Flag Person Training - AB

Course Overview:

Flag Person Training is a specialized Entry-Level Skills course for trainees pursuing specific work as a Flag Person in AB. There are no prerequisites besides some very basic familiarity with traffic laws. However, Wilderness Awareness may be a useful companion course. 

Learning Objectives & Specific Outcomes:

A Flag Person is a worker who directs and controls traffic, often in a construction or school zone. Flag Person operate much like traffic lights or stop signs in areas where permanent signage is missing or does not sufficiently control the road. For example, if a lane on a two-way highway is closed for construction, a Flag Person is often required to manage the flow of traffic through the sole remaining lane. Because of their proximity to vehicle traffic, Flag Person are at relatively high risk of being involved in a traffic accident and should take appropriate safety precautions.

Topics Include:

The one-day or online Flag Person Training course covers the federal and provincial regulations concerning Flag Persons and when a Flag Person is required. The course then details proper traffic control procedures and Flag Person safety protocols. Trainees learn about the various methods that can be used to control traffic (flags, signs, pilot cars, etc), the differences between them, and when one means of traffic control might be preferable to another. Trainees also learn how to adapt to adverse situations including emergency vehicles, traffic accidents, and changing road conditions. Finally, trainees learn proper procedures for communicating with other Flag Persons, tracking incidents, reporting to supervisors, and handling emergencies.

Trainees who complete this course are certified to work as Flag Persons in non-high-risk locations. Flag Persons looking to work in high-risk locations must be certified through specific provincial agencies.