The utility vehicles used at your golf course maintenance facility might not even drive on highways or public roads, but they are required to follow certain regulations as set forth by OSHA.
These vehicles may be easier to use than a regular car, yet their ease of use is what leads to so many injuries and accidents. Your crew might overlook the importance of following proper safety procedures, yet the improper use of these vehicles could lead to serious injuries or even death.
General Utility Vehicle Safety Requirements
In order to prevent accidents, be in compliance with OSHA and maintain your vehicles in good condition, be sure to follow OSHA’s general requirements for utility vehicles.
All vehicles must have:
Given your crew often drives vehicles before sunrise, all vehicles must have at least two headlights and taillights that work, and all vehicles should also have working brake lights. All of the systems above must be kept in operable condition.
Inspecting Utility Vehicles
OSHA requires that every vehicle must be checked at the beginning of each shift to ensure that all necessary parts and systems are working. Every inspection should cover:
The following must be checked if vehicle use requires it:
Hauling Equipment
There are a few additional requirements that apply to hauling equipment. If the equipment’s load is loaded with a crane, loader or similar, the vehicle should have a means of protecting the operator from shifting or falling materials. This could come in the form of a cab shield or canopy. If equipment or load is being hauled in the same compartment as your crew, it needs to be secured to prevent movement during transportation.
Transporting Passengers
To transport other passengers, the vehicle must have enough seats, and the seats should be firmly secured. If the vehicle has seat belts, they must be used. Of course, the only place where a passenger may ride is on a seat.
Utility Vehicle Use Training
It’s very important that anyone in your crew who will be using the vehicles is trained to drive each vehicle, to inspect it, to recognize safety symbols and alerts, to charge or fuel the equipment, as well as any hazards present at each job site. They should also be trained to follow the following usage guidelines. Usage Guidelines:
Guidelines for carrying cargo:
Keep in mind that your crew needs to be trained and retrained periodically, and any new hires should be trained before they are given access to drive any vehicles.
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