RULES OF THE ROAD

Here are some basic general and specific rules for using mobile equipment at work.  We will call them Rules of The Road.  If it has wheels and you are in control, you should practice the following. They may prevent injury or death.
     While references will be made to OSHA Standards, keep in mind that OSHA Standards are only the bare minimum that we should be working from.

PRE-OPS
     You should be doing the pre-operational checks when you use mobile equipment.  Pre-ops can be your friend.  They provide documentation of any problem that you find with the equipment.
    They are required at the start of each shift and it is recommended that the first time you operate a piece of equipment during the shift that you do your own inspection even if the pro-op sheet has been filled out.  You may find a problem that was not there at the start of the shift.  After noting all problems on the pre-op sheet report them to your supervisor.

NOTE - OSHA STANDARDS – 29CFR 1910.178

The following Standards mention powered industrial truck but should be applied to all mobile equipment.

• 1910.178(p)(1) If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating condition.
• 1910.178(p)(4) No truck shall be operated with a leak in the fuel system until the leak has been corrected.
• 1910.178(q)(7) Industrial trucks shall be examined before being placed in service, and shall not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle. Such examination shall be made at least daily. Where industrial trucks are used on a round-the-clock basis, they shall be examined after each shift. Defects when found shall be immediately reported and corrected.

Standard Interpretation:

• Question: What if an employer says that a truck cannot be immediately repaired because it is needed as a backup?
• Reply: An employer who does not comply with 1910.178(p)(1) or 1910.178 (q)(7) could be cited by OSHA. 

Operation and Travel
      Near misses are too common in our plants.  All it would take is one wrong step and you will have a fatality. By following a few simple rules all near misses can be eliminated.
     What you will not see here is the operation of specific vehicles such as fork lifts, man savers, etc.  Each vehicle has its own limitations and handling characteristics which you should be trained on before you are required to operate it.
     What we are concerned here with is your travel throughout the plants in relationship with other mobile equipment and employees.

• Take your time and be considerate of others.
• Travel at a safe speed.  No matter what the posted speed is inside the plant a good rule of thumb is to travel no faster than a fast walk.  At this speed it should allow you to be aware of what’s going on around you and come to a stop in a safe manner if necessary
• When approaching employees working, STOP.  Make sure the employee knows you are there (sound horn, etc.) and make eye contact.  Obtain permission to proceed past employee (sounding your horn does not give you permission to go pass employee).
• When traveling the same direction as other mobile equipment, maintain approximately three vehicle lengths from the vehicle ahead.  You don’t know when the vehicle ahead is going to stop or make a turn.
• When traveling the same direction as other mobile equipment or pedestrians DO NOT PASS at intersections.  At all other areas pass only after you have their attention by using your horn and you have been given permission to pass. Remember, they may be stopped because of a hazard in front of them that you cannot see.
• Just as it is out on public roadways you must give right-of-way to all emergency vehicles.  And don’t be nosey, stay clear and let them do their job.

NOTE - OSHA STANDARDS – 29CFR 1910.178

The following Standards mention powered industrial truck but should be applied to all mobile equipment.

• 1910.178(m)(1) Trucks shall not be driven up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object.
• 1910.178(n)(1) All traffic regulations shall be observed, including authorized plant speed limits. A safe distance shall be; maintained approximately three truck lengths from the truck ahead, and the truck shall be kept under control at all times.
• 1910.178(n)(2) The right of way shall be yielded to ambulances, fire trucks, or other vehicles in emergency situations.
• 1910.178(n)(3) Other trucks traveling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations shall not be passed.
• 1910.178(n)(4) The driver shall be required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing.<
• 1910.178(n)(8) Under all travel conditions the truck shall be operated at a speed that will permit it to be brought to a stop in a safe manner.
• 1910.178(n)(9) Stunt driving and horseplay shall not be permitted.
• 1910.178(n)(10) The driver shall be required to slow down for wet and slippery floors.

Conclusion

While the Rules of The Road are very brief, following these recommendations will help keep us safe while traveling throughout the plants.  Just remember if we watch out for each other our families will greatly appreciate it.
    The references that were made to OSHA Standards pertained only to the subject matter.  To view the complete Standards go to Powered Industrial Trucks. - 1910.178.  There you will find other OSHA Standards concerning Powered Industrial Trucks. 

For more OSHA standards try these:

•  Standards - 29 CFR

•  Part 1910 - Occupational Safety and Health Standards

•  OSHA