Traffic Control in NSW – Who is allowed to do what?

February 28, 2024

There is often some misunderstanding in regard to the worksite activities that a person is authorised to undertake after completing each SafeWork NSW qualification of Traffic Control Training.

Commonsense Safety Training are the industry experts when it comes to Traffic Control Training.

We are here to help you with any questions you may have about your Traffic Control Training requirements.

Let’s clear up the question of who is allowed to do what?

Personnel undertaking any Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) activity in NSW must hold a valid traffic control qualification relevant to the type of work they are undertaking.

The three qualifications outlined under the WHS Regulation 2017 and SafeWork NSW authority are as follows:

Traffic Control (TCR)
Implement Traffic Control Plans (IMP)
Prepare Work Zone Traffic Management Plans (PWZ)

Traffic Controller

(SafeWork NSW TCT Card Qualification TCR)

Persons holding this qualification are permitted or required to:

Stop or direct road users using a STOP/SLOW bat or other accepted traffic control device;
Maintain traffic incident reports;
Operate a 2-way radio;
Understand the T G S for the site;
Check traffic control signs are installed in accordance with the relevant T G S;
Assess and respond to changes in the environment: such as
traffic volumes, weather conditions, road conditions, W H S and operational requirements; and
Carry out risk assessments for personal safety.

Persons holding this qualification must not:

Select or adjust a site suitable T G S
Implement a T G S;
Modify a T G S; or
Design a T G S.

Implement Traffic Control Plans

(SafeWork NSW TCT Card Qualification IMP)

Persons holding this qualification are permitted to:

Set up, monitor, and close down traffic control devices according to nominated T G S;
Identify safety implications of traffic control at roadworks;
Check, clean and store equipment on completion of work and close down a T G S;
Select an approved T G S to suit site conditions, traffic volumes and work activities;
Make adjustments to an existing T G S within the tolerances specified in Section 7.10.3
Conduct an onsite check of a T G S to identify risks and hazards;
Ensure spacing between signs and traffic control devices is in line with a T G S
Maintain traffic incident reports; and Monitor traffic controllers.

Persons holding this qualification must not:

Control traffic with a STOP/SLOW bat or other traffic control device;
Make adjustments to an existing T G S which exceeds the tolerances specified in Section 7.10.3 of the T C A W S Manual version 6.1 Tolerances on positioning of signs and devices;
Design a T G S.

Prepare Work Zone Traffic Management Plan

(SafeWork NSW TCT Card Qualification PWZ)

This qualification allows for qualified personnel to design and modify Traffic Management Plans (T M P’s), Vehicle Movement Plans (V M P’s) and traffic guidance schemes (T G S’s).

Persons holding this qualification are permitted to:

Prepare a Work Zone T M P;
Collect all required data and information about a given roadwork project to enable the preparation of a T G S;
Design a T G S, based on risk assessment, statutory and regulatory requirements, standards, road authority requirements and project brief;
Select and modify a T G S based on risk assessment, statutory and regulatory requirements, standards, road authority requirements and project brief;
Determine the recommended spacing between signs and traffic control devices in line with standards, measure width of trafficable surface and calculate edge clearances to barriers, cones and clearance to work personnel;
Undertake safety inspections/checks on the effectiveness of T M P’s and T G S’s;
Conduct an onsite check and inspection of the plan and to identify any hazards or risks; and
Seek approvals required for a T M P and T G S

Persons holding this qualification must not:

Control traffic with a STOP/SLOW bat or other traffic control device
Implement a T G S.

Commonsense Safety Training can make sure you have the right qualification to work on a roadwork site in NSW.

We offer courses in Traffic Controller (RIISS00058) & Traffic Management Implementer (RIISS00060) and Traffic Management Designer (RIISS00063) at Best Value Pricing!

4 convenient NSW locations
> Marrickville, Sydney
> Wyong, Central Coast
> Mayfield, Newcastle
> Arndell Park, Western Sydney