Traffic Marshalling

SECURITAY is one of the longest established independent security firms in Scotland with a vast range of experience gained from thirty years in the provision of security services for construction sites and Wind Farms both for the public and private sector.

SECURITAY has recognised the need to provide a specific level of management support, to accounts with a traffic Marshall requirement. This is specifically to ensure we deliver consistent, high quality levels of service, which not only meets, but also exceeds the requirements and expectations of the client as a whole.

The role of a traffic marshal: Being a traffic marshal is a little like being the eyes and ears of the driver of a large vehicle, particularly cranes. These vehicles are awkward to move and don’t allow the driver a good line of sight around him so a traffic marshal is instrumental in this safe movement. The marshal can use a number of ways to communicate with the driver, ranging from simple hand signals to a radio connection to give full and specific instructions.

Traffic Marshall Role: The job is about more than just helping large vehicles move around the site. Traffic marshals receive a risk assessment briefing and use the information provided in this along with their training to carry out their role on a daily basis. A construction site in particular is an everchanging environment and a marshal’s job is to be aware of these changes and take them into consideration while doing their job.

Movement patterns of these large vehicles is another area that the traffic marshal will require knowledge about. Some large vehicles follow a systematic pattern, for instance arriving at the site at a particularly time every morning. Or a certain task may be carried out at a specific time each week. Knowing when these vehicles will be moving around is another aspect of the job and ensuring safety when they do.

Marshal responsibilities: The responsibilities of a Traffic Marshal start with ensuring that the area around the vehicle is clear and safe before it begins to manoeuvre. The marshal will then walk in the front of the vehicle, clearing any obstructions from the vehicle’s path, while also looking out for anything that could cause an obstacle for its progress or even a distraction for the driver.

Once the path is clear, the marshal will then stand still in a safe position where the driver of the vehicle can see him and communicate with them, regardless of the means used. If there is a long distance movement involved, then the marshal will repeat the process, ensuring each section of the route is clear and that he can stand in a new position for the driver to watch.

While doing this, the marshal should also keep watch for other people in the area as well as other vehicles. This wider environmental awareness can help spot a potential accident or issue before it happens and is as important as any other aspect of the job.

Assignment Instructions: As standard company policy, one of our Security Consultants would firstly carry out a full risk assessment of the premises in question free of charge. The risk assessment report would then be incorporated into a detailed ‘Site Instructions Dossier’ to be retained on-site for the security officer’s use, and a copy given to the client for reference and authentication. These instructions would detail any other required responsibilities/duties and emergency contact information.

Recruitment and Training: The information gathered for the Site Instruction Dossier, in conjunction with personnel instruction, would be used in the recruitment and training of the security officers. This is to ensure that the correct calibre of staff is recruited for the specific requirements on site.

A SIA approved training programme is undertaken by all recruits, with further “ROSPA” Traffic Marshall and/or banksman training training where all ‘possibilities’ and ‘weak-points’ are catered for and given any necessary special attention.

We endeavour to place personnel who are compatible to both the working environment and any special client requirements.

Vetting: All staff are fully vetted to BS7858 standards, meaning that all security officers undergo an initial five- year check with a further written ten-year check; in addition all staff undergo a Police Check. All staff must be fully cleared within twelve weeks of their start date otherwise, employment is terminated. Further vetting to twenty years is carried out for staff employed in Marine & Aviation and MOD contracts.

Contract Management: The operations Manager, will undertake responsibility for all assignments he will ensure correct manning and day to day support of the contract, through his team of Area Managers, Control Room personnel and Duty Supervisors.

Service review meetings are essential for the flow of information and monitoring the levels of service. Service review meetings would be customer / site driven, the format of these meetings should be clearly defined as should the role of individuals attending; all meetings would be attended by the Operations Manager.

Quality Control: Securitay is an SIA approved contractor and operates a quality control system to BS7499 standards for Uniformed Guarding companies.

Health & Safety and Environment: Securitay recognises the importance of providing safe and environmentally healthy working conditions and practices, and fully accepts its legal responsibilities as an employer in meeting duties imposed upon it by the Health & Safety Act 1974. SECURITAY recognises it is equally important that the employees accept their own responsibility in Health & Safety and Environmental matters.