Orange versus Red flags for Flagmen

Orange versus Red flags for Flagmen

 

I have noticed that construction companies in general and more so on main roads are now using orange flags for the flagman. What is the reason for this and why have they moved away from the traditional red?

 

SANRAL (South african National Roads Agency Limited) Specifications and & SARTSM (SOUTH AFRICAN ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS MANUAL). As Safety Agents on SANRAL roads HTE has even seen Yellow flags being used. SANRAL refers to red flags where SARTSM refers to red/orange or red. The Main Idea behind the flags, and this is what HTE also train the learners, is that it should be highly visible and it should comply with the minimum sizes as stated in the applicable specifications. A Flashlight with a red wand is used for night work.

 

Herewith extracts from Sanral specs and SARTSM.

1) (SANRAL) SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY LIMITED STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR ROUTINE ROAD MAINTENANCE SECTION M0500 : ACCOMMODATION OF TRAFFIC

 

(iv) Flagmen
The Contractor shall provide well-trained and at least two equipped flagmen for each work area during the daytime as specified per drawing. Each flagman must have a red flag with the minimum size of 600mm x 600mm and a highly visible vest over his overall.

 

2) (SARTSM) APPENDIX B

EXTRACTS FROM CHAPTER 13, VOLUME 2 OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS MANUAL