New job opportunities are available when you have the right accreditation to become a traffic controller.
This job can be extremely rewarding. You can protect pedestrians, motorists and workers. However, you must be qualified to work as a traffic controller.
The job requires training as well as a few requirements. This is the information you need about the job.
What Do Traffic Controllers Do?
Traffic controllers manage traffic and control the flow of machinery and vehicles on roads or other work areas. This role is more than just holding down a stop/slow switch. The typical role of a traffic controller and the responsibilities that go with it are:
- Directing vehicular flow, and pedestrians
- Installation of safety barriers and signage
- Application of a road management strategy
Maintaining signs and equipment requires cleaning and maintenance
Traffic controllers’ main responsibility is to keep pedestrians and workers safe. They may use signs to manage traffic and direct workers on how to safely navigate the job site.
Before work begins, traffic controllers and site managers implement traffic control programs. Depending upon the type of work being performed, traffic controllers could also coordinate with inspectors. Crew leads, foremen. managers, auditors and other regulatory officials.
Traffic control plans usually establish safe routes for workers and others passing by. Signs, tape, and other barriers can be used to mark the routes to minimize accidents.
Traffic controllers will direct traffic and ensure safety by installing signs and safety barriers. They may use hand signals, two-way radios, and the slow/fast bat.
The traffic controller cleans and maintains signage and equipment at the close of each working day. They count all signs and obstacles used throughout the day, clean up the debris and store the equipment within the designated storage area.
Traffic controllers might also have additional responsibilities. As an example, you might be only responsible for traffic control for a small portion of the shift. You can then go on to do the usual job duties for the rest.
Where Are Traffic Controllers Working?
These roles are the most common in construction. Traffic control technicians work to divert traffic from work areas and protect pedestrians, motorists, and workers. Safety signs, signs, as well as the stop/slow rule, are some of the common tools used in this situation.
The dress code may require you to conform to certain standards. Controllers will often wear hard hats, reflective vests, and steel-toed shoes.
The management of vehicle flow is a serious responsibility. The primary duty of the controllers is to ensure the safety and well-being of road users, workers, and other road users. The secondary duty of a controller is to minimize road network impact.
Depending on your job, you could work eight-to-10-hour shifts. You will be responsible for putting up, maintaining, and pulling down road signs. You might also have to review and adjust a traffic strategy.
In some cases, you may have to travel several kilometres from other workers. This calls for the use of communication devices to keep in touch. These tasks can only be completed with nationally recognized training.
What Are My Steps To Become Traffic Controllers?
To become a traffic supervisor, you will need to have a white card and go through the Traffic control combo course.
Anyone interested in this career must be 18 years old. The white card, which is required to work on a construction site, is a prerequisite to taking the training course.
Traffic controllers will also need to learn English and comprehend the signs that are used in Australia.
You will also need to be physically fit for this job. If you are responsible for traffic management at a job site, you may be required to lift quite heavy objects. You’ll also need the ability to lift 10kgs often and complete your tasks.