VEHICLE SAFETY, PART 2
By Bill Grieb
Guidelines
All company vehicles and equipment are to be operated in a safe manner and drivers must adhere to all applicable laws. The driver is totally responsible for the safe operation of the equipment. Accidents or damage must be reported to the supervisor by the vehicle's driver.
The success and the safety of our employees depends on the mutual cooperation of each employee who has been entrusted with the responsibility of driving a company vehicle or their own vehicle while conducting company business.
In order to reduce vehicle accidents and to limit the company's liability resulting from driver negligence, the company should adopt a driver safety program with the following rules.
Use of Personal Vehicles
- Before employees can use their personal vehicles for company business, they are required to provide proof that they own the vehicle or have authorization from the registered owner to drive the vehicle for their work. A copy of the vehicle registration or a letter or other document must be supplied to the employee's supervisor and will be kept on file.
- Before employees can use their personal vehicles for company business, they are required to provide proof that they have auto insurance as required by law in their state. A copy of the employees current policy must be given to the employee's supervisor and will be kept in the personnel files. A new copy must be provided at the time the current policy expires to show that the insurance has been renewed.
Transporting Employees
- When several employees are transported in a van, bus, or truck, the operator must have a license appropriate to the class of vehicle being driven. The transporting vehicles must be equipped with adequate seats.
- Vehicles must be equipped with lamps, brakes, horns, windshields, mirrors, and turn signals in good repair.
Vehicles must be provided with handrails, steps, stirrups or similar devices for mounting or dismounting.
- Employees are prohibited from riding on top of any load which can shift, topple, or otherwise become unstable.
- When tools with sharp edges are carried in passenger compartments they must be placed in closed boxes or containers which cannot shift, topple or become unstable.
- Employee transport vehicles must carry at least two reflective type flares.
- A fully charged fire extinguisher in good condition must be kept in each transport vehicle.
General Safety Rules for Trucks, Tractors, and Forklifts
General Rules
- All operators must be trained and certified at least annually.
- Plant conditions and operator duties should be reviewed at least annually and when any changes occur.
- All rules must be enforced.
- Safety and training records will be maintained.
Operating Rules
1. Only authorized, trained, licensed drivers are permitted to operate equipment.
2. No stunt driving or horseplay.
3. No one shall ride on the forks of lift trucks.
4. No part of the body shall be outside running lines or other areas where shear or crushing hazards exist.
5. No one is permitted to pass or work under the elevated portion of a vehicle.
6. Check vehicle at least once per shift for horn, lights, tires, battery, controller, brakes, steering, cooling, and lift system.
7. Immediately tag and remove from service any unsafe vehicle.
8. Do not exceed authorized or safe speeds.
9. Do not pass at blind spots or in dangerous locations.
10. Sound horn at cross isles and where vision is obstructed.
11. Carry load behind if it obstructs front view.
12. Look ahead and do not move until you are sure all persons are clear of vehicle.
13. Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of a fixed object.
14. Ascend and descend grades slowly. If grade exceeds 10%, keep the load upgraded.
15. Carry the fork as low as possible.
16. When leaving unattended, shut off power, remove key, set brake, bring mast to vertical, and bring forks to down position.
17. When dismounting load, engaging means should be lowered, controls neutralized, and brake set.
18. Do not use on elevators without authorization. Make sure capacity of elevator is not exceeded. Set brake and shut off power.
19. Operate only on floors or platforms that will safely support vehicle and load.
20. Check flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars for breaks or other structural weakness before driving them.
21. Do not drive in or out of trucks or trailers until they are securely blocked and/or brakes set.
22. Follow PUC guidelines with respect to railroad cars.
23. Keep at least one tire width from the edge of any elevated dock, platform, freight car, or truck.
24. Cross railroad tracks diagonally whenever possible.
25. Do no load in excess of rated capacity.
26. Do not move until load is safely secured. Use care when tilting loads.
27. Place load engaging device in a manner such that load is securely held and supported.
28. Take special precautions securing and handling loads by trucks with attachments and in operation after loads have been removed.
Vehicle Safety Rules
1. Vehicles may only be operated by authorized individuals.
2. A proper driver's license and/or operators permit is required.
3. Do not drive any vehicle that you do not feel comfortable handling in both routine and possible emergency situations. Get training if needed.
4. Do not drive any vehicle if your ability is impaired by medication, alcohol, or drugs.
5. All tools and equipment must be secured and not loose.
6. Obey all safety rules. Obey speed rules.
7. Carry a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
8. Look before backing up.
9. Never carry passengers on the outside of a vehicle. This means that nobody is to ride in the bed of a truck.
10. Drive courteously and defensively.
11. Do daily inspections of brakes, horn, steering, tires, seat belts, lights, and suspension. Don't operate any vehicle with a mechanical problem or that is defective.
12. Always wear seat belts and make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
13. Check mirrors. Use turn signals properly.
14. Pay attention to your driving. KEEP ALERT. Take a break if you feel at all tired or drowsy.
15. Set the brake and remove key when leaving the vehicle. Set vehicle's brakes prior to loading or unloading. Secure trucks and trailers from movement during loading and unloading.
16. Report all accidents immediately. But do not discuss responsibility until you have talked to your manager.
C - A - R - S
Employee Safe Driving Agreement
I hereby agree to abide by the following driving guidelines:
C-Certification
Only operate vehicles I am trained and licensed to operate.
Only operate vehicles I am approved by my supervisor to operate.
A-Anticipation
Always check the vehicle for defects and adjust safety devices such as seat belts and mirrors before operating.
Never operate any vehicle when impaired by fatigue, medication, drugs or alcohol or which I do not feel capable of handling in both normal and emergency situations.
R-Responsibility
Obey all laws, rules, regulations, and company policies.
Use common sense and adjust speed and operation to conditions and possible hazards or dangers.
S-Safety
Operate vehicles in a courteous manner, irrespective of behavior of others.
Drive defensively anticipating possible dangers or hazards.
Employee Signature Date
Printed with permission from Safety Information Currents, vol. IV, issue 9.