 feet (2.5 meters) distance from moving vehicle.
  • Wear a high visibility vest or alternate warning technology
  • Stop the driver if
  • The vehicle is moving faster than walking pace
  • Other hazards exist
  • Never ride on the vehicle while it is moving.
  • Keep the route and blind spots free of people who don’t need to be there.
  • Remember, if you can’t see the driver or operator – they can’t see you

When spotting aerial lift equipment:

  • Spotter must be trained on how to use the ground controls.
  • Spotter must demonstrate to operator during pre-use checks their ability to operate the ground controls.

Spotters must perform a “Pre-move 360 walk around” of the vehicle or equipment to identify:

  • Any hazards and site limitations
  • Proximity “to or from” other objects / equipment / material, etc.
  • Hazards of the route such as overhead obstructions, site limitations, road conditions, etc.
  • Safest route with the least amount of pedestrians and traffic.

When spotting/flagging, the person must face oncoming traffic in order to control and direct the movement. Be aware of vehicles and equipment at all times. Do not stand in the path of an approaching vehicle or equipment.

Some circumstances may require multiple flagger/spotters to control the traffic flow. In these cases, a communication plan must be discussed and used.

Spotting/Flagging is an important responsibility and must be carried out with authority and dignity.

For an “Emergency”, anyone can assist with flagging traffic to aid ambulances, fire trucks, police, etc.

BASIC FLAGGER SIGNALS – USING STOP / SLOW PADDLE

BASIC FLAGGER SIGNALS – USING A FLAG

SPOTTER:

A Spotter refers to personnel that are responsible for the safe movement, set up and placement of vehicles

and equipment. Spotters must verify a safe route to the destination of choice.

Refer to your sites Danger Zone Management plan or traffic plan to determine when and where spotters are required. Generally they are required in congested areas and when operating equipment in reverse. Spotters are ALWAYS required when working in close proximity to power lines.

When selecting a route, the Spotter must consider and determine:

  • Overhead clearances (pipe racks, power lines, guide wires, etc.)
  • Least exposure to pedestrians, and other traffic;
  • Minimum obstructions and turns;
  • Adequate road conditions;
  • Site limitations

Prior to entering operating units, verify permit for authorization of entry for equipment or vehicle.

Close proximity, limited access, tight and / or congested areas, may require the use of a second spotter to assist with safe positioning.

SPOTTER HAND SIGNALS

NIGHT REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the above requirements, night operations may require the use of:

  • Reflective vest;
  • Use of a flashlight with reflective cones;

For night operations, lighting level should be evaluated to ensure at least 5 foot-candles visibility

COMMUNICATION PLAN:

In addition to verbal communication, the driver / operator along with the flagger / spotter, or when multiple flaggers are used, they must discuss and agree to communicate via one of the following:

  • Two-Way Radio;
  • Lights;
  • Flags/Paddles;

In addition, the flagger / spotter must also have a noise making device such as a:

  • Whistle
  • Air Horn

Multiple flaggers – spotters are required when there are known obstructions that would prevent a full view of the operation, oversized loads, height / width restrictions, proximity to electrical lines, etc.

CORE INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

The following items should be asked / discussed prior to the activity:

  • Can the distance required for reversing the vehicle be eliminated or minimized?
  • Are there any hazards along the route that would interfere with the safe operation of the job?
  • Can the route be modified to make the task safer?
  • Can the route be cleared of workers (pedestrians)? If not, consult with Supervision before proceeding.

Danger Zones:

Danger Zones are areas with limited or no visibility to the driver or operator.

It is critical that personnel working as a Flagger / Spotter are aware of these areas so they may position themselves in prominent line of sight.

Flagger / Spotter must avoid the “Blind Spots” which is any “Area of fully obstructed view” where the driver and operator CANNOT SEE!

This is a “No Work Area” that is UNSAFE and personnel are Prohibited from Entering this area.

Other work, such as making lifts, with obstructed or blocked line of sight, mandate the use of spotters, signal personnel, and a communication system to aid in safe operation to assist the driver or operator.

The following illustrations indicate blind spot areas of limited or restricted visibility and danger zones for any area of fully obstructed view on the various selected pieces of equipment.

NOTE: Each “Area of fully obstructed view” shown in above illustrations is a Danger Zone! For Your Safety, this is a “No Work Area” that is Not to be Entered!

TRAINING:

FLAGGER / SPOTTER TRAINING:

Training shall include:

  • This training is required from the training council:

Dow Traffic Flagger / FLAGGER/FLAGGR/ FLAGER / Applies to anyone flagging vehicular or mobile equipment within Dow Chemical / 3 Years

In addition to the training council course, each contract company shall provide training for spotters and flaggers that include at a minimum:

  • Duties of the Flagger / Spotter;
  • Review of this written procedure and a written test to assure comprehension of content;
  • Review of Spotter PTHA card and instruction on how to complete
  • Hands-on evaluation to demonstrate paddle, flag and hand signals and performance the flagging / spotting of a vehicle into a parking spot;
  • Must sit in the driver’s seat for equipment they flagging/spotting to learn the equipment’s blind spots.

RECURRING TRAINING:

Retraining is required:

  • Council training has expired
  • Audit process identifies deficiency;
  • Incident reveals non-compliance;
  • Change in the process;

Revision history / The following information documents at least the last 3 changes to this document, with all the changes listed for the last 6 months.
Date / Revised By / Changes
4/22/2013 / Jesse Potts / Created Document
8/11/17 / Mary Manley / Revised to align definitions with Dow Global standard changes and require spotters of aerial lift equipment to be trained in operation of ground controls.

Equipment Spotter Requirements This is a controlled document. No un-authorized modifications.

Health, Safety, and Environmental

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