Utility Vehicle Safety Policy
Documents
Utility Vehicle Safety Policy听(Adobe PDF Format)
Training Verification Form听(Microsoft Word Document)
Training Verification Form听(Adobe PDF Format)
Introduction
The information and instructions included in this policy will enable operators of
utility vehicles to avoid situations that may compromise their safety or the safety
of those in the vicinity of the vehicle, and avoid damaging the vehicle or other property.
Definition
A utility vehicle, as used in this policy, is defined as any vehicle used for University
business, regardless of size or energy source, used primarily for the transportation
of persons or cargo which is non-licensed, including golf carts, club cars, Gators,
tractors, mowers and ATVs.
Scope
This policy applies to all utility vehicles owned, leased, or operated on University
premises by University employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors, or agents.
Requirements
- Possess a valid Louisiana driver鈥檚 license.
- Complete the Driver Safety Program offered by the university.
- Know and adhere to the State of Louisiana motor vehicle laws.
- Successful completion of annual Utility Vehicle Training (operator鈥檚 training will
include signing a statement of understanding).
Responsibilities
Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, and Departments Heads Ensure overall implementation
of this policy.
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Supervisors
- Ensure that all employees in their department who are authorized to use utility vehicles
complete the requirements of this policy prior to operating a utility vehicle.
- Implement procedures for control of utility vehicles registered to their department.
- Ensure that utility vehicles are operated in accordance with the manufacturer鈥檚 recommendations.
- Ensure each utility vehicle is tagged with the maximum load capacity recommended by
the manufacturer.
- Provide periodic evaluation, counseling, and training as may be appropriate to correct
non-compliance with this policy.
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Employee/Student
- Must be knowledgeable regarding the requirements and guidelines set by this policy.
- Responsible for the security of the utility vehicle for the period that the vehicle
is assigned to them.
- Immediately notify their supervisor if and when their driver鈥檚 license is suspended
or revoked.
- Should not operate a utility vehicle owned by other departments unless approval has
been granted by the supervisor of the department/unit to which the utility vehicle
is registered.
- Provide timely notification of safety and maintenance concerns to the Physical Plant.
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Environmental Health and Safety Office
- Provide annual training of the utility vehicle policy.
- Retain all documentation of trained employees/students.
Safety
Daily Inspection
Inspections of utility vehicles should be done at least once per day at the beginning
of the operator鈥檚 shift.
- Are the tires inflated to the proper pressure?
- Are there any loose parts?
- Are all the fluids maintained at the proper levels?
- Is there any evidence of fluid leaks?
- Is the vehicle steering loose?
- Is the audible reverse alarm operational, if equipped?
- Are the brakes functioning properly?
- Are the side and rear view mirrors in good condition, e.g., not cracked, fogged, loose,
or dirty?
- Are seat belts accessible for use and in good condition?
- Is the horn operational?
- Are all signals fully functional?
- Is all the original equipment safety features maintained in good working order as
recommended by the manufacturer鈥檚 service schedule?
- Are operational flashing hazard lights on top of the utility vehicle operational?
- Are slow moving vehicle reflective triangles clearly displayed on all utility vehicles
and trailers in tow?
- Are there any other visibly defective items noted?
Anything noted to be not in proper working order should be reported to the Supervisor
and the utility vehicle taken out of service until properly repaired.
- Seats belts must be used when provided.
- No utility vehicle shall be operated between dusk and dawn without properly working
headlights and taillights.
- All utility vehicles must be equipped with a functional horn.
- Utility vehicles shall not be modified in any manner that affects the recommended
mode of operation, speed, or safety of the vehicle.
- Operators of utility vehicles which are not equipped with turn indicators shall use
appropriate hand signals.
Cargo
Utility vehicles equipped with a back carriage shall not be overloaded. Overloading
decreases maneuverability and safe operation.
Materials and equipment shall be loaded so they will not cause a hazard by shifting
or falling off.
- Top heavy equipment is especially dangerous and should be secured near the center
of the vehicle to avoid tipping. Be extremely careful during turning maneuvers.
- Loads must not extend more than one foot from either the side or the front of a utility
vehicle.
- Loads that extend more than three feet from the rear of the vehicle must be flagged
with a brightly colored material, usually red or orange.
Operation
Authorized Utility Vehicle Operators
Employees/students that have satisfactorily completed the requirements outlined above
in section 4.
Utility vehicles shall be operated in compliance with the common 鈥渞ules of the road鈥�
regardless of whether vehicles are operated on sidewalks or roadways.
Utility vehicles shall be operated in a manner that does not interfere with normal
pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow on roadways, sidewalks, and ramps.
Utility vehicles shall not be driven in buildings.
Speed Limit
All speed limits shall be observed.
Operators must account for conditions that may require driving at slower speeds:
- Slippery sidewalks, roadways, or other surfaces due to rain, ice, snow, sand, or oil.
- Heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Reduced visibility due to weather conditions.
- When approaching intersections or blind spots.
Intersections and Crosswalks
- Operators must come to a complete stop before crossing a roadway or proceeding through
intersecting sidewalks or other areas that have blind spots.
- Operators must stop utility vehicles at all blind intersections and sound horn before
proceeding.
- Operators may cross roadways only at pedestrian crosswalks by slowly driving alongside
the pedestrian crosswalk (do not drive within the marked pedestrian crosswalk).
- Operators must obey all traffic signals. Operators must look in all directions prior
to entering the intersections and crossing.
Pedestrians (including those who employ wheelchairs or any type of mobility assistance)
- Utility vehicles shall be operated with the utmost courtesy, care, and consideration
for the safety and convenience of pedestrians.
- Pedestrians shall be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
- Operators must account for the fact that a pedestrian may be physically impaired and
unable to hear or see the utility vehicle, or unable to move quickly.
- Operators must reduce speeds in heavy pedestrian traffic or stop until the traffic
has lessened.
- Operators must never attempt to get pedestrians out of their way by intimidating them
to step off the sidewalk.
- Whenever an operator feels he/she cannot predict the actions of a pedestrian or other
vehicle operator, he/she must come to a complete stop before proceeding.
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Parking
- Utility vehicles shall not be parked within 6-8 feet of the entrance or exit of any
building, except at loading docks, safety equipment, or machinery.
- Utility vehicles shall not be parked in a way that blocks stairs, sidewalks, fire
hydrants, fire lanes, or handicap ramps.
- Utility vehicles shall not be parked in any manner likely to obstruct or interfere
with the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
- Utility vehicles shall not be driven or parked in the breezeway of any building.
- Utility vehicles shall not be parked or driven in covered entrances of buildings,
including the entrance of the library.
General Guidelines
i. All body parts 鈥� feet, legs, and arms shall be kept inside the vehicle while it
is in motion, unless the operator is signaling for a turn.
ii. Operators or passengers shall not jump on or off vehicles in motion.
iii. Observe the limit of two (2) occupants per seat rule.
iv. No passengers will be permitted on utility vehicles unless provided with adequate
seating. No one is permitted to ride on the running boards, fenders, or any part of
the vehicle except the seats.
v. Always remain seated and hold on while vehicle is in motion.
vi. Before starting the vehicle, assure it is not in gear.
vii. Check the area behind the vehicle before backing up.
viii. Slow down before and during turns. All turns shall be executed at reduces speeds.
ix. Drive the vehicle only as fast as terrain and safety considerations allow.
x. Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions,
as well as environmental factors that may affect your ability to operate the vehicle
safely.
xi. Avoid sudden stops or change of direction that may results in a loss of control.
xii. Operators shall not stop in the middle of roads or walkways.
xiii. Brake to control speed when traveling down an incline.
xiv. Exiting the utility vehicle
- Turn the key to 鈥渙ff鈥� position.
- Engage brake.
- Remove the key.
Enforcement
a. The supervisor and any utility vehicle operator must review this policy annually
or as situation warrants.
b. Violations of this policy shall be reported to the Environmental Health and Safety
Office.
c. The operator鈥檚 supervisor shall be notified.
d. The privilege of operating a utility vehicle may be revoked at anytime.
e. University progressive disciplinary procedures shall apply to employees who violate
this safety policy. Vendors and contractors shall face sanctions appropriate to the
terms of their contract with the University.
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Safety Office