Security Guards direct traffic.

-Canadian General Standards Board Standard 133.1-99 Paragraph A6.1

This lesson will cover the correct manner by which to direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the proper use of hand signals.

DOES A SECURITY GUARD HAVE LEGAL AUTHORITY TO CONTROL TRAFFIC?

Yes and no. Security Guards protecting private property have the same authority as the owner of the property. It is your responsibility to see that traffic moves safely on your site. You do not have the authority to direct traffic in public areas, including roadways. However, your uniform and training may make it likely that police will ask you to help during an emergency. By law, you must assist the police when asked. If you must help the police, call your supervisor so that they are aware that you have left your post.

PRINCIPLES OF TRAFFIC CONTROL

This lesson introduces Security Guards to the traffic control duties that must be undertaken from time to time. There are three factors of primary importance when engaged in emergency traffic control duties:

• maintaining professional deportment;
• maintaining the safety of those persons subject to traffic control; and above all
• maintaining personal safety.

These issues will not only impact the personal safety of the guard, but also affect the safety of the general public and their property.

TYPES OF TRAFFIC CONTROL

Signs and automatic traffic signals normally control the flow of traffic where people and vehicles intersect with one another. However, from time to time traffic must be directed manually – when construction work, accidents, rush hour or special events cause traffic congestion.

Security Guards should be aware of two basic types of traffic control: pedestrian and vehicular.

A Security Guard may have to direct one or both types of traffic, on the private property of his or her employer (for example, at the Centennial Auditorium before and after a concert) or on public property (for example, keeping uninvited people from approaching an accident scene or a fire). This section will deal primarily with vehicular traffic, although some of the basic principles can be applied to pedestrian traffic especially where pedestrians are mixing with automobiles.

The difficulty level of controlling traffic varies with the complexity of the specific job. For example, directing a high level of night time vehicular traffic through a dimly lit five street intersection saturated with bits of burning debris would be much different than directing traffic in the middle of the day through an intersection of two infrequently used residential streets.

OBJECTIVES OF TRAFFIC CONTROL

The primary goal of traffic control is to alleviate or prevent congestion, for both vehicles and pedestrians, in a safe and efficient manner. While this function may seem to be fairly simple, many variables affect the ability to perform this duty well. The weather, the level and nature of the traffic flow, the equipment provided to and the clothing worn by the Security Guard are some of the factors that impact safety and performance in the execution of these duties.

WHEN WOULD A SECURITY GUARD BE CALLED UPON TO DIRECT TRAFFIC?

Some examples include:

• motor vehicle collisions;
• fallen electrical wires or tree branches;
• when directed to do so by police;where there is a malfunction of traffic lights or other traffic control systems;
• fires, explosions and other similar situations of crisis;
• when directed to do so by an employer or client – for example, congestion in parking lots at events such as football games or concerts;
• protection of crime scenes until arrival of police.

PRINCIPLES OF TRAFFIC CONTROL

There are five guiding principles of traffic control:

1. BE SAFE!

Do not take unnecessary risks. For maximum traffic control safety, you must have access to the proper equipment and wear proper clothing – not only for the weather conditions in which you will be directing traffic, but also with the appropriate reflective components. Use of devices such as whistles, illuminated batons and flashlights (including the wands or ‘glow-cones’ that you may see attached to a police officer’s flashlight when he or she performs this type of function), large reflective signs, barricades, reflective clothing (such as vests, luminous cuffs on jackets, reversible clothing that allows for both daily wear and, when turned inside out, is covered in reflective panels), and traffic flares help both in the job function and to protect the individual from the dangers of directing traffic. Although some of these devices are oriented towards dusk or night-time traffic control, it does no harm to use this equipment in the daylight.

Never assume that an approaching driver has spotted you. Remember that the operator of a motor vehicle may not always be taking the care that he or she should in driving the vehicle. If there are flares lit, flashing emergency lights, a roaring fire, pedestrians wandering around the scene, or some other distracting event going on, the operator of a motor vehicle may be more interested in observing what is going on than in where he or she is driving. Remember that roadside flares are meant to be used in advance of the accident or other development that will impact upon traffic. Place them in advance of the scene if you use them. Pick up any debris left by the flares as well. You should think carefully about using a flare where, if left untended, may start a fire.

Weather conditions may make it very difficult to see a Security Guard standing in the middle of the road trying to direct traffic. Dark clothing at night only compounds the problem and the danger posed to the Security Guard.

Position in the intersection is important. You must be visible to traffic at all times. It is also imperative that you let people know that you are in command of the traffic situation. One of the easiest, most effective and most dangerous ways to meet these needs is by taking a place in the centre of the intersection. Do not, however, simply walk out into the middle of an intersection to take control of it. Instead, walk up to the edge of the road and stop. Get the attention of traffic in the nearest lane by using a sign with “STOP” on it, or by lifting your hand up and making a stopping motion. Once the traffic in that lane has come to a full stop, advance carefully into the intersection and repeat these actions for all other directions of traffic. Once you have control over the entire intersection in all directions, you may provide instructions to the vehicles:

• Be able to monitor traffic in all directions from where you stand;
• Always be on your guard for those drivers that may not see you.

2. USE CORRECT HAND SIGNALS

Normally, hand held traffic signs can be used to assist in controlling an intersection. However, hand signals are also essential. To effectively control traffic, a Security Guard must be acquainted with hand signals commonly used by police and others that routinely direct traffic. Standard gestures for traffic control have been developed in North America.

WHAT HAND CONTROL SIGNALS SHOULD I USE?

Be sure to use standard signals. Most people are familiar with the signals used by police to direct traffic. If you use the same ones, you will gain control and avoid confusion. You will also be able to coordinate your signals with anyone you are assisting. Practice these important hand signals so that they become automatic.

STOPPING TRAFFIC

1. Choose the vehicle you want to stop.
2. Look directly at the driver and point at them with your arm fully extended.
3. Make sure the driver has noticed your gesture, and then raise your hand so that your palm is facing the driver. Bend your arm slightly at the elbow.
4. Hold this position until the vehicle has stopped.
5. Keep your arm in position and turn your head to the opposite direction.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 4.
7. Do not lower your arms until all traffic has completely stopped.

STARTING TRAFFIC

1. Make sure the intersection is clear and safe.
2. Place yourself with your side toward to the vehicles you want to move.
3. Look directly at the lead driver and point at them with your arm fully extended.
4. Make sure the driver has noticed your gesture. Turn your palm up, bend your arm at the elbow, and swing your hand up from the elbow and past your chin making a semi-circle. This looks like the common signal used for “Come here.”
5. Repeat the gesture until the traffic begins to move.
6. When the traffic begins to move, drop your hand to the side.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 5 with your other arm for traffic coming from the opposite direction.

Slow or timid drivers may need extra help to start moving. Repeat the gesture, but don’t overuse it. It may make them more nervous and cause an accident. If traffic is to be started from both directions, repeat the procedure for traffic coming from the other direction.

LEFT TURNS

These turns are very dangerous, as vehicles will be turning into oncoming traffic. You must make a decision about when to allow left turns depending on how heavy the traffic is and how many people need to make the turn. Use caution:

1. Stop the traffic coming from the opposite direction. Hold the stop signal.
2. Make sure the intersection is clear of vehicles and pedestrians.
3. With your opposite arm fully extended, point at the driver who wants to turn.
4. Make sure the driver has noticed you. Make a downward swinging motion in the direction you want the driver to go.

RIGHT TURNS

Drivers will need little direction when making right turns, as they will not be turning directly into oncoming traffic. If traffic is heavy, you may need to stop drivers turning right to let traffic pass from the other direction. Also if there are many vehicles turning right, you may need to hold back pedestrians, so that the traffic can flow smoothly. If you need to signal a right turn, make sure the driver has noticed you and then make a downward swinging motion to the driver’s right.

3. KEEP TRAFFIC MOVING

Drivers may get frustrated quickly, if subject to long waits or little movement in traffic. A driver who is at the end of a long line-up that has not moved in quite some time may feel that there is something wrong. People in this situation may conclude, erroneously, that there is a stalled car and may try to get around the blockage by driving in the wrong lane, over curbs, and so on. This type of activity may well lead to a genuine blockage or even a collision.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH EMERGENCY VEHICLES?

Emergency vehicles have the right of way. Stop all vehicles and pedestrians when an emergency vehicle is approaching. Give the driver a “Go” signal when the intersection is clear. If the driver of the emergency vehicle signals for a turn, motion in the proper direction, showing that the way is clear. Be on the alert for more emergency vehicles.

Below are some things to remember when dealing with emergency vehicles:

• You should know the layout of your site—both inside and outside. Then you will be able to meet the emergency crews at the nearest entrance to the incident or the entrance that gives the best access to the site. You may have to meet the emergency vehicles at that gate and direct them to the scene (both inside and outside). You may also need to direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic at the same time;
• You must know where all the fire lanes are and how to keep them clear. Your post orders will give site-specific details about your duties and authority to keep these areas clear;
• Know the location of all hook-ups for fire personnel and how to get to them on your site. Once again, this may mean directing both types of traffic away from that area at the same time;
• You may be called upon to control people who are watching an accident scene, especially if they are interfering with emergency personnel. You may need to use barricades for this purpose;
• Know the site evacuation plan. You may have to keep staff or visitors moving to safe areas;
• You need to check your post orders to be sure that you know the procedures for calling emergency personnel to the site. Know if there are any areas that require special access (for example locked gates unlocked or areas needing special access cards)?

4. BE ALERT AND DO NOT GET ARGUMENTATIVE

Always be on your guard for those drivers that may not see you.  People will always make mistakes and may not see or understand the directions you are trying to give. Yelling at slow or nervous drivers usually does not make them less nervous. Calmly repeat the directions to clarify what these drivers should do. Cars will honk at you; passengers and drivers will swear at you. Belligerent, rude, and obnoxious people are probably just frustrated with the situation. If they are normally that way, that is their own punishment.

Remember that a Security Guard, performing traffic control duties, is more in the public eye than when undertaking virtually any other duty. The image that you project to the public is the one that they will take away with them. It will be called upon the next time that person meets a Security Guard. Be calm, cool, and collected. Try not to be baited into an argument if someone tries to browbeat you. It not only looks unprofessional, but it keeps you from doing your job, which is to maintain control of the situation.

5. BE FLEXIBLE

Look for areas of particular congestion, such as heavily used lanes or streets. If possible, and appropriate, give that section priority (although not to the point at which other lanes of traffic are held up for extended periods of time, see principle number four above).

Protect pedestrians, paying special attention to children and those with physical or mental challenges such as vision or hearing impairment. Emergency equipment such as fire vehicles, police cars and ambulances should be given priority, when their emergency equipment (sirens and lights) has been activated.

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Security Guards are not normally empowered to issue traffic violations under provincial legislation. Occasionally, however, a Security Guard will be asked to enforce municipal bylaws by issuing tickets in accordance with municipal bylaws and regulations. The Security Guard performing these functions should solicit specific advice on how this function should be performed from his or her employer, who will obtain the necessary information from the client.

SCENE MANAGEMENT

There are several tasks that a Security Guard may be called upon to perform at the scene of an accident or a collision. The tasks must be performed by priority, with the most important performed first, the second next, and so on.

UPON ARRIVAL AT AN ACCIDENT SCENE, CHECK:

Is there a protection of life issue? Determine if anyone has been injured. Discover if the police, fire department, or an ambulance has been called to provide assistance. Has anyone at the scene started first aid? Do you possess the proper skills and/or certification? Do they?

Is there a danger to other traffic? Does the danger presented pose a risk to other vehicles or to pedestrians? Use your vehicle, safety equipment (such as flares, cones, and barricades) to ensure that the danger is minimized. You may also want to extend the protected area to include any evidence (such as skid marks or debris) that you consider important.

Identify any participants. Potential individuals may include drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and anyone who has witnessed the incident. Assess their condition; do they require medical attention? If emergency personnel are removing anyone from the area, if possible (and without risk to the person) try to obtain their names before they leave the scene.

Preserve evidence. Short lived evidence – evidence that can be lost in a short period of time, or can be damaged by things like weather or exposure to moisture – should be preserved. Consider taking photographs of evidence that may be easily damaged or lost.

Notes of the incident. A Security Guard should probably enter the incident into his or her notebook. Consider recording vehicle license numbers, a description of the people and vehicles involved, what happened, and even a rough sketch of the area.

Record as much information as possible, including:

• name, address, and workplace of each driver;
• time, date, and exact location of the accident;
• registration numbers, makes and years of vehicles;
• driver’s insurance company details;
• names of witnesses. You should also get contact information and a statement if they will provide one to you;
• description of accident and damage;
• diagram showing where the vehicles and/or pedestrians were coming from and where they hit each other;
• details of any injuries and what action was taken;
• any conditions that may have contributed to the accident such as an emergency, weather, road conditions, construction, etc.;
• any unusual or strange things that are said by either party in the accident. These could be very important for further investigation;
• any observations that you make of the scene. For example did a beer can fall out when the driver got out of the vehicle? Be very careful to record only what you observe and not what you think is happening.
• Do not jump to conclusions or speculate on what you see;
• pictures of the scene and evidence. This may be important for investigations.

Provincial legislative requirements for reporting accidents: The provincial government has introduced changes requiring that a motor vehicle accident be reported to the police when one or more of the following is involved:

• hit and run;
• a tow truck is required/used;
• out of province vehicle involved;
• impaired driver;
• injury or death.

PRACTICE SCENARIOS

SCENARIO 1

You have been assigned the responsibility of directing traffic in the parking lot of GPS Consulting Services. You have set up a four-way intersection in the parking lot to disperse traffic in an efficient manner. The operator of one vehicle appears confused by the directions you have been giving, and has driven part way into the intersection before stopping, driving a little more into the intersection and stopping again, blocking traffic in all directions. The driver has disregarded all of the directions you have been giving. What do you do?

You should:

1. STOP the traffic in all four directions;
2. Give specific DIRECTIONS to the problem vehicle to get it out of the intersection;
3. RESUME your control over the traffic in the intersection.

SCENARIO 2

You are hired to protect a chemical plant in the middle of a large city.  Early one morning, a tanker truck delivering chemicals enters the main gate of the plant too fast, hits a ditch, and rolls over on to its side, partially blocking the access road to the plant. You see the “dangerous goods” sign on the vehicle as you approach. You know that workers for the next shift will start to arrive in the next few minutes, while the present shift will soon return to their cars to go home. What do you do?

You should:

1. CALL your employer, the site manager or backup and get word to the police and the emergency response clean-up team that a possible dangerous goods spill may have taken place;
2. KEEP at a safe distance;
3. KEEP anyone from approaching – public safety is the main concern;
4. REROUTE traffic if possible;
5. IF SAFE to do so, check the vehicle to see if anyone is injured.

SOME FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM:

• Establish eye contact with the driver whenever possible;
• Execute your signals and commands, in a clear and simple way;
• Repeat them as often as is necessary to keep traffic flowing smoothly;
• If congestion occurs – stop all traffic and start over again. Maintain your cool in stressful situations;
• Be consistent – Don’t allow someone to talk you into using any direction other than what you have indicated.