August 21, 2024

What Are Duties of Traffic Marshal Security?

Traffic Marshal Security
Traffic marshal security services are very important in controlling traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and the maintenance of order at a busy site.

In large-scale working environments such as construction sites, events, and industrialised areas with heavy traffic flow, order and human and vehicle safety are key to any activity. This is where the traffic marshal security steps in. A traffic marshal, also referred to as a vehicle marshal or banksman, is a security traffic marshal who keeps traffic flowing and working without obstructing the flow and working environment. This article details the main roles that traffic marshal security services provide and why businesses and events of all types need them. 

The Role of Traffic Marshal Security

Traffic marshals are responsible for the safe movement of traffic at work sites, grounds of events, and other locations with high activity. The marshals ensure the movement of vehicles and people with safety and prevent accidents as they monitor access to sites and control traffic flow. Many of these marshals work under security companies specialising in total security solutions for a site, in which traffic management is an important service.

Why Traffic Marshals Are Essential for Safety

Traffic marshals are a must in heavy vehicle traffic and pedestrian movement areas for the following reasons:

  • Accident Prevention: Through skilled traffic management, marshals minimise risks of accidents and collisions.
  • Efficient Workflow: They maintain a streamlined flow of vehicles, preventing bottlenecks and delays.
  • Emergency Response: Traffic marshals are trained to act swiftly in emergencies, coordinating with other security personnel.

Given the tasks that a traffic marshal performs, their security ensures that the site or the event of which it forms part does not suffer on grounds of safety, efficiency, or order.

Key Duties of Traffic Marshal Security Services

Being a traffic marshal is much more than the management of traffic. Let us discuss the major responsibilities taken up by them.

1. Managing Site Access and Egress

Some of the primary uses of traffic marshals are to control who comes in or goes out. In building sites, trespassing has led to several security infractions, accidents, and even thefts. Traffic marshals: 

  • Verify Vehicles and Personnel: They check credentials and access permits for all vehicles and individuals entering the site.
  • Restrict Unauthorised Access: By keeping a close watch, they prevent any unauthorised personnel from accessing restricted areas, contributing to overall site security.

By doing this, the Traffic Marshal Security Service plays an important role in allowing access into certain areas only by authorised vehicles and persons.

2. Directing Vehicle Movement

Vehicle marshals are guides who help safely move vehicles at congested venues or events. Their responsibilities include the following:

  • Safe Navigation Assistance: Using signals or hand gestures, they help drivers navigate through narrow or hazardous spaces.
  • Preventing Collisions: By carefully directing traffic, marshals minimise the risk of vehicle collisions, especially in cramped or congested areas.
  • Coordinating with Equipment Operators: In construction zones, marshals often work with heavy machinery operators, ensuring safe movement of equipment.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Beyond traffic and pedestrian control, traffic marshals often have additional responsibilities that support overall site security and efficiency.

1. Monitoring Environmental Hazards

Marshals of traffic assist in anticipating hazards both caused by weather conditions or structural causes or on site because of traffic. These range include:

  • Hazard Reporting: Traffic marshals report any spills, obstructions, or structural issues that may pose a risk to the workforce or vehicles.
  • Assisting in Evacuation: During emergencies, marshals help in directing vehicles and pedestrians to safety, playing an essential role in emergency preparedness.

Vehicle marshal security services usually handle these hazards, hence the flexibility of the traffic marshal in most instances to have an effective role in any site.

2. Maintaining Communication with Security Teams

Traffic marshals form part of broader security teams and ought to at all times keep in contact with other security people, especially in at-risk areas. The communication among them can either be on radio or through intercoms for:

  • Report Suspicious Activity: If marshals observe any suspicious behaviour, they report it to the security team.
  • Coordinate Movements: They inform security teams of vehicle or personnel movements, especially when handling VIPs or sensitive materials.
  • Request Backup or Support: In case of any potential issues, marshals can request assistance from the main security team.

The traffic marshals work in collaboration with Security Firms providing comprehensive security services and, therefore, are in harmony with the overall security strategy and maintain a cohesive site security.

3. Performing Routine Equipment Inspections

Traffic marshals often perform visual inspections on safety equipment and vehicles to:

  • Identify Potential Issues: By spotting leaks, damage, or malfunctions, marshals can prevent larger problems.
  • Ensure Safety Compliance: Inspecting equipment and safety devices, such as lights or alarms, guarantees they meet safety standards.
  • Coordinate with Maintenance Teams: When issues are found, marshals communicate with maintenance crews for quick repairs.

Routine inspections by vehicle marshal security services add another layer of safety, preventing equipment-related hazards.

Specialized Skills and Training of Traffic Marshals

Traffic marshals undergo extensive training to fulfil their duties effectively. They possess various skills, which make them essential for the seamless operation of busy sites.

1. Communication and Signalling Skills

Communicative and alert marshals learn both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Their hand signals and flagging skills help them to:

  • Guide vehicles safely: Drivers rely on marshals’ precise hand signals, especially in confined areas.
  • Communicate with Pedestrians: Marshals use hand gestures to instruct pedestrians when to walk, stop, or wait.
  • Coordinate During Emergencies: With clear signals, marshals can efficiently guide both vehicles and pedestrians during urgent situations.

The role of security traffic control relies heavily on clear communication, helping to avoid confusion and maintain order on the site.

2. Knowledge of Safety Regulations

Well conversant with the site-specific as well as general safety guidelines, the traffic marshals take care to conform to government standards. That enables the marshals to enforce and ensure that road users:

  • Enforce Compliance: Marshals remind drivers and pedestrians to adhere to safety rules.
  • Inspect Vehicles and Safety Gear: Ensuring all vehicles and drivers comply with legal and safety guidelines.
  • Provide On-Site Safety Guidance: Marshals educate employees and visitors about necessary safety measures.

Working with security firms that have more experience ensures the marshals receive the much-needed training to uphold certain regulatory standards and ensure everybody on site is safe.

Choosing the Right Traffic Marshal Security Services

Selecting the right traffic marshal security service is crucial to maintaining order and safety. Here’s what businesses should consider:

1. Licenses and Certification

Ensuring marshals have the appropriate certifications and licenses guarantees they are prepared for the job. Look for firms that provide SIA-licensed traffic marshals, as they have received certified training.

2. Experience in Specific Environments

Distinct settings demand different capabilities to manage traffic. Construction might need traffic marshals with the capability of guiding big machinery, whereas an event setting might require marshals that have the experience managing crowds.

3. Comprehensive Security Solutions

The very best security firms combine security services with other supplemental services, such as on-site security guards or emergency response teams, for a balanced approach to security for business ventures in the management of a variety of risks.

Conclusion

Traffic marshal security services are very important in controlling traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and the maintenance of order at a busy site. They control and monitor vehicle navigation and pedestrians and detect potential hazards; therefore, the traffic marshals play a very vital role in ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Experienced security firms that provide vehicle marshal security services will enable businesses to ensure that their desired level of security traffic control is implemented.

Investing in qualified traffic marshals is not only about meeting regulatory requirements but also about creating a safe, productive, and well-organised work environment.