Last Updated on April 1, 2025 by James R. Cole
In many situations, security staff are required to direct vehicles and manage the flow of traffic on their worksite. Knowing the proper procedure and manual hand signals is essential for any traffic control security guard. This knowledge ensures the safety of pedestrians, vehicles, and property.
Security personnel may be asked to direct vehicles in the following scenarios:
- At the entry and exit points of a facility
- Around obstacles or construction zones
- While marshaling vehicles into parking areas
Things to Consider While Directing Traffic
As part of traffic control training for security guards, it is important to follow these safety practices:
- Always direct vehicles from the front, not from behind.
- Make large, clear hand movements.
- Maintain eye contact with the driver to confirm that instructions are understood.
- Regulate traffic flow at a manageable rate to avoid congestion.
To be an effective traffic control security guard, you must give clear and confident directions. Use globally recognized hand signals and maintain a professional posture at all times.
Your Position While Directing Vehicles
When you are assigned to vehicles direct in a worksite, follow these guidelines:
- Wear a high-visibility vest if available
- Use a whistle to gain the driver’s attention
- At night, carry a flashlight or traffic wands (red/green)
- Stay alert and maintain full security awareness
- Be aware of escape routes in case a vehicle is out of control
This part of traffic control training for security guards is essential for protecting yourself and others during active traffic operations.
Standard Hand Signals for Directing Traffic
There are 6 basic maneuvers with corresponding hand signals every traffic control security guard should learn:
- Proceed slowly forward
- Both arms raised with the palms of hands facing the direction of required vehicle movement
- Bend both arms repeatedly toward the head and chest
2. Clear to leave the area:
- Point at the driver to gain attention
- Turn and extend both arms in the direction of exit
3. Stop:
- Cross both arms above the head
Emergency stop:
- Start with hands clasped above the head
- Extend down and out to the side repeatedly
4. Move forward;
- Both hands raised with the palms of hands
- Swim your hand forward
4. Move backward:
- Both hands raised with the palms of hands
- Swim your hand backward same as forwarding
5. Make a right turn right;
- Point one arm in the direction of the turn
- Bend the other arm repeatedly toward the head to indicate continued turning
6. Make a turn left;
- Point one arm in the direction of the turn
- Bend the other arm repeatedly toward the head to indicate continued turning
Traffic Violation Report and Noncompliance Policy
If a violation occurs, the traffic control security guard must report it immediately to the control room and supervisor. Record it in your notebook and later transfer it to an incident report.
When writing a report, remember to include details using the SCRIM method to help identify the vehicle properly.
Noncompliance site policies may include:
- Verbal warnings
- Removal of driver from the site
- Future entry restrictions
- Vehicle clamping
- Police involvement for restricted area violations
Sample Traffic Violation Note:
Date: 2025/01/01
Time: 10:30 AM
What happened: Mr. Jone, a visitor from ABC Company, parked a Honda Civic (Plate No. 123) in front of the loading bay.
Consequence: Blocked delivery truck access.
Action Taken: Given a verbal warning; vehicle was moved.
Using Traffic Wands to Direct Traffic
While performing vehicles’ direct duties, use a traffic wand properly:
- Check if the traffic wand is working before use.
- Use green light to authorize vehicle movement.
- Use a red light to signal that no movement is allowed.
Understanding how to use tools like traffic wands is an important part of traffic control training for security guards and ensures smooth operations.
