In accordance with 701 CMR § 7.07(2), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has the authority to approve Certification Programs to allow outside entities to Certify Flaggers for work on Commonwealth roadways.
Certification program components
- First Aid (or CPR) Training meeting the standards of the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Lung Association or an equivalent organization that meets the same Health Industry acknowledged objectives
- Work Zone Safety Training (training to comply with safe traffic set-ups in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- Flagger Training meeting the standards of the National Safety Council Highway Flagger Training Program, the American Traffic Safety Services Association Flagger Program, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Training Institute Program or an equivalent Program that meets the same objectives
- Exercise in performing actual set-ups and mock flagging operation as a component of the training
- Passing a written examination of 50 questions in the above the areas of expertise with a score of 80% or better
- Adoption of a set of Guidelines for Flaggers and Details (MassDOT approved Guidelines are posted on our website)
Equipment requirements
All Flaggers performing work on public roadways in the Commonwealth must comply with the following minimum equipment requirements (which must be included as requirements in the materials submitted for Program Certification Approval):
- White Hard Hat (with reflectorized tape)
- Lime Vest
- Lime Pants (Vest and pants combined must meet ANSI Class III visibility)
- Two-way radios
- Stop/Slow paddles meeting MUTCD requirements
- Weighted red flags for emergency work
- Air Horn
- Adequate signs and cones to implement an MUTCD approved work zone set-up
Flagger requirements
They must be at least 18 years of age and must carry a valid Certification Card at all times when performing Roadway Flagger duties.
Time limits for validation
Massachusetts Flagger Certifications are valid for a period of two years, and will require a current First Aid Certification at the time of the initial Flagger Certification. A refresher course covering the principles of Work Zone Safety and Flagging Operations must be taken, and passed, within one month prior to the expiration of the certification in order to be recertified for a subsequent two years.
How to become a certified training program
Entities wishing to submit their anticipated training programs to MassDOT for review/comment/approval should send as much information as possible (PowerPoint presentations, handouts, contact information, etc.) to:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Highway Division
Director of Highway Safety
10 Park Plaza, Room 7410
Boston, MA 02116