Essential Gear for New Traffic Controllers

I've seen countless green TCs show up for their first day missing critical gear. Some got sent home immediately, others had to borrow from more experienced controllers (never a good look), and a few even tried to work without proper equipment (dangerous and potentially illegal). We've all forgotten something - in 17 years I've left my radio at home or my boots at the motel once or twice - but your first day is your first impression so make sure it counts. Let me save you the embarrassment and risk - here's exactly what you need to pack for your traffic control career.

The Non-Negotiables: What You MUST Have

These items aren't optional - you simply cannot work without them:

1. Your Traffic Control Tickets/Cards

Always carry your:

  • Traffic Controller card/license
  • Traffic Management Implementer card (if you have it)
  • White Card (Construction Induction Card)
  • Driver's License

Keep these on your person at all times - not in your bag, not in your car. Many sites require you to present these upon entry, and some states legally require you to carry your TC card while working. Some TCs carry them in their wallets, some in a separate little card folder, and others on a lanyard clipped to their belt or hanging inside their shirt. Whatever works for you provides it's safe and reduces the risk of you losing them to as close to zero as possible.

2. Communication Equipment

  • Two-way radio (fully charged)
  • Spare radio batteries
  • Mobile phone (backup communication)

Your radio is your lifeline on site - without it, you can't safely control traffic or communicate with your team. Always check it's fully charged before your shift and know how to change batteries quickly if needed.

3. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

The minimum PPE requirements include:

  • High-visibility long sleeve shirt
  • Long pants
  • Steel-capped boots (no exceptions)
  • Hard hat (even if you don't think you'll need it)
  • Safety glasses (UV protected)
  • Gloves (leather riggers' gloves are best)

Remember that different sites may have additional PPE requirements. For example, some rail projects require specific coloured vests, and some civil projects demand arm sleeves for extra sun protection.

The Essentials: What Makes the Job Bearable

These items aren't strictly required by most companies, but they'll make your life significantly easier:

1. Water and Food

  • Large water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 2 liters)
  • Enough food for 10-12 hours (even if it's scheduled as a 4-hour shift)
  • Small esky/cooler with ice bricks in hot weather

Remember the golden rule of traffic control: "It'll just be a quick 4-hour shift" is industry code for "The customer will hit a water main and you'll be stuck there for 22 hours." Always pack more food and water than you think you'll need.

2. Communication Equipment

  • Fully charged mobile phone
  • Portable phone charger/power bank
  • Notepad and pen for recording details

3. Weather Protection

You'll be working outdoors in all conditions, so you need:

  • Wide-brimmed hat (in addition to your hard hat)
  • High-quality sunscreen (minimum SPF 50+)
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Cold weather gear in winter

Australia's sun is brutal - skin cancer rates among traffic controllers are alarmingly high. Don't mess around with sun protection.

4. Personal Comfort Items

  • Small first aid kit
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Wet wipes
  • Toilet paper and your choice of sanitary item if applicable (you'll thank me for this one day)
  • Spare socks (especially in wet conditions)
  • Personal medications

The reality of traffic control is that you'll often be working in areas with limited or no facilities. Being self-sufficient is key to getting through long shifts comfortably.

The Pro Kit: What Sets Veterans Apart

After a few months on the job, you'll start accumulating these items that separate the professionals from the beginners:

1. Specialized Clothing

  • Multiple layers for changing conditions
  • Cooling towel for extreme heat
  • Thermal underlayers for winter
  • Quick-dry clothing (cotton stays wet for ages)
  • Spare uniform in your car
  • Both summer and winter gloves

2. Site Tools

  • Measuring wheel or tape (for checking sign distances)
  • Pocket multi-tool
  • Can of site marking paint
  • High-powered flashlight or headlamp
  • Whistle (for emergency situations)
  • Small toolkit for minor equipment repairs

3. Comfort Upgrades

  • Ergonomic insoles for your boots
  • Anti-fatigue mat to stand on (if you're on the bat for long periods)
  • Cooling/heating neck wrap
  • Portable camping chair (for breaks)
  • Insulated food container (for hot meals)

Day Shift vs. Night Shift: Different Requirements

The gear you need changes depending on whether you're working days or nights:

Day Shift Specifics

  • UV protective clothing
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Cooling products
  • Polarized safety glasses
  • Extra water
  • Sun shelter if possible

Night Shift Specifics

  • Reflective gear
  • Head torch (hands-free lighting)
  • Extra warm clothing (it gets colder than you expect)
  • Thermos for hot drinks
  • Extra reflective tape on equipment
  • Light-coloured gloves (so drivers can see your signals better)

Always keep a complete set of both day AND night gear in your vehicle. Jobs frequently run longer than expected, and you might need to change uniforms if a day shift extends into the night.

Storage and Transport

How you organize your gear matters almost as much as having it in the first place:

1. Vehicle Setup

  • Sturdy equipment box in your boot/trunk
  • Hanging system for uniforms
  • Dedicated spot for wet weather gear
  • Easy access to frequently used items
  • Plastic containers to keep gear dry and clean

2. Daily Carry

  • Backpack or duffle bag for site essentials
  • Separate small bag for valuables
  • Clip system for attaching gear to your belt/vest
  • Waterproof bags for electronics
  • Designated pocket for your cards/tickets

3. Establish a routine to:

  • Clean and dry gear after each shift
  • Check equipment for damage
  • Restock consumables (sunscreen, hand sanitiser, etc.)
  • Charge electronic devices
  • Replace worn or damaged items promptly

Where to Get Your Gear

You don't need to break the bank getting started:

1. Company-Provided Equipment

Most traffic companies provide:

  • Hi-vis shirts/vests with company logos
  • Hard hats
  • Radios and stop/slow bats
  • Some basic PPE

Check what your company provides before buying duplicates.

2. Best Value Retailers

For everything else:

  • Workwear stores like Totally Workwear, RSEA, and Hard Yakka
  • Discount department stores for basics
  • Online retailers for specialty items
  • Army surplus stores for durable gear at reasonable prices

3. Investment Priorities

If your budget is tight, prioritize spending on:

  1. High-quality boots (you're standing all day)
  2. Proper sun protection
  3. Good wet weather gear
  4. Quality gloves

Skimping on these items will cost you more in the long run through discomfort, injury, or having to replace cheap gear repeatedly.

Preparing Your Kit: The Night-Before Checklist

Get into the habit of preparing your kit the evening before your shift:

  • Check your job allocation details for specific requirements
  • Ensure all electronics are fully charged
  • Pack appropriate food and freeze ice bricks
  • Lay out your clothing
  • Check weather forecast and pack accordingly
  • Place your kit by the door or in your vehicle
  • Set multiple alarms

This routine eliminates morning stress and reduces the chance of forgetting something critical.

The Real Cost of Being Unprepared

Let me be brutally honest - showing up unprepared doesn't just make you look unprofessional, it can:

  • Get you sent home without pay
  • Create safety risks for yourself and others
  • Make you miserable during your shift
  • Brand you as unreliable (meaning fewer shifts in future)
  • Potentially violate workplace health and safety regulations

I've seen supervisors send TCs home for not having proper boots, missing their tickets, or even for not bringing water on a hot day. Don't be that person.

Building Your Kit Over Time

You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with the absolute essentials and build your kit as you gain experience. Many veteran TCs have invested hundreds of dollars in specialized gear that makes their work life more comfortable, but they didn't buy it all on day one.

The best approach is to:

  1. Start with the non-negotiables
  2. Add comfort items as you can afford them
  3. Upgrade key items as they wear out
  4. Learn from experienced colleagues what works best

Final Word: Be Prepared for Anything

Traffic control is unpredictable by nature. The best traffic controllers are those who come ready for anything. When everyone else is struggling with unexpected conditions, you'll be the one who's comfortable, professional, and able to focus on the job.

Remember, your gear isn't just about comfort—it's about safety, professionalism, and making a good impression on supervisors and clients. The small investment in proper equipment pays dividends in more work opportunities and a more comfortable career.

Want a comprehensive packing list and more insider tips for your traffic control career? Download our FREE First Day Kit for a complete guide to preparing for success in the traffic management industry.

About the author: Roger has 17 years of experience in the Traffic Management industry, working his way up from a green TC to managing major infrastructure projects across Australia. Through various roles from Supervisor to National Safety Manager, he's personally trained hundreds of new controllers and witnessed thousands of people enter and exit the industry. This extensive experience has helped him identify what truly makes a top gun in Traffic Management and recognize the significant gap between RTO-delivered training and real-world job expectations. Roger founded Traffic Control Academy with a commitment to helping newcomers avoid the common pitfalls that push so many out of the industry within their first month.

Traffic Control Academy brings together industry professionals at all experience levels to create a collaborative learning community. Our mission is to provide traffic controllers with relatable training resources based on real-world knowledge, while building a space where controllers can share insights, ask questions, and support each other's growth. By joining Traffic Control Academy, you're not just downloading a resource—you're becoming part of a movement to transform how traffic controllers learn, connect, and advance in their careers.