Undertaking a traffic control course is a great way to advance your career options and gives you the opportunity to enter the field of traffic control, an area of expertise that provides you with constant resources and keeps you in the loop with knowledge and development. If you have already been working in traffic control, you would have need to have completed a traffic control course before you would have been able to have been qualified to take on that role. Completing a traffic control course is not just a requirement but it is a way for you to also learn exactly what you need to know so you can competently and confidently perform traffic control duties.
In order to maintain your qualifications, you will have to complete a renewal process after the time of your license elapses. The renewal process is more than necessity formality, as over times regulations or procedures have changed from when you originally did your traffic control course. Undergoing a renewal process ensures the knowledge that you are operating with is current and fresh, while also ensuring that people do not come and go from the field without staying up to date with their knowledge.
The renewal course is quite simple, and the course assessment only takes approximately four hours. To complete the process, the participant is required to have completed at least thirty-two hours of traffic control work throughout the year and have documented evidence to prove it. This evidence takes the form of a letter sent from the company that the hours were completed for. Anybody renewing their license will also be provided with copies of Traffic Control Ready Reckoner and Traffic Controller Accreditation Scheme Approved Procedure. These are all necessary requirements for the participant to be able to sit for their assessment.
Renewal Course Assessment
Aside from having proof that somebody with the Traffic Control license has worked the minimum amount of hours to renew their license, participants must also undergo a traffic control course renewal assessment to show they are still competent in performing certain tasks and displaying a certain amount of knowledge of using a slow in particular areas. The participant needs to show that they have knowledge in the areas of site and equipment safety requirements, complying with traffic management plans, erecting traffic control signage and barricades, describing the effects of travel speed and vehicle mass and a few other important areas.
They must also be able to demonstrate a few other performance evidence that they know how to control traffic with a slow bat by locating and applying relevant documentation, policies and procedures, directing and controlling vehicle traffic, communicating to drivers and pedestrians clearing using hand signals and removing or covering signs after work completion, amongst over demonstrating and performing other skills required. This practical course takes four hours and once completed participants will be able to renew their traffic control license.
These assessments are a great way for those in the field to ensure that they are not just up to date with their knowledge and skills, but to also confirm that they have been doing things correctly. As you get confident with a job, sometimes you start to operate on autopilot and forget little details you may have learnt in your traffic control course, so being able to not just renew but refresh your skills is a great way to remind you what you need to be doing to do your job to the highest standard.
Traffic Control Management Training and Renewal
Aside from the regular traffic control course, there is also a traffic management course and just like the traffic control course, there is also a renewal process and course to undertake as well. The difference in role with the traffic management course is that once completed, you will be qualified and competent in implementing a traffic guidance scheme for roadwork.
The aim of these schemes is to ensure that the traffic flow during roadworks is maintained and that it is a safe environment for both the workers and the public. With the traffic management course, participants are required to complete two eLearning programs and show they have they can pass the practical requirements necessary.
To renew, a participant must attend an eight hour training course, complete two eLearning modules and provide evidence of their currency in the industry, two third party reports completed and signed by a qualified supervisor, evidence of Traffic Guidance Schemes used in your traffic management plans, evidence of participation in a toolbox talk and meetings that have covered workplace safety and safe work practices, a SWMS Risk Management Plan, current Queensland TMR Traffic Management Implementation card and last statement of attainment.
As the management role has more responsibility, there is a bit more required to complete and renew than a normal traffic control course but both roles are equally is important in making sure traffic is controlled efficiently and safely on our roads.