CPCS Traffic Marshall

A Traffic Marshaller performs a key role in any construction-related environment. Whether working on a construction site, next to a roadway, or in a residential area, traffic marshallers deliver a similar set of duties. Their main responsibility is to ensure the safe travel of vehicles and plant equipment around a workplace location. However, traffic marshallers are also involved in several other activities.  In this article, we’ll discuss everything about the traffic marshaller position. This will include providing guidance on how to become a traffic marshaller; reviewing the qualifying requirements of a CPCS traffic marshaller (blue skilled worker) card; and outlining a detailed job profile for this occupation.  

Who are the CPCS?

Traffic Marshallers are part of the plant operations sector. As previously alluded to, this is because they spend a significant amount of time focused on the movement of plant equipment.  

The CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) is the chief regulatory body of the plant operations sector. Amongst other important activities, the CPCS sets industry standards, establishes assessment criteria, and provides training materials & learning resources. In addition to this, the CPCS facilitates its own industry-wide identification card programme.  

The CPCS card programme follows the CSCS (Construction Plant Certification Scheme) card framework. CSCS cards are used across the entire construction industry, while CPCS cards are reserved for those working in the plant sector. CPCS cards serve to identify the skill set, occupation, and experience level of a plant operations worker. Although not a legal or regulatory requirement, most construction companies expect all employees to own a relevant CSCS card (or CISRS – Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme/JIB-PMES – Joint Industry Board for Plumbing, Mechanical Engineering Services/CPCS card).   

Types of CPCS cards

There are three different types of CPCS cards available. These are the trained operator (red) card, the competent operator (blue) card, and the tester (black) card. The trained operator card is aimed at individuals who are currently undertaking training modules. The competent operator card (often referred to as the ‘skilled worker’ card) is used by fully qualified plant operatives. There are many different versions of the CPCS blue card, each linking to a specific discipline or job role. The tester card has the most challenging qualifying requirements. Tester cardholders have been trained to assess the skills and knowledge of current and prospective plant operatives.  

Once you’ve completed your training to become a fully qualified Traffic Marshaller, you’ll be able to apply for a CPCS blue traffic marshaller card. Being a blue CPCS cardholder demonstrates that you have the required capabilities to perform your daily tasks in a safe and compliant fashion. 

What are the qualifying requirements for a CPCS blue traffic marshaller card?

To successfully apply for any CPCS card, you must meet a specific set of qualifying requirements. These requirements vary depending on the card programme you are applying for. Clearly, those aiming to acquire a blue traffic marshaller card should ensure their training focuses on the role and responsibilities of a traffic marshaller. 

Before applying for any CPCS competent operator card (or CSCS blue skilled worker card), you must attain a Level 2 NVQ/SVQ (Scotland) or equivalent-level qualification.  

Trainee traffic marshallers should take the Level 2 NVQ – Plant and Vehicle Marshaller course. You’ll need proof that you’ve achieved this (or other suitable) qualification when applying for a CPCS blue card. As soon as you’ve attained your NVQ/SVQ, an electronic pass certificate will be automatically uploaded onto the CITB card checker platform. To find your certificate on this platform, you’ll just need to enter a couple of personal details.  

The cost of your Level 2 NVQ course will depend entirely on the learning provider you use. However, you should expect to pay roughly £600-£800 to attend this module. Before making this purchase, you should check to see whether you are eligible to receive any financial support to help fund your training. Both the government and CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) issue grants to thousands of individuals each year. This enables current and prospective construction workers to attend training courses that they may otherwise not be able to afford. To check your eligibility for this funding, visit the relevant pages of the CITB and government websites.  

The CSCS test

In addition to successfully completing an NVQ Level 2, you’ll need to pass an appropriate CSCS test. There are three assessments in the CSCS testing series, all of which are exclusively focused on health & safety. These are the operatives, specialists, and managers & professionals tests. The qualifying requirements for a CPCS blue traffic marshallers card mandate that you must pass the CSCS operatives test. Although you’ll still need to revise the subject matter thoroughly, the operatives test is the least challenging of these three assessments. You’ll need to make sure you’ve passed this test at some stage within the two years leading up to the date of your application. Please note that the CSCS test is often referred to as the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test.  

What exactly does a traffic marshaller do?

As referenced earlier, the traffic marshaller role consists of a broad range of duties. The safety and security of colleagues, visitors, and clients is of paramount importance to traffic marshallers. They are typically positioned at the front gates of a construction site. Therefore, they are in charge of the site’s main entry and exit routes. This is a vital location in the context of site security, with traffic marshallers assuming a great deal of responsibility as a result. 

The main duties of a traffic marshaller are provided in the list below. Please note that whilst this captures the daily activities they undertake, this list is by no means exhaustive.  

• Control the movement of vehicles and plant equipment.
• Ensure vehicle routes present no risk to pedestrian safety.  
• Use banksman signals when communicating with drivers, helping them to complete challenging manoeuvres and stay clear of obstacles and pedestrians. 
• Welcome delivery drivers to site and provide instructions for goods drop-offs.  
• Use internal radio system to notify relevant stakeholders of delivery arrivals.
• Establish routes in/out of site that don’t serve to disrupt the flow of traffic on public highways, or cause issues for incoming/exiting vehicles. 
• Ensure that the client incurs no disruption to daily operations as a consequence of construction-related traffic. 
• Create a safe and accessible roadway so that vehicles can travel smoothly and efficiently around site. Ensure that these roadways do not increase the risk of incurring accidents or damage to property/equipment. Remove any hazards from routes as quickly as possible.  
• Monitor volume of incoming traffic and manage on-site vehicle activity so that congestion does not occur. If required, create a delivery/visitor schedule that serves to contribute towards realising this objective.  
• Check that vehicles entering site have a legitimate reason for visiting, and drivers are carrying the correct identification to gain access.  

Building relationships

Given the breadth of their remit, traffic marshallers must establish positive relationships with several stakeholders. Site management should be informed of a delivery arrival at the earliest opportunity, as the vehicle may be carrying urgently required materials or equipment. Visitors must be informed of the layout and configuration of site roadways. This ensures that visitors remain safe when navigating around the site.  

Earning and maintaining the trust of clients is a vital priority for all construction companies. Traffic marshallers play a key role in achieving this objective. Often the first point of contact at the entrance gates, traffic marshallers provide an initial impression of the construction company they represent. By giving a warm and friendly welcome to all visitors, vetting every vehicle and equipment arrival, and delivering site information clearly and coherently, high-performing traffic marshallers help to increase client confidence. They provide reassurance that site safety procedures are taken extremely seriously, and demonstrate the quality of the service proposition being offered.   

Therefore, as well as being comfortable with the technical aspects of their role, traffic marshallers must also have good people skills. If you’re interested in becoming a traffic marshaller, you’ll need to be able to: 

• Communicate effectively with colleagues, contractors, site visitors, and clients 
• Work well independently and as part of a team  
• Stay alert at all times, highlighting potential risks to safety and taking direct action to address emerging hazards 
• Think creatively when establishing transport routes around site, ensuring these promote safety and accessibility whilst reducing the chances of disruption to operational activity.