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"Flagging"* in the State of Maine

Three Standards which Govern "Flagging" in the State.

  • Maine law

  • OSHA Standard

  • MaineDOT Standard Specification (for use on MaineDOT projects)


Maine law: 23 MRSA707
Construction flaggers: minimum training requirements


“All privately employed flaggers at highway construction sites on public ways must have training in controlling traffic at construction sites ... consistent with the standards set forth in ANSI and the MUTCD. That training MAY consist of video instruction, instruction in a classroom setting, distribution of informational handbooks or other educational materials or other training activities determined appropriate by the employer. Municipalities are encouraged to provide the same training ... to flaggers whom they employ.”


OSHA Standard

  • 1926.21 (b)(2) – The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.
  • 1926.200 (g)(2) -- All traffic control signs or devices used for protection of construction workers shall conform to Part VI of the MUTCD, Millennium Edition.
  • 1926.201 (a) -- Signaling by flaggers and the use of flaggers, including warning garments worn by flaggers shall conform to Part VI of the MUTCD, Millennium Edition).
  • “General Duty” says that a citation may be isued if employers failed to keep workplace free of a hazard; the hazard was recognized; the hazard was causing or was likely to cause death or serious physical harm; and there was a feasible and useful method to correct the hazard.


MaineDOT Standard

for MaineDOT Projects Only

(excerpted from Spec. 652.4)
  • All flaggers must have successfully completed a flagger test approved by the Department and administered by a Department-approved Flagger Certifier who is employing that flagger. All flaggers must carry an official certification card with them while flagging that has been issued by their employer.
  • Flaggers shall wear safety apparel meeting ANSI 107-1999 Class 2 risk exposure and clearly identify the wearer as a person, shall be visible at a minimum distance of 300 m [1000 ft], and shall wear a hardhat with retroreflectivity.
  • For nighttime conditions, Class 3 apparel should be considered, retroreflective or flashing SLOW/STOP paddles shall be used, and except in emergency situations the flagger station shall be illuminated to assure visibility.
  • The flagger should stand on the shoulder being controlled, or in the closed lane... and under no circumstances shall the flagger stand in the lane being used by moving traffic or have their back to oncoming traffic... The flagger should be clearly visible to approaching traffic at all time and have a clear escape route.
  • Flaggers shall be provided 10 min. breaks every 2 hours and a lunch period away from the work station.


    * The word “flagging” is a misnomer and relates to an “old” term. A “STOP/SLOW” paddle should be the primary and preferred hand-signaling device. Flag use should be limited to emergency situations.