Powered Cart Safety Training

(8CCR 3203)Reference California Vehicle Codes Sections 345, 385.5, 2115, and 2115.1

PolicyPolicy

It is the policy of California State University, San Marcos to establish a program that provides the operator of electric or fuel powered carts with the following:

Adequate training so that the vehicle may be Adequate training so that the vehicle may be operated in a safe manner; andoperated in a safe manner; and

A vehicle that is mechanically safe to A vehicle that is mechanically safe to operate on a university campus.operate on a university campus.

Upon completion of this course you should be able to identify:

The design and basic limitations of your powered cart.

Safety rules and regulations that pertain to your powered cart.

How to operate a powered cart in a safe How to operate a powered cart in a safe manner. manner.

Inspections and maintenance requirements relevant to your powered cart.

How powered cart accidents and safety How powered cart accidents and safety violations are handled on campus. violations are handled on campus.

PurposeThe purpose of this program is to provide the University community with a program that can be used to educate vehicle operators in the proper and safe driving practices for powered carts.

This program will highlight minimum safety equipment standards for carts falling under the NHSTA, DOT, OSHA, CCR Title 8, and the CSUSM IIPP.

This program also outlines the personal safety inspections required of allall operators prior to driving an electrical or fuel powered cart on the Campus.

Reference California Vehicle Codes Sections 345, 385.5, 2115, and 2115.1

ScopeScope

AllAll departments and their employees who operate powered carts on the California State University San Marcos campus, including student employees are required to complete the training. This program is available to auxiliary organizations to help promote safe safe drivingdriving habits for their powered carts.

Currently, auxiliary organizations are not allowed to rent, use or lease University owned vehicles.

You will notwill not receive credit for completion of this training if you have not;

o Obtained a valid drivers license. o Had your driving records reviewed by Risk Management

and Safety under the Pull Notice Program. o Completed a CSUSM sponsored Defensive Driving class

with Risk Management and Safetyo Provided all proper documentation (copies of STD 261,

Valid Drivers License, current certificate of Insurance)o Sent a copy of Completion of this Course (found in the

Self Administered Training portion, 2nd link) to RM&S

Departments (Supervisors) - Departments (Supervisors) -

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities • Direct all purchases and requests to purchase

vehicles through the Director of Facility Services.• Ensure that all vehicle operators complete the

training prior to operating a powered cart.• Annually review "Rules for Safe Operation of

Powered Carts" with all powered cart operators.• Ensure that your department’s carts are

routinely inspected and maintained. Contact CSUSM’s Auto Shop 760-750-4607 for cart repair or maintenance.

Departments (Supervisors) - Responsibilities continued…• Ensure a cart needing maintenance is tagged “Out of Out of

Service. DO NOT OPERATE” Service. DO NOT OPERATE” until Facilities Services Vehicle Shop has inspected, and/or repaired the cart, and returns the cart to you in a safe operating condition.

• Immediately report any accidents or injury involving a cart, or theft of a cart to University Police 760-750-4567 or 911 on a campus phone in case of an emergency.

• Within 24 hours of occurrence report all accidents using Standard Forms 270 and 274 (downloadable) http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/osp/pdf/std270.pdf http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/osp/pdf/std274.pdf

• Monitor the driving habits of employees.

Employees (Drivers) - Responsibilities

• Abide by all the rules and regulations specified in this program including;

• Successfully complete the University Defensive Driver course.

• Successfully complete the initial and refresher Powered Cart Safety Program training.

• Obtain a valid drivers license.• Immediately report any accident or injury (NO (NO

MATTER HOW MINOR THE ACCIDENT OR INJURY MATTER HOW MINOR THE ACCIDENT OR INJURY APPEARSAPPEARS) ) involving a cart to your immediate supervisor.

• Immediately report ALL cart maintenance problems to your immediate supervisor.

Pre-Trip Safety Inspection

Check all tires for proper air pressure - use air pressure gauge if you are unsure.

Check all lights (if equipped). Check accelerator pedal for a smooth and non-

binding motion. Test brakes for proper operation. If any of the tested items are not functioning not functioning

properly, take the cart out of service until repairs are completed.

GEM Cart

Note: GEM is not the only brand of electric cart we have on Campus. Check with FS Automotive for details.

Cart BasicsCart Basics (Hands on review) (Hands on review)

• Lights, turn signal, and horn location. • Emergency Brake location and operation.• Accelerator and brake pedal operation.• Forward-Reverse switch location and operation.

I wonderWhat thisDoes?? This activity will be set This activity will be set

up and completed at a up and completed at a later time wit Facility later time wit Facility Services Automotive Services Automotive

Team .Team .

Rules of the RoadRules of the Road

• Please refer to the “do’sdo’s and don’tsdon’ts” located at the end of the Powered Cart Program for “Rules “Rules of the Road.”of the Road.”

Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts:

The following operating rules apply to both electric and gasoline powered carts.

• Only drivers authorized by the university and trained in the safe operation of carts shall be permitted to operate such vehicles.

• All new cart operators must receive training before being allowed to operate a cart.

• Visually inspect cart for problems before use.• Seatbelts must be worn by all vehicle occupants at all times if

equipped. The maximum number of passengers is equal to the number of seatbelts in the vehicle. All passengers must be in a seat while the cart is moving - no exceptions. Drivers violating this safety rule will have their driving privileges suspended.

• Operators and passengers shall keep arms and legs inside the cart at all times and shall not jump on or off of moving vehicles.shall not jump on or off of moving vehicles.

• Operators will not use will not use cell phones, radios, or other electronic devices while the vehicle is moving.

Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Cartscontinued:

• Cart operators shall not shall not use cell phones while driving.• Carts shall be shall be driven on campus streets whenever

possible. If a sidewalk must be used, the vehicle speed should not exceed should not exceed that of the normal pedestrian traffic.

• Carts should not block or limit should not block or limit pedestrian access on sidewalks.

• Carts shall not be driven shall not be driven through pedestrian crosswalks.• Carts shall not be driven shall not be driven on lawns at any time.• Carts cannot be driven cannot be driven off campus unless they have

been registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Rules for Safe Operation of Powered CartsRules for Safe Operation of Powered Cartscontinued:continued:

• Carts shall not be shall not be driven outside the boundaries of the Campus.

• Carts shall observe posted speed limits on all campus roadways. Carts shall not shall not exceed 10 mph10 mph in parking lots.

• Operators shall be shall be familiar with, and observe all all established traffic laws. Citations will be issued for violations of traffic laws.

• Materials and equipment shall be shall be properly secured so that they will not shift or fall offwill not shift or fall off of moving carts.

• Carts shall not be shall not be operated at night without properly working head and tail lights. (Exception: the propane powered cart does not have nor was equipped with tail lights)

• Carts are particularly subject to tipping - be extremely cautious while making turns and while driving on uneven surfaces.

• Parking is prohibited in the following areas: Red zones, Red zones, disabled access spaces, and near building entrances and disabled access spaces, and near building entrances and exits.exits.

• If /when charging electrical carts, wind up the power cord so it is out of operator’s way.

• A three pronged electrical cord should be used to charge electrical carts.

• Before releasing hand brake, make sure the key is turned to the full on position.

• Make sure the cart is engaged in the direction you intend to travel (i.e. forward/reverse).

• Make sure your foot is on the foot pedal brake prior to releasing hand brake.

Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Cartscontinued:

• Release the hand brake prior to using the accelerator pedal.

• If taillights or directional equipment has failed, use hand signals for stopping, turning left, and turning right.

• Be especially cautious when rounding blind corners and backing up.

• ObeyObey StopStop signs and be cautious at entrances to main streets.

• Drive with lights on at dusk, dawn, night, and heavy fog.• Drive to the right side of the road so other vehicles may

safely pass.• Make left turns from roadways with caution and good

judgment.• Drive on cement/asphalt areas whenever possible.

Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Cartscontinued:

• Come to a complete stop before changing directions from forward to reverse.

• Remove the key(s) and set parking brake when away from the cart.

• Use extreme caution when operating carts on uneven or non-level surfaces.

• Drive slowly and cautiously at all times.• Allow a safe distance between the cart and pedestrians when

passing.• Allow pedestrians the right-of-way.• Cross the campus on designated streets.• Report all accidents, injuries, or violations to University Police

at x4567.• Report all mechanical problems to the Facilities Services

Vehicle Shop x4607.

Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Cartscontinued:

DO NOT:

o Leave your keys in the ignition.o Allow yourself or passengers to hang feet, legs, or arms,

out of the cart.o Drive while using headphones, cell phones/radios etc..o Drive with more than two people on front seat or anyone

in the back of the cart without sitting in a seat meant for passengers.

o Cut corners. Cutting corners can lead to a roll over, it also damages property. (e.g. breaks sprinklers, ruins grass, shrubbery, etc.)

o Make abrupt directional changes.

Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Cartscontinued:

DO NOT:DO NOT:o Drive with material loaded on the back of the cart without

tightened down straps or appropriate netting, or other means of securing the load.

o Skid unless under emergency situations because this greatly strains brake components.

o Use the accelerator to hold the cart on an incline.o Drive or park on grass, unless it is absolutely essential.o Operate carts off of University property.o Drive carts under the influence of alcohol.o Park carts in areas that would obstruct fire exits from

buildings.o Play or “rough house” on carts.o Yell or scream while operating a cart.

Rules for Safe Operation of Powered CartsRules for Safe Operation of Powered Cartscontinued:continued:

NO PARKING ZONESNO PARKING ZONES

There are some areas on Campus where parking is restricted, please look for signage; one of the areas of concern is the 3rd level of Kellogg Library at the entry and side corridor areas,

These areas contain removable tile and can be damaged or cause a safety

hazard if parked on.

Kellogg Library Raised Tile Area

DETAIL

What are the leading causes of bicyclist and pedestrian related cart accidents?

Speeding

Failure to yield at a cross walk.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal, or prescription drugs.

What are the leading causes of powered cart operator injury?Quick turns.

Inability to recognize changes in terrain. (e.g. dips, oil, water)

Not wearing seatbeltsNot wearing seatbelts.

Reporting and follow up for powered cart accidents and safety violations on campus.

• Please report all cart accidents and observed cart violations to University Police by calling 760-750-4567 or 911 on a campus phone in case of an emergency.

• Provide University Police with: The cart identification number, which can be found on either sides of the cart, the location of the accident/violation, the type of accident/violation, date, and approximate time the accident/violation was observed.

• University Police will relay violationviolation information to the Department Supervisor that is responsible for that particular cart. A copy of the notice to the supervisor regarding the cart violation will be maintained in the Risk Management & Safety Office.

Reporting powered cart accidents and safety violations continued…

• The supervisor will investigate the referred cart violation and speak to both the driver and any witness(es) to look for the root cause of the violation.

• RM&S will be notified by University Police in the case of an accident. A subsequent investigation may take place to identify root cause and assist in eliminating similar accidents from occurring in the future.

• Depending on the results of the investigation, the supervisor will take appropriate disciplinary actions. Any corrective action following a violation will be documented and notification sent to the Risk Management and Safety Office.

Last but certainly not least…

Powered Cart Refresher Training is required when:

• An employee has an accident involving a cart. • An employee has received notice of a cart

violation.• Every four years per the Department of

Governmental Services (DGS) State Administrative Manual (SAM).

When you have completed this program contact your supervisor and send an e-mail copied to your supervisor (MPP) and the form from the Self Administered/Paper training signed by you and your supervisor and send a copy to copy to RM&S.

Contact Facility Services Automotive to arrange for an orientation on the best operation practice and maintenance overview. If you have questions contact Risk Management and Safety at Ext. 4502.

The keys to cart safety are in your hands!!!

Please Drive Please Drive Safely!!!Safely!!!