Which action is required when a traffic control device is damaged and not functioning?

Which action is required when a traffic control device is damaged and not functioning?

• A. Continue operating as usual and report later.
• B. Inform the local municipality and wait for a permit.
• C. Time the replacement to coordinate with the next pay period.
• D. Tag out or remove the device from service, notify supervisor, and replace or repair promptly.

Answer: (D)

When a traffic control device is damaged and not functioning, safety to the traveling public and workers comes first. The proper action is to tag out or remove the device from service, notify your supervisor, and arrange for replacement or repair promptly. Tagging out clearly marks the device as out of service so drivers won’t rely on it, and physically removing it prevents any accidental use. Notifying the supervisor ensures someone with authority coordinates the safer interim measures and the repair, while promptly replacing or fixing it restores proper traffic control quickly. In contrast, continuing to operate a damaged device as if it works, waiting for a permit, or tying the action to a pay period would neglect safety and risk incidents. Implement any necessary interim traffic controls to maintain safety during the outage.

When a traffic control device is damaged and not functioning, safety to the traveling public and workers comes first. The proper action is to tag out or remove the device from service, notify your supervisor, and arrange for replacement or repair promptly. Tagging out clearly marks the device as out of service so drivers won’t rely on it, and physically removing it prevents any accidental use. Notifying the supervisor ensures someone with authority coordinates the safer interim measures and the repair, while promptly replacing or fixing it restores proper traffic control quickly. In contrast, continuing to operate a damaged device as if it works, waiting for a permit, or tying the action to a pay period would neglect safety and risk incidents. Implement any necessary interim traffic controls to maintain safety during the outage.