Course Description

Flagger Certification Course

The Flagger Certification Course was developed to provide Flaggers with the basic knowledge, information and awareness to perform their jobs safely. Before starting a job, Flaggers are encouraged to talk with their supervisor and familiarize themselves with the work area, specific job site hazards and proper flagging procedures. (WAC 296-155-305 (7)(a)).

Once the Flagger course is successfully completed (passing written exam with 80% or better), the student will receive a wallet size card certifying their training to perform as a qualified Flagger. The card must be carried when the Flagger is performing flagging duties. The card is valid for 3 years.

Because flaggers are responsible for the public safety and make the greatest number of contacts with the public of all highway workers, they should be trained in safe traffic control practices and public contact techniques. Flaggers should be able to satisfactorily demonstrate the following:

• Ability to receive and communicate specific instructions clearly, firmly and courteously;
• Ability to move and maneuver quickly in order to avoid danger from an errant vehicle;
• Ability to control signaling devices such as paddles and flags in order to provide clear and positive guidance to drivers approaching a TTC zone in frequently changing situations;
• Ability to understand and apply safe traffic control practices, sometimes in stressful or emergency situations;
• Ability to recognize dangerous traffic situations and warn workers in sufficient time to avoid injury.

Physical requirements

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods on uneven surfaces (up to 10 hours)
• Ability to traverse uneven surfaces and terrain
• Ability to stoop, kneel or crouch
• Ability to grasp, push or pull
• Ability to hear warnings
• Ability to see dangerous situations
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• In Washington, Idaho and OregonStates, Flaggers must be at a minimum, 18 years of age
• Must obtain a Flagger Certification Card
• Ability to receive, understand and take positive appropriate action from information/instructions presented verbally and/or in writing

Physical demands that may be encountered on the job 

• While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is frequently exposed to vibrations, working near moving mechanical parts, extreme cold, wet or humid outdoor weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles.
• Working time may require irregular hours, on-call status, and/or shift times.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud and can frequently exceed 85 decibels.

Evergreen Safety Council offers Traffic Control Flagger courses monthly at our Safety Training Center in Seattle. Please check the class schedule for specific dates.

For college contact information check your local directory or try http://www.cis.ctc.edu/pub/colleges.htm . This is not an exhaustive list. The classes are usually part of Continuing Education, Extended Learning or other non-credit programs.

The following is a list of most of the Community and TechnicalColleges offering open enrollment flagger training in Washington State:

Bates Technical College
Bellingham Technical College
Big Bend Community College
Centralia Community College
Clark College
Clover Park Technical College
Columbia Basin College
Edmonds Community College
Everett Community College
Grays Harbor College
Green River Community College
Highline Community College
Lake Washington Technical College
Lower Columbia College
Olympic Community College
Peninsula Community College
Pierce College
Renton Technical College
Shoreline Community College
Skagit Valley College
South Seattle Community College
South Puget Sound Community College
Spokane Community College
Tacoma Community College
Walla Walla Community College
Wenatchee Valley Community College
Yakima Valley Community College

Flagger Training for Oregon:
Chemeketa Community College

Flagger Training for Idaho:
College of Southern Idaho
College of Western Idaho
Eastern Idaho Technical College
Idaho State University
Lewis & Clark Community College
North Idaho College

Flagger Training For Montana:
Montana LTAP (Montana State University)