SmartFlagger awarded interim TIPES Certification

The NTRO Governance Board is pleased to announce the award of Interim Certification under TIPES to Guardian SmartFlagger (a remotely operated, temporary traffic control device).

The certification awarded is ‘interim’ in that the product is required to undergo additional, specific, field observation within three months of issue.

The TIPES (Transport Infrastructure Product Evaluation Scheme) process requires a Product Evaluation Panel (PEP), comprising of internal (NTRO) and external Subject Matter Experts, to be satisfied that the technical claims made for the product can be substantiated. This involves consideration of a portfolio of documentary evidence collated and submitted by the proponent, as supplemented by any specific PEP requirements, e.g. any additional laboratory tests, field data etc.

Guardian SmartFlagger already has close to a decade’s performance in Canada and US, where over 1,000 units are in operation and the overall safety performance is highly impressive. Notwithstanding, the PEP has given extensive consideration of its application to Australian conditions, particularly given the industry’s move away from the use of ‘STOP/SLOW’ bats.  

Nigel Powers, NTRO Certification’s Governance Manager, provided his congratulations to the proponent.

“Site20/20 have shown faith in the TIPES framework and process and have been respectful of, and responsive to, the technical requests and questions of the PEP.

“All of this affords a valuable and robust evaluation and we sincerely hope, subject to the field observation requirement being successful, that Full Certification won’t be long coming for this product.”

Paul Hillier, Principal Professional Leader, NTRO Certification, was particularly pleased to see a mature, international product go through the process.

“The proponents and their local supporter, Fulton Hogan, both display an obvious passion for roadworker safety and there is confidence in the product.

"While the physical concept of SmartFlagger is not a new one, the introduction of latest and emerging communication technology is impressive and has the potential to add considerable value to the industry. The PEP looks forward to the field performance to date in Australia being verified within the next three months, and ultimately the issue of a Full Certificate.”

For further information about NTRO Certification and the TIPES process, click here