The Gear That Every Traffic Safety Professional Needs
Essential Equipment For Traffic Control Professionals
Traffic safety professionals are crucial in keeping communities safe. Their work prevents car accidents, allows people to cross streets safely, and keeps areas like schools and suburbs running smoothly.
In order to perform these helpful tasks, traffic safety professionals need the right gear, ranging from safety tools to traffic signs. Learn more about what items they need by reading below.
What is a Traffic Control Professional?
You may know traffic control professionals by many names – “orange vests” or “flag signallers,” for example. These workers play an important role in the safety of many different sites.
Their job is, in most cases:
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To direct traffic in environments that are too tight or unpredictable for traffic to flow naturally
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To protect workers in construction zones by carefully monitoring traffic
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To protect children on roads near schools
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To ensure that everyone’s safety is prioritized near accident sites
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To keep traffic moving quickly and efficiently without disturbing nearby work sites
How Do You Become a Traffic Control Professional?
In Canada, most traffic professionals are hired by their municipality or, in some cases, by the province. Usually, traffic control professionals require a driver’s license and occupational health and safety training. Each province has its own regulations that determine the specific needs of these workers.
Usually, these workers are required to learn about the sites they’ll be working in – what activities are being formed (like construction), what hours roads will be closed or changed, and what risks are nearby.
What Clothing and Gear Do Traffic Professionals Need?
Bright Orange Vest
Fluorescent vests are a must-have for traffic guides. These reflect light, making them extremely visible under any lighting conditions, day or night. By guiding drivers’ attention to themselves, traffic guides are more carefully able to monitor and control traffic.
Hard Hat
Even though not all traffic guides explicitly work on construction sites, it’s usually still worthwhile having something covering their head. Being near construction can expose you to some of the risks attached to construction-related activities.
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Safety Footwear
Traffic guides should choose their footwear carefully – not only is safety a priority, but comfort should be considered, as they’ll be on their feet all day. For traffic near construction sites, tough boots should be considered. For cold weather, footwear should have proper insulation.
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Eye Protection
If the traffic professional is stationed near a construction site, eye protection should be considered. Goggles can protect workers’ eyes from sand, dust and dirt get caught, ultimately avoiding infection.
Ear Protection
Workers should try to free their ears as much as possible to focus on nearby sounds. However, the surrounding environment may require workers to use protective gear for their ears. This might include gear to protect ears near loud construction site, or for warmth in cold climates.
Clothing That Reflects the Temperature
A traffic safety professional should remember to pay careful attention to the weather forecast before each shift. If you are anticipating hot weather, dress appropriately, and make sure you have water and a towel on deck. If the weather will be cold, wear insulated, layered clothing – you can always remove layers if you warm up, but you may not always have layers to add should you get cold.
Other Important Gear to Have
Traffic Signs
Traffic professionals should be equipped with the specific signs that indicate what drivers must know or do in the area. These signs should be large and easy to read, and sign holders should present them in a way that makes them visible at all times.
Communications Equipment
In some cases, traffic control professionals may need to change the flow of traffic based on orders from above – or they need to listen to police instructions while on the site of an accident. To make communications easier, these professionals should be equipped with radio gear.
Megaphone
Construction sites can get pretty loud. Sometimes, it’s necessary for traffic professionals to be able to amplify their voice in order to effectively and safely monitor their surroundings.
Conclusion
Traffic safety professionals are very important to the communities they serve, whether they control traffic near schools, construction sites, or accidents. When equipped with the right gear, these professionals are able to thrive.
PSP Corp has top-quality gear for plenty of active professionals. Whether you’re controlling traffic or enforcing the law, our selection of durable gear greatly serves these roles.
