Union College Utility Cart Safety Program

Union College Utility Cart Safety Program This program is intended to reduce the risk of property damage or serious injury while providing a safe working environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. The following program outlines basic utility cart safe operation procedures as recommended by the manufacturer and Union College for use on college campus property.

Union College Authorized Operator An Authorized Operator (AO) is any Union College employee, student or designated representative who is authorized to operate a utility cart as part of their normal job or volunteer duties and has completed this safety training program. AO’s must be 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license. AO’s shall be trained in safe operation of a utility cart.

Utility Carts Utility Cart: Electric or motorized small engine or low speed vehicles with a top cruising speed of less than 25mph. Primarily used to move people, deliver supplies, and carry small tools or equipment throughout the campus. Although not regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), it does recommend employers provide training to their employees on utility cart safe operation.

Types of Vehicles Golf Carts Utility Vehicles Low Speed Vehicles (LSV = 15 – 25 mph)

Approval Complete a Union College Driving Record Release application available from Campus Safety Office or Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS).

Privileges Privileges may be revoked, suspended or terminated at anytime for the following violations. Operator performs an unsafe act that places human life at risk. Operator is found to be operating a utility cart, while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Failure to follow rules outlined in this program. Failure to complete the required approval process.

Safety When Operating a Utility Cart Operators must follow posted speed limits. Where limits are not posted, speed must be equivalent to a well paced walk. Utility cart operators must avoid traveling on off-campus roads. When not possible, operators must observe all New York State vehicle traffic laws such as lane travel, stop signs, legal passing of other vehicles, etc. Utility Carts must never be parked in a way that impedes or interferes with normal pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Only operate utility carts assigned to the department or event.

Safety When Operating a Utility Cart Utility carts must be operated on campus roadways or in parking lots when possible When road or parking lot is unavailable or not possible for use, carts may drive on sidewalks with extreme caution. Report all accidents to the department supervisor or event coordinator who will call Campus Safety.

Safety When Operating a Utility Cart continued Never back up without confirming that there are no pedestrians or objects behind the cart Never shift gears while vehicle is in motion Never exceed (posted speed limits) on campus. Obey all traffic laws If vehicle does not have turn signals, you must use hand signals.

Safety When Operating a Utility Cart continued Maintain adequate safe distances when following other vehicles. Approach sharp or blind corners with caution. Reduce speed to compensate for inclines.

It’s Easy, Just Remember: 1 seat 1 Rider 2 seats two Riders Most utility carts used on campus are designed to carry one driver and one passenger. NEVER operate a utility cart with more passengers than it is designed to carry. If the utility cart is manufactured with multiple seats and belts, then each person riding in the cart is required to wear a safety belt. All occupants in the cart shall keep hands, arms, legs and feet within the confines of the cart at all times when the cart is in motion. Never modify a utility cart without first consulting the Union College Environmental Health and Safety Office.

Pedestrians Right-of-Way Remember that pedestrians always have the right of way. Operators of utility carts must yield the right of way. If the utility cart is being operated on a sidewalk, the operator must pull off of the sidewalk or stop the unit when approaching pedestrians.

Safety Checklist Before operating the utility cart, check the following: Tire condition and inflation Brakes (On occasion, due to moisture or lack of use, the brakes may stick) Battery or gas fluid leaks such as wet spots or the smell of battery acid. Remember contact with acid may cause severe burns. DO NOT touch leaking battery fluid. NEVER drive an unsafe utility cart. Immediately notify a supervisor or the event coordinator and remove the cart from service.