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Traffic and Safety
Personal Safety
Workplace Safety - General Industry
Construction Safety
Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
Work Zone Operations
Work Zone Devices
Work Zone Design and Management Mobility
Traffic Control Devices
Signing
Markings
Signals
Traffic Operations Systems and Devices
Roadway Safety Appurtenances
Safety Strategies
Other Safety Competencies
Personal Safety
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Emergencies | Handles emergency situations following the organization's protocols | |||
| First Aid | Describes the basic rules and procedures of First Aid, Medical Services and CPR | Demonstrates the basic rules and procedures of first aid | Identifies missing supplies and training needs | Optional certification in CPR |
| Identifies use of supplies | Uses proper supplies and procedures | |||
| Bloodborne Pathogens | Avoids and protects self against bloodborne pathogens | Executes program procedure when exposure occurs | Shares information on BP procedures | Ensures compliance with BP program |
| Follows the organization's required protocol for bloodborne pathogens (BP) when an exposure occurs | Explains the organization's BP program and policies | |||
| Fitness for Duty | Describes the basic fitness for duty rules including fatigue, attire, preparation, drugs and alcohol | Explains the value of individual and group wellness | Evaluates or supervises the fitness for duty of others | Ensures compliance with Fitness for Duty requirements |
| Good Health & Injury Prevention | Describes the basic work safe procedures for lifting, climbing and walking | Practices basic work safe procedures | Defines Ergonomics as it relates to the workplace | Supervises health and injury prevention programs and activities |
| Lives and maintains a healthy lifestyle | ||||
| Risk Management | Lists situations, materials, and equipment requiring special training, handling, or safety procedures | Performs and documents safety inspections | Investigates and collects data and evidence from accidents, crashes and incidents | Prepares safety plans and accident prevention training programs |
| Alert to work environment, movement and potential hazards | Conducts safety audits | |||
| Asks questions related to personal safety | Performs operations reviews and risk analyses | |||
| Conducts safety meetings Reminds and motivates others | ||||
| Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) | Identifies required/assigned PPE | Demonstrates knowledge on when to clean or replace PPE | Applies applicable OSHA PPE Regulations, including 29 CFR 1910132 and 1926101-103, 23 CFR 635108, and MUTCD 6D03 & 6E02 | Ensures compliance with PPE regulations |
| Understands need for worker visibility | Provides input to appropriate level/class of PPE | |||
| Describes and assesses the proper function of PPE | ||||
Workplace Safety - General Industry
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Confined Space (General and Construction) | Applies the OSHA confined space safety regulations for the entrant level | Applies the OSHA confined space safety regulations for the entrant and attendant levels | Applies the OSHA confined space safety regulations for the entrant, attendant and supervisory levels | Documents conformity with the OSHA Confined Space Regulation 29 CFR 1910146 Permit and Compliance Requirements |
| Electrical Safety | Recognizes basic electrical hazards associated with surface, buried and overhead lines and connections | Performs electrical hazard inspections | Prepares electrical hazard inspection checklists | Recommends improvements in electrical procedures, equipment or safety |
| Reviews or supervises inspections | ||||
| Emergency Procedures | Describes emergency response rules including location of kill switches, first aid and wash stations | Demonstrates emergency response notification rules including ,fire, egress and public protection | Performs accident and incident investigations | Prepares and applies incident management program |
| Trains others on emergency procedures | Ensures personnel have proper training on emergency procedures and the incident management program | |||
| Hazardous Materials (HazMat) | Describes differnces between hazardous/ non-hazardous chemicals and waste. | Properly handles chemicals and Hazmats (functionally specific) | Applies OSHA safety regulations for hazardous materials | Ensures compliance with OSHA Hazmat regulations, including 49 CFR Subpart H |
| Work Site Safety Awareness | Identifies potential security risks and safety conflicts with surrounding equipment, traffic and other workers within assigned work site | Demonstrates assigned work site safe work habits and communicates warnings to fellow workers | Provides safe work site verbal and written instructions and advice to assigned workers | Incorporates safe work site safety instructions into SOP's and provides adequate training and equipment |
| Identifies tasks requiring specific safety training | Follows the organization's reporting processes for accidents | Reports all accidents within the specified time period | Reviews incidents and recommends improvements | |
| Demonstrates responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment | Familiar with applicable rules and regulations | Assists in assessing accidents | ||
| Practices safe work habits; follows all safety rules and regulations | Maintains a safe working environment for employees | |||
| Identifies and eliminates hazards | ||||
| Encourages ideas to improve workplace safety | ||||
| Security | Recognizes and reports security concerns | Follows proper procedures and reports security concerns | Ensures communication and resolution of security concerns | Ensures personnel have proper training and awareness to address security concerns |
| Corrects security concerns within the limits of training and responsibility | ||||
| General Industry Training Requirements (OSHA) | Additional skills and training required OSHA as applicable: Powered Platforms, Man Lifts and Vehicle-Mounted Work Platforms; Occupational Health & Environmental Control; General Environmental Controls; Medical Services and First Aid; Fire Protection; Materials Handling & Storage; Machinery & machine Guarding; Welding, Cutting, and Brazing; Guarding Manholes; Tree trimming See by 29 CFR Part 1910 | |||
Construction Safety
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Steel Fabrication & Erection | Identifies hazardous operations associated with steel fabrication and erection | Demonstrates safe steel fabrication and erection welding, cutting and brazing procedures | Performs safety inspections to ensure safe steel fabrication and erection operations | |
| Trenching & Shoring Safety | Identifies equipment and stability situations affecting trench safety | Describes OSHA Shoring Regulations | Applies OSHA Shoring Regulations | Ensures compliance with OSHA trenching and shoring regulations |
| Fall Protection | Recognizes people or equipment at risk | Applies the basic fall protection procedures | Applies the OSHA Regulations for fall protection | Manages improvements to general procedures and equipment to minimize risk |
| Hand & Power Tools | Describes basic safe equipment operation procedures for hand tools (e.g., chain saws, electric drills) | Demonstrates safe use of hand tools and larger equipment | Supervises or trains in proper use and safety | Supervises or manages tools safety |
| Moving Vehicles | Recognizes and alert to risks near moving vehicles, equipment, traffic and other workers within and adjacent to assigned work site | Demonstrates safe work habits, alertness, and movements | Provides safe movement verbal and written instructions and advice to assigned workers | Standardizes safe work site movement instructions into SOP's |
| Explains blind spot diagrams | ||||
| Maintains personal visibility, alertness, and communication | Communicates warnings to fellow workers | Provides adequate training and equipment | ||
| Looks and sounds appropriate warnings prior to moving vehicles or equipment | Understands blind spot diagrams for various vehicle types | |||
| Equipment Access/Egress | Uses appropriate access/egress points | Explains importance of safe access/egress practices | For maintenance activities, develops site-specific access/egress plans | Recommends access/egress policy improvements |
| Enters and exits traffic safely | Identifies potential access/egress issues | Makes case for additional measures needed to provide safe access/egress (e.g., accel/decel lanes, DMS warnings, design changes) | Approves based on field-level recommendations/revisions | |
| Ensures compliance with access/egress policies | ||||
| Construction Industry Training Requirements | Additional skills and training required, as applicable, in Signs, Signals & Barricades; Welding & Cutting; Electrical; Scaffolding; Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, and Conveyors; Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment & Marine Operations; Excavations; Concrete & Masonry; Underground Construction etc; Demolition; Blasting & Explosives; Power Transmission & Distribution; Stairways & Ladders; and Toxic & Hazardous Substances. See 29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926. | |||
Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Operation | Safely executes mandatory maneuvers and basic uses | Proficient and consistently safe with equipment | Long term use of equipment with positive productivity and exemplarity safety record | Assists or leads training of others |
| Identifies limitations and hazards of equipment | ||||
| Commercial Vehicles | Meets minimum requirements and licensing to operate assigned equipment | Ensures others meet minimum requirements to operate equipment | ||
| Holds proper license and endorsements for driving duties required | ||||
| Identifies traffic regulations specific to vehicle operation (driving) | ||||
| Defensive Driving | Uses proper driving skills | Lists fundamental defensive driving principles (e.g. Smith System, SIPDE) | Recognizes and identifies improper defensive driving procedures | Ensures proper driving operation by others through supervision and evaluation |
| Obeys all applicable traffic regulations | ||||
| Motorized Equipment | Conducts equipment operation, daily inspection, safety and preventive maintenance procedures | Directs and guides operators on the proper reporting, documentation and maintenance of assigned equipment | Establishes direction and guidance on the proper reporting, documentation and maintenance of assigned equipment | Implements fleet optimization and life cycle management |
| Specific Equipment | These skills are required for each vehicle and type of heavy equipment operated, and may also vary according to manufacturer, model, etc. and other | |||
Work Zone Operations
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Flagging Operations | Performs flagging and Pilot Car operation, including proper location of flagging station, communications with second flagger, and providing minimal public information | Supervises flagging/ Pilot Car operation | Ensures compliance with applicable regulations and contract requirements for flagging/ Pilot Car operation | Instructs flagging/ Pilot Car operation |
| Safely stops, holds, and releases traffic | ||||
| Holds flagging certification, if required | ||||
| Construction – Understands proper flagging/pilot car operation and identifies improper operation | ||||
| Lane Closure Types | Differentiates between different closure types (stationary, mobile, moving types) and separation types (positive, guidance) | Explains concepts behind different closure types. | Explains advantages/ disadvantages and safety considerations of each type of closure | Audits lane closures |
| Explains implantation of different closure types. | ||||
| Defines short term, rural, 2 lane/ 2 way lane closures | Defines long term, rural, multilane closures | Explains urban lane closures (with intersections) | ||
| Lane Closure & Separation | Describes devices and uses | Installs tapers, lateral clearance, transition taper | Calculates tapers, lateral clearance, and transition taper and specifies/verifies types of devices to use | Analyzes costs and benefits of using different types of devices |
| Identifies different types of channelizing devices | Selects/Inspects devices) based on project design requirements | |||
| Understands clear zones and buffer space | ||||
| Understands what project TTC plan requires | ||||
| Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Inspections | Inspects devices for conformance to specifications | Inspects Temporary Traffic Control installation for compliance with Traffic Control Plan | Documents compliance and identifies potential problems, recommends solutions | Monitors inspections and compliance and resolves site-specific issues |
| Temporary Traffic Control Plan (TCP) | Interprets basic TC plans | Interprets more complex TC plans | Explains TTC design concepts | References basics of geometric design |
| Trains in proper TTC practices | Implements solutions to issues/conflicts in the contract language or TCP | |||
| Recognizes symbols for devices on TCP | Describes installation procedures for complex TCPs | Explains legal liability | ||
| Explains clear zone and buffer space concepts and identifies problems | ||||
| Interprets distances and orientation | Suggests changes and minor adjustments | |||
| Describes installation procedures for basic devices | Interprets contract documents and resolve conflicts | |||
| Installs and maintains TTC according to TTC plan | ||||
| Understands importance of clear zones and buffer space | ||||
| Audits work zones | ||||
| Ensures clear zone and buffer space are open | ||||
| Construction Traffic (On-Site) | Safely parks and merges personal and construction vehicles | Implements and troubleshoots on-site traffic controls | Plans and designs on-site traffic flow and controls | Ensures adequate on-site traffic control and safety |
| Explains importance of safe access/egress | Makes case for additional measures needed to provide safe access/egress (e.g., accel/decel lanes, DMS warnings, design changes) | |||
| Internal Traffic Control Plans (ITCPs) | Understands the concept of an ITCP | Implements and ensures compliance with site ITCP requirements | Develops site ITCP | Establishes policy on ITCPs |
| Nighttime TTC | Selects proper PPE attire | Inspects and maintains retroreflectivity of signs and markings | Identifies important differences and considerations between day and night operations | Explains trade-offs and estimates costs and benefits associated with night operations |
| Inspects lighting to ensure adequacy for work and minimal adverse effects to traffic | Ensures crew members are provided with and using proper reflective equipment. | |||
| Complex Applications | Basic awareness safety issues related to rail grade crossing, and complex intersections | Awareness of safety and right of way issues | Awareness of safety, right of way and liability issues | Recognizes and designs TTC for atypical and complex applications |
| Work Zone ITS | Awareness of system purpose, components, and general operation | Oversees operation of system and identifies any issues | Implements/oversees implementation of system | Develops solutions to issues with system operation |
| Determines adjustments to system components (parameters, algorithms, device locations, messages) | Coordinates operation with permanent TMC | |||
| Coordinates with public outreach partners | ||||
| WZ Traffic Incident Management (TIM) | Is aware of TIM procedures | Directs implementation of TIM procedures, as needed | Coordinates with TIM partners (police, fire, EMS, towing) | Establishes relationships with TIM partners |
| Oversees TIM procedure effectiveness | ||||
| Work Zone Traffic Control | See Maintenance Disciplines: Short Term Traffic Control, Long Term Traffic Control, Flagging Operations | |||
| Other | Additional skills as required if not addressed above, in: WZ Fundamentals, Traffic Control Zones, Typical Applications, Mobile Operations, Special Situations, ITS and Supplemental Devices, Impact Attenuators, Work Zone Worker Safety, Inspection, and other skills as may be required by: 23 CFR Part 6301010(d), and 635108 | |||
| Reference: MUTCD (http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/index.htm) | ||||
Work Zone Devices
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Devices | Properly identifies, erects and maintains signs, arrow boards, channelizing devices (cones, tubular marker, drums), sign supports and warning lights | Recognizes and corrects displaced, damaged, malfunctioning or incorrectly installed devices | Specifies/Approves appropriate devices as needed to implement or adjust the traffic control plan | Recommends improved devices and manages quality, inventory and maintenance |
| Installation, Placement & Removal | Installs devices and tools in proper location, as directed | Directs proper installation of safety devices as planned | Plans use of appropriate safety devices | Analyzes risk and benefits of alternative approved devices in specific applications |
| Identifies devices and tools | ||||
| Safely removes and stores devices and tools in proper sequence | ||||
| Temporary Barrier | Recognizes different types of barriers | Directs proper installation of barrier as planned | Describes characteristics of different types of barriers | Sets policies on the use of barrier and maintenance of roadside safety devices during work zones |
| Erects and maintains barrier properly (e.g., pinning/anchoring, tapering, end treatments) | Recognizes and corrects damaged devices | Lists factors affecting barrier selection and effectiveness | Applies the requirements of 23 CFR 630 Subpart K to construction and/ or maintenance operations | |
| Identifies flawed installations | ||||
| Temporary Pavement Markings & Delineators | Identifies and selects specified materials and required equipment | Demonstrates knowledge on how and when to repair or replace pavement marking application | Interprets TCP to identify quantity and placement of temporary markings | Troubleshoots TCP for markings issues |
| Installs pavement markers, markings and delineators | Directs removal of non-applicable pavement markings | |||
| Removes non-applicable pavement markings | ||||
| Raised Pavement Markers | Installs raised pavement markers (RPM's) | Maintains RPM's | Demonstrates knowledge on how and when to repair or replace RPM's | Specifies, manages RPM's |
| Static Warning Signs | Understands proper color usage/ covering of signs/ sign relocation | Directs sign installation and maintenance | Describes usage of sheeting materials | Specifies proper advanced warning signs and placement, identifies need for additional warning signs throughout work zone |
| Installs static signs | Explains basic signing principle | Explains breakaway and other mounting concepts | ||
| Inspects and maintains signs | ||||
| Variable Message Signs | Correctly places and activates portable changeable message signs (PCMS) | Cleans, inspects, and maintains PCMS matrices | Designs acceptable messages for 1-3 phase PCMS | Selects use of PCMS and supervises proper programming |
| Identifies unacceptable abbreviations and untimely messages | Specifies proper placement | |||
| Traffic Sensors/Detectors | Installs sensor/detector units | Directs the installation of units | Identifies existing unit locations | Specifies and manages traffic sensor/detector systems |
| Recognizes when units have become inoperable | Reports inoperable units | Determines if additional units are needed to monitor traffic during construction | ||
| Impact Attenuators | Installs attenuators | Maintains attenuators | Troubleshoots attenuators | Specifies, manages attenuators |
| Other | See following Safety Subjects: Traffic Control Devices, Markings, Signs, and Signals | |||
Work Zone Design and Management Mobility
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Work Zone Impacts Assessment | Recognizes that work zones can have an affect on smooth traffic operations. | Understands what work zone impacts are and why they need to be managed | Understands concept of significant projects | Provides input to policies on acceptable work zone impacts |
| Aware of whether a project was designated as significant | Provides feedback on which strategies best manage work zone impacts | |||
| Knows what expected work zone impacts are for the project | Coordinates with planning/programming, design, and traffic about work zone considerations | |||
| Provides feedback on how well expected work zone impacts matched what occurred in the field | ||||
| Transportation Management Plan (TMP) | Aware of Transportation Management Plan | Informs others about the TMP | Implements TMP, including detours, alternate route improvements, signal timing adjustments, demand management programs, TIM procedures, and traveler information signs | Provides Input to TMP, including feasibility and monitoring |
| Responsible Person | Understands general role of responsible person | Describes the role of the responsible person | Provides input to required training for responsible persons | Sets requirements (e.g., training, certification) for responsible persons |
| Knows who has been designated responsible person for both the DOT and contractor | Reports concerns to the responsible person | Serves as responsible person at the work zone | ||
| Work Zone Design and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) policies | Is aware of established policies | Understands and describes policies | Ensures policies are implemented | Provides input to policies for implementing applicable regulations and policies, including Subparts J and K, MUTCD (e.g., overall work zone policy, work zone speed limits, use of barrier, use of enforcement) |
| Provides input to policies based on field observations | ||||
| Speed Management | Is aware of established policies | Understands and describes policies for speed limits and use of enforcement | Coordinates with law enforcement personnel | Provides input to policies for work zone speed limits and use of enforcement |
| Implements reduced speed limits, when directed | Directs implementation of policies on projects | Resolves issues/conflicts with implementation | ||
| Monitors implementation of policies | Manages automated enforcement program, if established | |||
| WZ Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) | Awareness of ITS availability, purpose, components, and general operation | Provides input to use and design of ITS for a project | Determines use and type of ITS for a project | Provides input to policy for use and procurement of ITS in work zones |
| Conducts procurement | Assists in procurement of systems | |||
| Helps determine system components (parameters, algorithms, device locations, messages) | ||||
| Performance Monitoring | Installs data collectors | Performs real time data collection on traffic volume and speed | Analyzes real time data and assesses performance | Performs mobility audit of work zone |
| Summarizes traffic data and impacts | Coordinates with traffic mgmt personnel | Determines adjustments to improve performance | ||
| Observes/ reports anecdotal traffic volume and speed information | Makes WZTC adjustments as needed to address safety and mobility issues | Recommends contingency plans tied to specific impacts and thresholds | ||
| Maintains and troubleshoots data collectors | Implements contingency plans | Recommends changes to standard policies and design specs based on performance | ||
| Public Relations | Provides minimal information to public in polite and articulate manner | Explains more complex situations in polite and articulate manner | Understand the components of public communications and outreach programs | Conducts analyses and provides supporting material to PR executives for projects |
| Work Zone Process Reviews | Provides field observations, if requested | Gathers field observation data, sensor data, crash reports, and any after-action reports relevant to traffic flow or TMP implementation | Participates in process review team | Leads process review team |
| Aware of quality improvement process requirements | Assists with data synthesis for process review | |||
| Other | As skills as required in: Community Impacts, Costs, WZ Objectives, Enforcement Role, Incident management, Accommodating pedestrians and bicycles, Environmental Safety, Decision Support Tools, WZ Administration, Legal Considerations, Other Safety Considerations, Best Practices, Human factors, WZ Crashes, Evaluation of TCP/TMP, Design & Operations, Commercial Vehicles, and other skills as may be required by 23 CFR Part 630 Subpart J, and MUTCD Part VI | |||
Traffic Control Devices
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| TCD Fundamentals | Describes TCD fundamentals, including purpose and basic principles | Applies basic principles of TCDs: principles, types, colors, standardization, classification, functions, legal authority, liability | Applies TCD fundamentals to specific problems | Troubleshoots unique situations using fundamental and specific signing principles |
| References MUTCD | ||||
| Visibility & Retroreflectivity | Explains the basic principles of visibility and retroreflectivity | Inspects TCD's for visibility and retroreflectivity | Interprets standards | Establishes visibility policies |
| Performs maintenance as needed to maintain visibility of TCD's | Identifies and reports problem TCD's and PPE | Implements inspection and replacement policies | Develops visibility programs | |
| Other | Applies to subject areas: Work Zone Devices, Signs, Signals, Pavement Markings | |||
Signing
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Basic Sign Principles | Explains basic principles of signs, types, colors | Explains sign fundamentals in terms of standardization, classification, functions, legal authority, liability | Applies sign fundamentals to specific problems | Troubleshoots unique situations using fundamental and specific signing principles |
| Sign Panel Fabrication | Assembles signs (wood, aluminum, polycarbonate, sheeting, storage, rehabilitation, design templates, software, shapes, colors, dimensions, symbols, word messages, lettering, borders) | Fabricates signs | Designs signs with use of standards, templates, and software; references "Standard Highway Signs" | Designs unique signs without templates based on guidelines, standards, and principles |
| Cuts and assembles materials | Specifies materials | |||
| Identifies signs that require rehabilitation | ||||
| Roadside Sign Installation | Properly identifies, transports, and handles: signs, supports, mounting tools; and hardware for ground mounted posts | Installs appropriate breakaway supports | Location, placement, lateral clearance, height, support type | Manages installation program |
| Familiar with installation and use of signs for TTC and related TTC skills | Schedules installations, selects supports and structures | |||
| Familiar with use of utility poles | ||||
| Overhead Sign Structures | Identifies, transports, and sub-assembles overhead tubes, structures, panels, supports, hardware and tools, with supervision or provides assistance | Performs overhead installation | Specifies materials and schedules installations | Analyzes or estimates costs and benefits of overhead signs |
| Describes appropriate safety precautions | Specifies effective structures and placement | |||
| Familiar with weights, size, wind loads, and strengths | ||||
| Object Markers | Identifies hardware and tools | Recognizes appropriate type and placement of markers | Specifies number, type, and placement of object markers required | Identifies relative costs and benefits associated with markers |
| Installs object markers, small warning signs, mileposts, raised pavement markers and reflectors | Identifies worn or missing markers | Identifies candidate locations for improved markings | ||
| Sign Maintenance | Corrects worn, missing, vandalized, or obscured signs with repairs, cleaning, and vegetation control | Recognizes and reports worn, missing, obscured, and non-standard signs | Recognizes situations requiring change in signing | Manages maintenance program |
| Plans corrections | Recommends and supervises maintenance | |||
| Sign Visibility | Removes or trims vegetation from signs maintain visibility | Inspects signs for visibility and retroreflectivity | Interprets standards | Establishes visibility policies |
| Removes graffiti | Identifies and reports problem signs | Implements sign inspection and replacement policies | Develops sign visibility and retroreflectivity programs | |
| Sign Management | Identifies components, conditions, and location | Ensures sign inventory information is complete | Supervises sign inventory management systems | Develops and implements sign inventory management systems |
Markings
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Basic Principles of Pavement Markings | Identifies basic principles of markings, markers, types, colors, standardization, widths, patterns, longitudinal and transverse markings, and curb markings based on MUTCD | Explains marking fundamentals | Applies marking fundamentals to specific problems; references MUTCD | Troubleshoots unique situations using fundamental and specific marking principles |
| Traffic Control Plans (Permanent) | Interprets basic TC plans | Interprets more complex TC plans | Performs basic design of TC Plans | Performs advanced design of TC Plans |
| Identifies equipment and materials indicated by plans | ||||
| Marking Materials | Identifies PM materials (paint, thermoplastic, epoxy, polyurethane, tape, markers) | Describes differences and properties of PM materials | Selects, orders, and specifies materials and volumes per agency guidelines | Analyzes costs and safety benefits of alternative materials |
| Handles PM materials | ||||
| Marking Equipment | Safely selects, inspects, starts and preventively maintains equipment | Safely and proficiently operates PM installation equipment | Troubleshoots and repairs PM equipment | Selects and purchases cost-effective installation equipment |
| Recommends equipment needs | ||||
| Markings Installation | Identifies specified materials, tools, and equipment | Places materials according to plan, weather and temperature | Troubleshoots difficult installations | Recommends corrective action |
| Installs materials | ||||
| Maintains existing markings | ||||
| Pavement Markers | Identifies and installs raised pavement markers (RPM), in-roadway lighting | Demonstrates knowledge on how and when to repair or replace in-road markers | Specifies materials, location and placement of in-road markers | Describes costs and benefits of in road markers |
| in-road markers | ||||
| Marking Maintenance & Inspection | Recognizes worn, dull, or missing markings | Maintains, repairs and replaces markings | Specifies and schedules maintenance | Manages marking maintenance program |
| Marking Visibility & Retroreflectivity | Describes importance of nighttime visibility | Conducts nighttime inspection of markings and assesses visibility by agency standards | Supervises nighttime inspections and helps interpret standards | Specifies visibility policy and thresholds |
| Recognizes worn and poorly reflective markings | Interprets and applies standards | |||
| Marking Management | Identifies worn, dull, or missing markings | Collects field data upon request | Describes use of field data and markings management system, if applicable | Implements or manages pavement |
| Recommends markings in need of replacement or maintenance | ||||
Signals
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Signal Basics | Lists basic components of signal systems | Explains fundamentals, purpose, warrants, phases, options, MUTCD requirements, components | Applies fundamentals to specific problems | Applies fundamental and specific knowledge to unique situations |
| Signal Components | Identifies components and options: house, faces, lenses, detectors, cabinet | Maintains and recommends basic components | Specifies components, approves components prior to installation | Approves use of new components |
| Signal Controllers & Cabinet (Wire-up) | Identifies electromechanical parts, solid-state components, switches, microprocessors, wire types and diagrams, conduit, coatings and box | Installs and maintains controllers | Troubleshoots, repairs, and supervises installation of controllers | Designs controllers and recommends changes |
| Performs preventive maintenance of controller | ||||
| Signal Equipment | Maintains and repairs existing equipment | Installs cabinet, controller, masts, spans and signal heads | Supervises and troubleshoots equipment installation | Specifies signal equipment |
| Selects appropriate tools and components for existing signal | ||||
| Signal Design | Identifies types, mounting, locations | Suggests type, mounting and location | Specifies type and location | Approves specifications |
| Signal Timing & Optimization | Identifies and reports malfunctions | Identifies and reports timing / cycle failure | Implements timing studies | Calculates signal timing based on signal system, specific data and standards |
| Resets controller to default timing | Recommends timing evaluation | Suggests signal phases and timing | ||
| Sets timing as directed | Corrects timing as set | |||
| Signal Systems | Understands functions of detectors, preventive maintenance, systems, signal preemption | Restores interaction and coordination of signal systems when interrupted | Operates signals system; suggests changes to system | Oversees traffic signal systems |
| Other Signals & Beacons | Identifies differences among hazards, intersections, signal pre-emption, ramp meters, railroad crossings | Describes and repairs other signals and beacons | Recommends use and changes to other signals and beacons | Specifies use of signals and beacons |
| Installs components and wiring | ||||
| Other Signals Skills | Other skills as needed or to be incorporated above: Warrants, priority control, pedestrian signals, intervals, lenses, faces, display and design, mounting, controller installation, location, software, signal interconnectics | |||
Traffic Operations Systems and Devices
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Electronic TCD's | Installs beacons, changeable message signs and illuminated signs | Maintains electronic TCDs | Troubleshoots electronic TCDs | Specifies use and components of electronic TCDs |
| Illuminated Signs | Lists fundamentals and installs illuminated signs | Supervision installation, maintenance and repair of illuminated signs | Troubleshoots and suggests appropriate locations and components | Conducts cost-benefit analyses and recommends use |
| Lighting | Identifies and assembles hardware: footing, poles, brackets, luminaries, high mast equipment, pull-box | Supervises installation and repairs | Manages installation & maintenance program References Highway Lighting Handbook | Designs lighting systems |
| Describes purpose, use, location, power, voltage, fixtures, luminance, hardware and effect of/on environment | Conducts C/B analyses | |||
| Placement, location, troubleshooting | Recommends changes in equipment | |||
| Maintenance of Electronic Devices | Maintains and troubleshoots electronic devices directed | Inspects devices and recognizes worn, damaged, obscured, faded, misplaced and malfunctioning devices | Supervises device maintenance personnel | Manages maintenance program for electronic TCDs and other devices |
| Familiar with local and national Electronic Safety Codes | Implements proactive preventive maintenance programs | |||
| Electrical Power | Recognizes power requirements of electronic devices | Maintains power and backup equipment | Refer to qualifications for Electricians | |
| Familiar with local and National Electrical Safety Codes | ||||
| Traffic Operations | Describes agency role in traffic operations | Recognizes need for agency intervention in traffic operations | Deploys operations adjustments | Recommends traffic operations and management strategies |
| Traffic Detection | Installs traffic detection equipment, including speed, signal actuators, approaching traffic and weigh in motion devices | Inspects and troubleshoots detection equipment | Describes and recommends equipment | Analyzes costs and benefits of detection and recommends detectors |
| Traffic Incident Management | Understands Roles & Responsibilities, Principles of TTC | Correctly selects and places TTC devices and personnel for Emergencies | Assists with traffic management center operations | Coordinates TIM activities with other agency personnel and with other partners (police, fire, EMS, towing) |
| Understands PPE and apparel requirements | ||||
| Places vehicle safely when near incidents (crashes, special events, unscheduled work areas) | Articulates differences from planned work zones | Trains personnel in TIM procedures | Sets TIM policies | |
| Certified flagger | ||||
| Intelligent Transportation Systems | Refer to ITS Architecture and Professional Capacity Building Program (http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/) | |||
Roadway Safety Appurtenances
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| End Treatments | Installs and maintains end treatments | Recognizes outdated end treatments | Selects appropriate end treatments | Estimates effects of end treatments on crashes |
| Supervises installation and replacement | ||||
| Barriers | Installs barriers, including crash cushions | Monitors and maintains barriers with little or no supervision | Identifies and recommends objects requiring barriers or crash cushion, or attenuators | |
| Longitudinal Barriers | Installs and maintains longitudinal barriers, including guardrail, concrete barriers and medians | Supervises installation | Describes characteristics of different barriers | Selects longitudinal barriers based on specific locations and characteristics |
| Recognizes improperly installed devices | Lists factors affecting barrier selection and effectiveness | Identifies flawed installations | ||
| Bicycle Facilities | Installs markings for bike lanes and multi-use paths | Recognizes hazards to bicyclists | Specifies markings and signage for bike lanes and multi-use paths | |
| Intersection Controls | Installs traffic control signs, transverse stop bars, yield markings, stop ahead signs, crosswalk lines, signal ahead signs, lane control signs and markings and directional signs | Maintains worn or missing signs and markings at intersections | Corrects signal timing | Recommends intersection safety countermeasures |
| Installs red-light running detection equipment | Identifies intersection deficiencies | |||
| Pavement Edge | Installs beveled edge on new pavements and existing pavements with significant edge drops | Recognizes significant edge drops | Recommends pavement edge improvements | Manages pavement edge strategies |
| Pavement Safety | Properly installs paving materials | Recognizes pavement that may have poor friction characteristics | Describes friction characteristics of paving materials | Tests pavement friction and estimates effects on safety |
| Recommends paving materials considering friction and safety | ||||
| Pedestrian Facilities | Applies signs and markings for paths and crosswalks | Maintains pedestrian signals | Times and troubleshoots pedestrians signals | Develops pedestrian signals plans |
| Installs pedestrian signals | Recommends improved pedestrian safety equipment | |||
| Railroad Crossings | Installs and maintains active and passive TCDs and crossing surfaces | Inspects grade crossing traffic, devices, and surfaces | Inspects advanced grade crossing technology | Recommends roadway or equipment improvements for specific crossings |
| Roadway Delineation | Properly installs roadway safety appurtenances and delineators | Identifies and reports poorly delineated segments | Recommends improved delineation for specific road segments | Manages roadway delineation program |
| Recognizes the severity of lane and roadway departure crashes | ||||
| Rumble Strips | Installs and maintains rumbles strips/stripes | Supervises installation | Determines specifications | Develops budget and policy for rumble stripping |
| Prioritizes segments for treatment | ||||
| Speed Control | Installs regulatory and advisory signs | Recognizes benefits of comprehensive speed management approach | ||
| Installs and activates Your Speed signs | ||||
Safety Strategies
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Bicycle Traffic & Safety | Identifies road, traffic and maintenance conditions that affect bicyclists | Lists needs of bicyclists as roadway users | Recognizes opportunities to accommodate bikes during all project phases | Articulates the benefits of transportation systems accommodating bikes |
| Describes characteristics and roads and paths designed for bicyclists | Develops and implements pedestrian & bike safety programs | |||
| Human Factors | Recognizes that human factors and limitations has a role in highway design, operations, and safety decisions | Identifies human factors information that is needed for using roadways | Describes human factors information that is included in guidelines and standards | Applies human factors principles to resolve issues related to highway design, operations, and safety |
| Intersections | Describes need to balance needs of many users at intersections | Explains general effects of geometric design and traffic control devices on unsignalized intersections | Identifies countermeasures for signalized and unsignalized intersections | Identifies and diagnoses intersections with poor crash experience or high potential |
| Recognizes intersection terms and issues | Recommends appropriate countermeasures | |||
| Pavement | Knows who to report pavement problems to | Identifies and reports pavement that may have poor friction characteristics | Describes friction characteristics of paving materials | Tests pavement friction and estimates effects on safety |
| Recommends paving materials considering friction and safety | ||||
| Familiar with RSRAP | ||||
| Pedestrians | Lists characteristics of pedestrians and traffic affecting pedestrians | Identifies and reports pedestrian and traffic conflicts | Identifies sites for improvement | Develops and implements pedestrian & bike safety program |
| Railroad Crossings | Identifies and reports risk at uncontrolled crossings | Inspects grade crossing traffic, devices and surfaces | Describes alternatives and identifies associated hazards | Identifies hazards and relative costs Optional: teaches or manages a grade crossing safety program |
| Road Safety Audits | Describes role of RSA | Identifies minimum requirements for RSA | Leads or participates in RSAs | Implements or supervises RSA program |
| Roadway Departure | Recognizes the severity of lane and roadway departure crashes | Identifies factors influencing road departure crashes | Identifies countermeasures for road departure crashes | Identifies road segments with high road departure crashes or potential |
| Selects proper materials | Selects NCHRP-350 approved devices | Evaluates and recommends appropriate countermeasures | ||
| Recognizes improperly installed devices | ||||
| Speed Management | Describes general role of speed in highway safety and crashes | Identifies multiple factors influencing driver speed | Recognizes a variety of approaches to speed management | Describes or leads process for setting and maintaining appropriate speed limits |
| Describes decision sight distance and stopping sight distance | Describes limitations of individual approaches | Coordinates with law enforcement agencies | ||
Other Safety Competencies
| Disciplines | Competencies by Skill Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV | |
| Traffic Engineering | Other traffic skills as needed including operational analysis, level-of-service, capacity, traffic studies, assessment of alternatives, geometric design, countermeasures evaluation, etc or assists with these efforts as needed | Prepares for certification as a Professonal Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) | ||
| Safety Training & Education | Identifies training and competency sources | Coordinates training needs and activities | Identifies training needs | Manages training programs |
| Works with partners to develop new training | Specifies assessment and credit issues | |||
| Articulates instructions systems design features | ||||
| Determines certification requirements | ||||
| Other Highway Safety Disciplines | Addition skills and training as needed in: aggressive driving, breakaway supports, context sensitive design, crash data statistics, highway safety fundamentals, crash worthiness, highway safety plans, Section 402 Program, Funding and Incentive Programs, MUTCD, NCHRP Reports 350 and 500, Older Drivers and Pedestrians, Red Light Running, Roadside Safety Design, Safety Management, Safety Conscious Planning, Traffic Calming, Utility Safety, Rural ITS, Software (Safety Analyst, PBCAT, RSRAP, Quick Zone, US Limits), Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Roundabouts, National Model, IHSDM, Rural Application of Left Turn Lanes, and Variables Speed Limits | |||
| Other Highway Safety Competencies | For additional safety competencies, safety professionals, and FHWA personnel, refer to the competency sets below: These competency sets are not yet coordinated with the TC3 Safety competencies | |||
| 1 FHWA Field Safety Competencies | ||||
| 2 FHWA Headquarters Safety Competencies | ||||
| 3 FHWA Safety Professional Development Program (Safety PDP) | ||||
| 4 FHWA Technical Career Track (TCT) Competencies | ||||
| 5 NHTSA Safety Competencies | ||||
| 6 USDOT Draft Combined Safety Competencies | ||||
| 7 TRB Core Safety Competencies (Subcommittee on Highway Safety Workforce) | ||||
| 8 CDC Injury & Violence Prevention Core Competencies | ||||