J31 Roadway Incident Scenes

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 18 (ss. 18.1-18.6.2), s. 8.24 and s. 31.5(1)(d); Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, ss. 47.01-47.02 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation [BC], 2026, ss. 8.24, 18.2, 18.3, 18.6.1-18.6.2, 31.5; Motor Vehicle Act Regulations [BC], 2026, ss. 47.01-47.02).

What must be covered.

• Traffic control. Effective traffic control whenever traffic could be hazardous to a worker (s. 18.2); the Traffic Management Manual applies to all work zones (s. 18.3(1)).
• Firefighters directing traffic. “Emergency responder” includes a firefighter present at an emergency scene in a work zone (s. 18.6.1(1)). An emergency responder other than a peace officer may direct traffic during an emergency only after training in basic traffic control principles, temporary traffic control devices, the manual’s traffic management principles, use of a buffer vehicle, safe work procedures and protective equipment (s. 18.6.1(3)), and for no more than two hours after the start of the emergency unless they have completed Board-approved traffic control person training (ss. 18.6.1(4), 18.6.2).
• Fire procedure. Written procedures to provide effective traffic control at emergency incidents (s. 31.5(1)(d)).
• High visibility. CSA Z96-15 Class 2 or 3 apparel where vehicles travel faster than 30 km/h, and Class 1, 2 or 3 at 30 km/h or less (s. 8.24(1)-(2)); not required for “a firefighter who is wearing a protective coat that meets the requirements of the 2007, 2013 or 2018 edition of NFPA 1971” (s. 8.24(3)(a)).
• Move-over. Passing a stopped official vehicle with flashing lights: 70 km/h where the limit is 80 km/h or more, 40 km/h where it is below 80, and change lanes if safe (MVR ss. 47.01-47.02).

Fire-service nuance.

• The two-hour limit makes traffic direction at long incidents a task for trained traffic control persons or police; plan the handover early.
• The coat exemption covers only NFPA 1971 coats of the named editions; members in station wear, wildland clothing or non-compliant coats need Z96 apparel.

Status. Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (regulations consolidated to 2026-10-20). The current edition of the Traffic Management Manual was not checked.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Code, s. 194; Traffic Safety Act, s. 115(2)(t) and (4); Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation, s. 22.1; Vehicle Equipment Regulation, s. 2.1 (Occupational Health and Safety Code [AB], 2025, s. 194; Traffic Safety Act [AB], 2000, s. 115; Use of Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation [AB], 2025, s. 22.1; Vehicle Equipment Regulation [AB], 2025, s. 2.1).

What must be covered.

• Traffic control. At any work site where traffic is dangerous to workers, the employer controls it; on public highways with signs, barriers, flashing lights and similar devices or the TAC Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (1998, with updates to 2009-06-30), or the listed methods (s. 194(1), (7)). There is no exemption for emergency scenes.
• High visibility. Workers on foot exposed to traffic wear high-visibility apparel; designated traffic controllers are identifiable and retroreflective at night (s. 194(2)-(6)). The Code defines the apparel generically and names no CSA Z96 edition.
• Move-over. Drivers passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lamps on the same side of the road slow to 60 km/h or the posted limit if lower, unless a lane separates them on a multi-lane road (Traffic Safety Act [AB], 2000, s. 115(2)(t), (4)), and move to a lane farther away where possible (UHRR s. 22.1).

Fire-service nuance.

• A volunteer’s personal vehicle showing permitted green lamps is an “emergency response unit” for the slow-down rule only (VER s. 2.1), so members arriving in personal vehicles get the slow-down protection while parked with the lamps on.
• Emergency vehicle personnel have peace-officer traffic-control powers when no peace officer is present (see J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing).

Status. Verified against the Code (consolidated to 2025-03-31) and the traffic consolidations.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, s. 9-22; Traffic Safety Act, s. 204 (The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 [SK], 2021, s. 9-22; The Traffic Safety Act [SK], 2004, s. 204). Approved standards (Government of Saskatchewan, n.d.-a).

What must be covered.

• High visibility. Any worker at risk from traffic wears high-visibility apparel (s. 9-22(1)); CSA Z96:22 is approved for firefighter PPE under the approved standards and practices.
• Traffic control plan. A written traffic control plan when traffic on a public highway endangers workers; signallers only where other methods are inadequate (s. 9-22).
• Exemption. Only peace officers are exempt (s. 9-22(10)); firefighters are not. Where the Traffic Safety Act conflicts, it prevails.
• Move-over. No more than 60 km/h when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with emergency lights operating, except on the opposite roadway of a divided highway (s. 204).

Fire-service nuance.

• A pre-written roadway incident plan for each class of road meets the written-plan duty at the scenes where it is practicable to use one.

Status. Verified against the regulations (consolidated to 2021-04-01) and the Act (consolidated to 2024-06-28).

Law. Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, s. 6.7 and Part 20 (ss. 20.1, 20.5, 20.6); The Highway Traffic Act, s. 109.1 (Workplace Safety and Health Regulation [MB], 2026, ss. 6.7, 20.1, 20.5-20.6; The Highway Traffic Act [MB], 2026, s. 109.1).

What must be covered.

• Traffic control. Part 20 applies to every workplace where traffic is a risk (s. 20.1): traffic control safe work procedures (s. 20.5) and certified flagpersons (s. 20.6(1)). There is no emergency exemption, and the Designated Construction Zones Regulation does not mention emergency scenes.
• High visibility. Apparel to CAN/CSA-Z96-02 with Z96.1 (s. 6.7); flagpersons wear Class 3 Level 2 apparel to CSA Z96-15 in fluorescent yellow-green (s. 20.6(2)(b)(ii)).
• Move-over. Slow to 40 km/h where the limit is 41-79 km/h and 60 km/h where it is 80 km/h or more when passing a stopped fire, police or ambulance vehicle with emergency lamps on, and change lanes on multi-lane roads where safe (s. 109.1).

Fire-service nuance.

• A member directing traffic is a flagperson for Part 20 purposes unless the regulator accepts otherwise; confirm how it applies the certification rule at emergency scenes.

Status. Verified against the regulation and Act (current to 2026-10-20).

Law. No OHS regulation governs traffic control at emergency scenes; the employer’s general duty applies (Occupational Health and Safety Act [ON], 1990, s. 25(2)(h)). Section 21 guidance note 6-10, updated 2025-11-24 (MLITSD, n.d.). Highway Traffic Act, s. 159 (Highway Traffic Act [ON], 1990, s. 159).

What must be covered.

• Scene layout. Guidance note 6-10 says to “reference Ministry of Transportation Book 7 requirements for unplanned events” (Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7, Appendix 1) and notes that “only police are permitted to close a highway”. Book 7 itself was not read.
• High visibility. The guidance cites CSA Z96-15 and states that “Bunker gear does not meet the reflectivity performance requirements of the standard”. The construction regulation’s garment specification does not apply to fire scenes.
• Move-over, current law. Drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights slow down and proceed with caution, and change lanes on multi-lane roads if safe (s. 159(2)-(3)). Fines are $400 to $2,000 for a first offence and $1,000 to $4,000 and/or up to six months for a subsequent one, with possible licence suspension up to two years.
• Move-over from 2027-01-01. Section 159 is replaced on that date by an amendment enacted in 2024 (chapter 41 of the 2024 statutes, Schedule 2). The slow-down and move-over duty then extends to “a work-related vehicle with its lamp producing intermittent flashes of amber light” (s. 159(2) as it will read), the term “work-related vehicle” is left to be defined by regulation (s. 159(12) as it will read), and the duty does not apply to a work-related vehicle stopped in a designated construction zone where a reduced speed is already posted (s. 159(4) as it will read).

Fire-service nuance.

• The 2027 change protects road authority, utility and similar vehicles showing amber lights. A fire department vehicle is protected as an “emergency vehicle” only while its lamp flashes red or red and blue, before and after the change; apparatus should display red lights when stopped at a scene.
• Ontario is one of the few provinces without a regulation; the guidance note is what an inspector will compare the department’s procedure against.

Status. Partly verified: s. 159, in its current form and as it will read from 2027-01-01, read in the e-Laws consolidation (current to 2026-10-20) on 2026-10-24; guidance note 6-10 read on 2026-10-23; Book 7 not read.

Law. Fire Safety Act, s. 40; Highway Safety Code, s. 406.1 (Fire Safety Act [QC], 2026, s. 40; Highway Safety Code [QC], 2026, s. 406.1). Ministry of Public Security reference material, including an aide-mémoire on temporary traffic control zones at emergency scenes (Ministère de la Sécurité publique, 2026).

What must be covered.

• Traffic powers. Firefighters may, under the authority of the person directing operations, prohibit access to a protection zone and interrupt or divert traffic (Fire Safety Act [QC], 2026, s. 40).
• Scene layout. The ministry aide-mémoire on temporary traffic control zones is guidance; the transport ministry’s roadwork signage standard covers construction work.
• High visibility. CSA Z96 is mandatory for signal persons and roadwork under the construction safety code; at fire scenes it is guidance only.
• Move-over (corridor de sécurité). When an emergency vehicle or tow truck is stopped with its lights flashing, drivers reduce speed; if it is in their lane, they stop if necessary and change lanes; if it is on the shoulder or in an adjacent lane, they change lanes to leave one lane free or keep as far away as possible (Highway Safety Code [QC], 2026, s. 406.1).

Fire-service nuance.

• With no regulation for emergency scenes, the department’s procedure and the ministry aide-mémoire set the standard of care; adopt CSA Z96 apparel by policy.

Status. Partly verified: s. 406.1 read in the LégisQuébec consolidation on 2026-10-24; the Fire Safety Act s. 40 not read in the official text; the aide-mémoire title confirmed on the ministry’s page; the roadwork standard not read.

Law. General Regulation 91-191, s. 91(2); Motor Vehicle Act, s. 168.1 (General Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety Act [NB], 2026, s. 91(2); Motor Vehicle Act [NB], 1973, s. 168.1).

What must be covered.

• High visibility. CSA Z96-15 (R2020) apparel for “any employee who is exposed to a risk of injury from vehicular traffic” (s. 91(2)); the wording is not limited to construction.
• Traffic control. The provincial Work Area Traffic Control Manual was not read, and whether it applies at emergency scenes is not known.
• Move-over. Passing a stopped authorized emergency vehicle showing a flashing red light visible from the front, or a service vehicle (a tow truck, a utility vehicle or a contracted road safety or maintenance vehicle) showing a flashing amber light, drivers on the same side of the highway slow to one-half of the posted maximum speed and change lanes on multi-lane roads if safe (s. 168.1(1)-(3)).

Fire-service nuance.

• The trigger is a flashing red light; make sure stopped apparatus keeps red lights showing.

Status. Partly verified: s. 91(2) read in the consolidation to 2026-06-30 and s. 168.1 in the consolidation to 2026-06-12 on 2026-10-24; the manual not read.

Law. Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, s. 1.17 and Part 24 (ss. 24.1-24.5); Using the Road Regulations, s. 92 (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [NS], 2025, ss. 1.17, 24.1-24.5; Using the Road Regulations [NS], 2026, s. 92). Office of the Fire Marshal guideline for emergency scenes (Nova Scotia Office of the Fire Marshal, n.d.-a).

What must be covered.

• Temporary highway workplace. A temporary workplace on or near a highway that impedes traffic or makes drivers slow or change path (s. 24.1). Construction, maintenance and utility work follows the latest Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Manual or a Director-approved procedure (s. 24.3); any other work needs a written safe-work procedure that addresses the s. 24.3(2) factors, including the nature and duration of the work, encroachment, signs and devices, staffing, weather and visibility (s. 24.4).
• Employees on foot. High-visibility apparel selected under the latest CSA Z96.1 and meeting the latest CSA Z96; a flashlight with a red cone when directing traffic from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise or when visibility is under 100 m; flashing lights on the employee’s vehicle turned on (s. 24.5).
• Emergency services relief. An “emergency services agency” includes fire departments (s. 1.1). Its personnel are exempt from the safe-work procedure and the on-foot requirements “when it is not reasonably practicable for them to do so because of the nature of their particular duties at any given time” (s. 1.17). Section 1.17 refers to the procedure “required by Section 24.2”, but the procedure is in s. 24.4, and ss. 24.4 and 24.5 each cross-refer to s. 1.17.
• Move-over. On the same roadway, in either direction, a driver approaching a stopped vehicle displaying flashing lights must not drive in its lane or the adjacent lane where a safe lane change is possible, and must not pass faster than the lower of the posted limit and 60 km/h, with graduated offences above that (s. 92). For an emergency vehicle the trigger is a flashing red light; amber triggers it only for recovery vehicles and service trucks (s. 92(1)).

Fire-service nuance.

• The relief is conditional and moment-by-moment: Part 24 applies at every roadway scene, and once the scene is stabilized the full Part applies, including Z96 apparel and the written procedure. The department needs a Part 24 procedure for roadway incidents and must be able to show why any departure was necessary.
• The Fire Marshal’s guideline is the expected standard of care for blocking, advance warning and apparel.
• Apparatus parked with only amber or white lights showing does not trigger the move-over rule; keep red lights on while stopped in a live lane.
• Persons providing emergency services on or beside a highway are vulnerable road users under the Traffic Safety Act, with higher penalties for listed offences (Traffic Safety Act [NS], 2025).

Status. Verified: Part 24 and ss. 1.1 and 1.17 read on 2026-10-23 (consolidated to N.S. Reg. 163/2025), and s. 92 read in the regulations as filed (effective 2026-10-19). The vulnerable road user sections of the Act were not read.

Law. General Regulations, Part 50 (ss. 50.2-50.19) and s. 12.12(4); Highway Traffic Act, s. 115.1 (Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations [PE], 2025, ss. 12.12, 50.2-50.19; Highway Traffic Act [PE], 1988, s. 115.1).

What must be covered.

• Traffic control. “Effective means of traffic control” wherever unregulated traffic endangers workers (s. 50.2); signaller qualifications and certificates (s. 50.4); sight-distance and set-back tables (ss. 50.12-50.13); the provincial Traffic Control Procedures for Roadwork Manual for road construction and maintenance work (s. 50.19). Emergency scenes are neither mentioned nor exempted.
• High visibility. CSA Z96 is not referenced; the regulations require a “reflectorized vest or jacket” (s. 12.12(4)) and a “safety vest” for signallers (s. 50.6).
• Move-over. No faster than half the posted limit when passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with lights on, and change lanes on multi-lane roads where safe (s. 115.1).

Fire-service nuance.

• Whether Part 50 applies at emergency scenes is an interpretation; apply it by policy and use Z96 apparel.

Status. Partly verified: ss. 12.12(4), 50.2, 50.4, 50.6 and 50.19 and s. 115.1 read in the official consolidations (regulations to 2025-01-01; Act to 2026-05-29) on 2026-10-24; application to emergency scenes not confirmed.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, Part XVI (ss. 373-374) and s. 81; Highway Traffic Act, s. 121.1 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012 [NL], 2026, ss. 81, 373-374; Highway Traffic Act [NL], 1990, s. 121.1).

What must be covered.

• Traffic control. “Where the movement of vehicular traffic constitutes a hazard to workers, effective traffic control shall be provided” (s. 373(2)), with the provincial Traffic Control Manual for Roadway Work Operations as the minimum standard (s. 373(3)); traffic control persons complete the training the commission prescribes (s. 374(5)). There is no emergency-scene exclusion.
• High visibility. CSA Z96 apparel for workers regularly exposed to moving vehicles (s. 81, replaced by NLR 48/26).
• Move-over. Drivers slow to at least 30 km/h below the limit, or to 30 km/h where the limit is under 60 km/h, and change lanes if safe (s. 121.1). The protected “designated vehicle” includes “a vehicle used by a volunteer fire fighter or emergency medical responder in the course of responding to an emergency” (s. 121.1(4)(e)).

Fire-service nuance.

• Members who respond in personal vehicles and park near the scene are protected by the move-over rule while responding, which supports staging them safely rather than at the roadside.

Status. Verified against the official consolidations (regulations to 2026-10-07; Act to 2026-05-08) on 2026-10-24.

Law. Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, ss. 1.46-1.48 and 11.04(2)(d); Motor Vehicles Act, s. 135(2) (Workplace Health and Safety Regulations [YT], 2022, ss. 1.46-1.48, 11.04(2)(d); Motor Vehicles Act [YT], 2002, s. 135(2)).

What must be covered.

• Fire procedure. Written procedures or a documented training plan to arrange or provide effective traffic control at incidents (s. 11.04(2)(d)).
• Public way. Protection of workers on a public way at construction projects (ss. 1.46-1.47).
• High visibility. Yukon-specific Level 1, 2 and 3 garments; Level 1 for anyone “directing traffic on a public way” or “endangered by vehicular traffic” (s. 1.48). CSA Z96 is not referenced.
• Traffic powers. A fire brigade member may direct traffic at a fire or emergency when no peace officer is present (MVA s. 135(2)).
• Move-over. None found in the Act.

Fire-service nuance.

• Without a move-over law, scene protection depends entirely on blocking and advance warning.

Status. Partly verified: ss. 1.46 to 1.48 and 11.04(2)(d) read in the Board’s rendering of the regulations and s. 135(2) in the consolidation of the Act on 2026-10-24.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, s. 139; Motor Vehicles Act, s. 241(2) (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NT], 2024, s. 139; Motor Vehicles Act [NT], 1988, s. 241(2)).

What must be covered.

• Traffic control and apparel. Where a worker “is at risk from vehicular traffic on a highway or at any other work site”, high-visibility clothing and a written traffic control plan (s. 139). CSA Z96 is not named, and there is no emergency-scene exemption.
• Move-over. Within 120 m of a stopped emergency or enforcement vehicle with lights flashing, slow to a safe speed “not exceeding one-half of the prescribed speed limit” (s. 241(2)).

Fire-service nuance.

• A standing written plan for typical highway scenes satisfies s. 139 for the first arriving crew; adapt it on scene.

Status. Verified against the official consolidations (regulations to 2024-09-26; Act to 2025-03-21) on 2026-10-24.

Law. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, s. 139 (Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [NU], 2021, s. 139); Traffic Safety Act (consolidated to 2019) (Traffic Safety Act [NU], 1988).

What must be covered.

• Traffic control and apparel. As in the Northwest Territories: high-visibility clothing and a written traffic control plan where workers are at risk from traffic (s. 139).
• Move-over. No slow-down provision in the 2019 consolidation; amendments since 2019 were not checked.

Fire-service nuance.

• Many community roads are unpaved and unlit; lighting and apparel matter more than signage.

Status. Partly verified: s. 139 read in the official consolidation (to 2021-09-28) on 2026-10-24; the Traffic Safety Act consolidation to 2019-12-06 has no slow-down provision, and amendments after it were not read.

Law. Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, s. 12.17 (Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations [CA], 2026, s. 12.17). No federal temporary traffic control rule for emergency scenes.

What must be covered.

• High visibility. Apparel meeting CSA Z96 “if there is a risk of injury … due to moving vehicles” (s. 12.17).
• Traffic control. Provincial law governs public roads and move-over; airport operators set airside rules.

Fire-service nuance.

• Airport fire services work airside among aircraft and service vehicles; the airport’s vehicle and apparel rules apply alongside s. 12.17.

Status. Partly verified: s. 12.17 read in the Justice Laws consolidation (to 2026-09-30) on 2026-10-24; airport airside rules not read.