SECTION SEVEN: SAFETY ISSUES AND TOPICS



SECTION SEVEN: SAFETY ISSUES AND TOPICS

1. Confined Space Entry

For the purposes of this manual, a confined space is defined as any space which must be entered through a manhole or other restricted opening, which has limited natural ventilation, which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and which is not intended for continuous occupancy.

Prior to assigning employees to work in a confined space, the supervisor in charge must examine all processes involved to determine what hazards are likely to exist and what monitoring procedures are needed. Entry into a confined space should never be allowed without proper supervision. The supervisor must be near the entrance to the confined space and specify:

a. duration of the entry,

b. identification of the confined space,

c. chemicals in the area prior to entry,

d. ventilation and other engineering requirements,

e. oxygen and explosive gas checks,

f. short-term exposure limits and threshold limit values,

g. atmospheric concentration,

h. types of respirator protection and protective equipment required,

i. safety harness or retrieval equipment and standby personnel, and

j. specific tools for use in the confined space.

Supervisors should plan to conduct special training sessions for employees who will be working in confined areas. Topics to be covered might include task planning, hazard recognition, monitoring equipment, personal protective equipment, standby responsibilities, rescue and engineering controls, lockout procedures, and blinding practices. Supervisors should regularly evaluate confined space procedures to ensure effectiveness.

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2. Electrical Safety

Most electrical equipment is designed and built for specific types of service. Equipment will operate with maximum efficiency and safety only when used for that service and under appropriate conditions. Each department should select electrical equipment which is appropriate for the work to be performed and which complies with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Electrical Code, or the Underwriters Laboratory. In view of the fact that electrical shocks and burns kill or injure thousands of persons each year, supervisors should ensure that both office and field personnel use electrical equipment only for the purposes intended, and that they follow safety regulations.

a. Office Employees

Office employees should observe the following electrical safety procedures:

(1) Only a qualified electrician should install electrical equipment.

(2) Current-carrying parts of office machines, lighting fixtures, and electrical appliances should not be exposed, and all non-current-carrying metal parts should be grounded to prevent shocks.

(3) Office furniture should be arranged and outlets located so that few extension cords are needed. Extension cords, when necessary, should be clipped to the back of desks or taped down. Those running over floor areas where employees walk should be enclosed to prevent tripping. Spliced cords should not be used.

(4) Floor outlets should be located under desks to eliminate tripping hazards and placed where they will not be accidentally kicked or used as a foot rest. As they loosen or wear out, outlets can become sources of electrical shock. Outlet plates should be kept tight to prevent short circuits and to eliminate the possibility of shock.

(5) Cords for electrically operated office machines, fans, lamps, and other equipment should be inspected frequently to ensure that they are not worn or frayed and that their insulation is not damaged. Defective cords can cause shocks or burns and should be replaced immediately.

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(6) Electrical equipment should have on/off switches so that it is not necessary to pull the plug to shut off the power.

(7) Electrical circuits should not be overloaded with adapters which create electrical fire hazards.

b. Field Employees

Employees who work primarily in the field and face additional electrical hazards should follow these rules:

(1) Employees working with circuits carrying 110 volts or higher should wear the necessary personal protective equipment.

(2) Employees who encounter situations in which there is danger that they or their vehicle or equipment might come into contact with electrical wires, should report this to their supervisors. If at all possible, the hazard should be removed before proceeding with the work.

(3) Employees should consider poles, aerial lifts, and other similar devices to be electrical conductors when they are likely to come into contact with electrical wires. They should be treated as "live", and employees who may come in contact with this equipment should wear the necessary protective equipment. The vehicle operator should not leave the cab, nor should other employees touch the equipment to remove tools during the work operation when the danger of contact exists.

(4) Employees should be particularly cautious after wind and electrical storms. Moisture and damaged wires pose definite electrical hazards.

(5) Ground fault interrupters should be considered where appropriate.

c. General Safety Principles for Use of Electrical Equipment

Some general electrical safety principles which are appropriate for all work areas are:

(1) Transformers, dead-front control boards, switches, motor starters, and other electrical equipment should be installed so that the possibility of accidental contact with energized conductors is minimal.

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(2) When space and operating requirements permit, electrical equipment should be placed in the least congested areas of the work place, or where practical, in special rooms for authorized personnel only.

(3) Warning signs should be displayed near exposed current-carrying equipment parts. These signs should be large enough to be read easily and should be visible to anyone approaching the hazardous area.

(4) Motors should be mounted so that they do not interfere with the normal movement of personnel or materials. Non-enclosed motors should be in areas free from dust, moisture, and flammable or corrosive vapors.

(5) When practical, the power should be disconnected when electrical equipment is not in use.

(6) Electrical equipment should have proper guards in accordance with appropriate codes and laws, as well as departmental policies. The guards should be kept in place and in good condition.

(7) Electrical equipment should be grounded and kept free from moisture, dust, flammable vapors or liquids, and hazardous chemicals.

(8) Only those employees trained to operate electrical equipment should use it.

(9) All electrical equipment should be inspected regularly and kept in a safe condition.

These safety guidelines represent only the basics of electrical safety. For further information, see the guidelines issued by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI-C-2).

In formulating departmental safety practices, department heads, supervisors, and committees should institute procedures which are appropriate for the electrical hazards associated with their particular areas. Procedures such as lockouts, protective equipment requirements, and the use of guards should be developed and distributed to all employees involved.

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3. Extreme Weather Conditions

Some College employees work outside in conditions of extreme heat and old. Such conditions can pose special threats to health and safety if proper precautions are not taken.

a. Cold Weather

Employees who work outside in cold weather can develop hypothermia, a condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. First, the blood vessels constrict in an attempt to conserve vital internal heat. Hands and feet are affected first. If the body continues to lose heat, involuntary shivers begin. Further heat loss produces speech difficulty, forgetfulness, loss of manual dexterity, collapse, and eventually, death. Therefore, employees should keep their heads, necks, and hands covered in cold weather. It is important to have a dead air space between the warm body and clothing and the outside air. Many layers of relatively light clothing and an outer shell of windproof material will maintain normal body temperature much better than a single heavy outer garment worn over ordinary indoor clothing. Employees should also make sure that their clothing allows some venting for perspiration. Because wet skin will freeze more rapidly than dry skin, employees should keep as dry as possible in cold weather.

b. Hot Weather

Extremely hot weather can result in several heat-related disorders.

(1) Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful, intermittent spasms of involuntary muscles following hard physical work in a hot environment. Cramps usually occur after heavy sweating and often begin at the end of a work shift.

(2) Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion causes profuse sweating, weakness, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, and headache. The skin is cool and sometimes pale and clammy with sweat. Body temperature is normal or subnormal. Nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness may occur.

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(3) Heat Stroke

Heat stroke causes increased body temperature but there is little or no sweating. The skin is hot, dry, and flushed. Increased body temperature, if uncontrolled, may lead to delirium, convulsions, coma, and eventually death. Medical care is urgent.

The amount and kinds of clothing that employees wear are extremely important in controlling heat stress. Loose-fitting clothing is advised in very humid areas. Adequate fluid and salt intake are also important. Appropriate first aid procedures and training are necessary to control these hazards.

4. Fire Prevention and Extinguishment

A fire prevention program, to be effective, must have the understanding and cooperation of every employee. Good housekeeping is one of the most important factors in fire prevention. Rubbish and combustible materials shall not be permitted to accumulate around buildings and other structures in such a way as to constitute a fire hazard. Much can be done in the design and layout of offices, storage areas, and workshops to provide fire protection and to facilitate good housekeeping. Fire fighting equipment shall be provided in compliance with the standards and codes provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

a. Fire Prevention

(1) Electrical Wiring

Since defective electrical wiring poses a constant fire hazard, all electrical circuits and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code and shall be maintained in good repair. Excessive use of extension drop cords and the overloading of electrical outlets further increase the fire hazard. Such cords and outlets shall be properly used and inspected frequently. For additional information, see the electrical safety section at the beginning of this section.

(2) Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside all Amarillo College buildings. “No Smoking” signs will be posted in areas where there are unusual fire hazards, such as oil and gasoline storage, gasoline pumps, garages, etc. The no smoking rule shall be rigidly enforced.

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Smoking is permitted outside Amarillo College buildings. All smoking materials must be extinguished and placed in the proper receptacles, which are located at the entrances of all buildings.

(3) Storage Facilities

Gasoline, oils, paints, and other flammable liquids and materials shall be stored in specially prepared containers and rooms, or in isolated buildings. Paint spraying operations shall be located in separate areas or buildings specifically designed for that purpose.

b. Fire Extinguishment

(1) Fire Fighting Provisions

Suitable provisions for extinguishing fires shall be provided. Buildings and structures of the College shall be ensured protection by the established municipal fire department. Full reliance should never be placed on portable hand extinguishers, as all of these have a limited capacity. Water, in ample supply and pressure, should always be available for fire fighting. Sprinkler systems, automatic extinguishers, or other systems should be installed when the value of the structure, equipment, or supplies to be protected justifies the cost of installation.

(2) Standpipes

Where sufficient water is available, suitable standpipes and hose installations should be provided in warehouses, office buildings, shops and garage buildings for extinguishing Class A fires. Standpipes and hoses should be installed near outside exits or in other places of safety and accessibility, and personnel should be familiar with their location and use.

(3) Portable Hand Fire Extinguishers

All College-owned buildings, warehouses, offices, shops, and other structures, excluding private residences, shall be equipped with portable dry-chemical extinguishers commensurate in size, number, and type with the standards of the National Fire Protection Association. Extinguishers shall be located near outside exits or in other places of relative safety and accessibility.

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The fire extinguisher location shall be made readily visible by painting a panel of contrasting color, usually red. Personnel shall be instructed in the proper fire fighting procedures and drills shall be conducted on a regular basis.

(4) Classes of Fires

From the standpoint of extinguishment, fires are divided into three classes:

(a) Class A

Fires of ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, textiles, asphalt, and brush, that do not melt readily under heat.

(b) Class B

Fires of flammable materials, such as gasoline, oil, grease, and similar products.

(c) Class C

Fires in electrical equipment where it is important that the extinguishing agent be a nonconductor.

Fire prevention shall be a prime consideration in developing division and department safety policies. Safety committees and supervisors can serve major roles in developing such a program. Checklists may be developed to help standardize inspections and to assist in the recognition of fire hazards. The Occupational Safety and Environmental Officer is responsible for maintaining fire fighting equipment, correcting fire hazards when noted, and assisting supervisors with training of personnel.

If a fire occurs, a reasonable assessment must be made of the dangers involved. Under no circumstances should employees expose themselves to injury by fire. If a fire poses a substantial threat and cannot be easily extinguished, personnel shall evacuate the area and call the fire department, IMMEDIATELY! The Fire Department's emergency number is 911, and it should be posted where it is readily available. The exact building location must be stated during the call. The fire dispatcher can send help if needed.

5. Hand Tools

Hand tools are so universally used that their potential to injure may sometimes be overlooked.

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However, if carelessly used, hand tools can cause damage regardless of whether they are powered by human muscle, electricity, air, or gasoline. Most accidents are not caused by the tools themselves but by the people who use them.

a. General Guidelines

Some general guidelines for avoiding injury while using hand tools, whether manual or power-driven, are:

(1) Use the right tool for the job; don't substitute.

(2) Use only those tools that are in good condition.

(3) Use the tool properly; don't misuse a tool.

(4) Wear the proper personal protective equipment when using tools.

(5) Store and carry tools safely in the work area.

b. Manual Tools

Manual tools are the most commonly-used tools. They may fall under the categories of striking and struck tools, torsion tools, screwdrivers, or saws. The above general guidelines apply to their use and should be carefully followed to avoid injuries.

c. Electrical Tools

Electrical tools can cause injuries, particularly if not handled properly. And, because of the magnitude of the power activating them, the potential seriousness of the injuries associated with them is vastly increased. General guidelines for using electrically powered tools include:

(1) avoiding dangerous environments such as wet, damp, or gaseous work places;

(2) becoming familiar with the tool so that its work action on any material can be anticipated;

(3) dressing safely and avoiding loose clothing and jewelry which can catch on moving parts;

(4) disconnecting the tool before changing accessories or parts;

(5) keeping the on/off switch in the "off" position when carrying the tool;

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(6) protecting the power cord, never carrying the tool by the cord and never disconnecting the tool by yanking the cord;

(7) using proper extension cords, especially when working outdoors;

(8) keeping tools sharp, clean, and lubricated per instructions and allowing only trained personnel to make repairs;

(9) reading instructions for unfamiliar tools and ensuring that the workers are familiar with their proper use;

(10) keeping the guards on the tool in place and not bypassing or circumventing them;

(11) ensuring that tools with three-pronged plugs are used with grounded extension cords and receptacles;

(12) ensuring that materials are secured whenever possible when using electrical tools on them;

(13) working in well-lighted areas and having fire extinguishers available; and

(14) storing tools in clean, dry spaces.

Proper and regular maintenance of electrically powered tools is vital to tool safety. Employees should be instructed on how to recognize defects in tools and how and when to inspect them. The extent of inspections and the responsibility for repairs should be clearly defined.

d. Air-Powered Tools

Air is used to power a variety of tools, and the hazards vary with the functions of the tool. Air-powered tools are commonly used as fasteners; wrenches; saws; routers; shears; and abrasive, percussion, and twisting devices. Special attention should be given if the tool presents a special or particular hazard not normally encountered when handling tools. The following are general safety guidelines for air-powered tools:

(1) Operators should be thoroughly trained in proper operation, inspection, and maintenance of the tool.

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(2) Hands and clothing should be kept from the operating end of the tool.

(3) Tools, air hoses, and couplings should be inspected and tested before use.

(4) Guards and safety devices should be in place and used according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

(5) Air hoses and lines must be bled of pressure before separation, if not done automatically.

(6) Warning signs and protective equipment should be used when needed to protect nearby personnel from chips, dust, noise, or other hazards.

6. Hazards in the Office

Practically half of America's work force is employed in office buildings. Offices are usually considered relatively safe places to work, especially compared to many heavy industries, but even offices contain "hidden" danger zones. Studies indicate that the primary types of office accidents are slips and falls, strains and over-exertion, being struck by or striking against some object, and being caught in or between some object(s).

Tripping and slipping hazards, such as loose telephone wires or extension cords and wet or highly waxed floors, are the immediate causes of most slips and falls. Many muscle strains result from working in uncomfortable positions caused by short desks or improperly designed chairs. Sharp or protruding desk edges cause many accidents. Accidents may also be caused by poor office layout or inadequate administrative practices. Proper attention to such factors as noise, temperature, lighting, production rates, equipment, and work space design can eliminate many accident causes.

Designers of office areas often focus their attention on machine and work stations and give only secondary consideration to personnel safety and comfort. Today's offices are becoming filled with highly technical equipment such as photocopiers, typesetters, computers, and paper shredders just to name a few. Quite often, unqualified operators attempt to repair these pieces of equipment, causing personal injury as well as property damage. Pieces of equipment are often purchased without proper consideration being given to where they are to be placed. As a result, emergency exits and fire extinguishers are often blocked. Windowless offices and flammable plastics also present unique fire hazards that are often overlooked.

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Many office jobs are repetitive and monotonous in nature, leading to worker muscle stress, boredom, and inattention which can often lead to accidents. Proper attention to office design, work standards, and human factors must be given if office hazards are to be controlled. Work stations shall be designed to prevent unnecessary body stress from repetitive motion, poor posture, and strained vision. Proper ergonomics shall be practiced at all times. Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people and their work environment. Simply put, it means achieving the “best fit” between worker and workplace so that work will be accomplished efficiently without worker physical and mental stress.

7. Ladders, Scaffolds, and Work Platforms

a. Ladders

Proper selection, use, and care of ladders prevents accidents. In most cases it is ladder misuse rather than ladder failure that causes accidents. When selecting a ladder, consider the load the ladder will handle, the length needed, and the work site requirements. The load includes the weight of the materials being carried. Due to the angle at which a ladder is set up, the actual reach achieved through its use is much less than its actual length. Preparation, set-up, and climbing practices are all important factors in safe ladder use. When preparing to use a ladder, all parts of the ladder should be checked and serviced. Any broken or bent ladders should be tagged and removed from service. The manufacturer's instructions should be carefully followed.

b. Scaffolding

Types of scaffolding include built-up scaffolds, rolling scaffolds, light-duty suspended scaffolds, heavy-duty suspended scaffolds, and ladder-jack scaffolds. Some general practices for the safe use of scaffolding are:

(1) Scaffold footing shall be sound, rigid, and capable of carrying the scaffold load without settling.

(2) Guardrails and toe boards must be used on all open sides and ends of platforms which are more than 10 feet above the ground level.

(3) All planking or platforms must either be overlapped by at least 12 inches or be secured from movement.

(4) A safe access must be provided.

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(5) All supports must be plumb and securely braced.

(6) Overhead protection must be worn when overhead hazards exist.

c. Powered Work Platforms

A variety of powered work platforms are in use today. Types of powered platforms include man lifts and scissor telescoping or articulating types of mobile aerial work platforms. Some general safety practices to follow when using powered work platforms include:

(1) Conduct daily maintenance inspections and annual detailed checks and testing.

(2) Do not use machines without proper guardrails and equipment.

(3) Do not use ladders or other devices to increase the height on the platform.

(4) Stand firmly in the platform floor and do not sit on rails or guards.

(5) Wear a body belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket.

8. Machine Guarding

Machine guarding ideally begins on the drawing board, instead of consisting of homemade, add-on components. Although machines are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, the basic purposes of mechanical guarding remains the same -- to protect against and prevent injury from the following sources: workers making contact with moving parts; work in process from making contact with personnel; mechanical failure; electrical failure; and human failure resulting from distraction, fatigue, illness, or deliberate carelessness.

a. Types of Guards

Guards used to make machinery safe at points of operation include fixed enclosure guards and interlocking guards.

(1) Fixed Enclosure Guards

Fixed enclosure guards are generally preferable to all other types and should be used whenever possible, except in specific situations where they are deemed impractical.

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The principal advantages of enclosure guards are that they

permanently prevent access to the dangerous parts of the machine and confine flying objects.

(2) lnterlocking Guards

Interlocking devices are designed to prevent machine motion until the guard is moved into place or is otherwise acting so that the operator cannot reach the danger zone. Interlocking devices may be mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or a combination of these.

b. Locking Out

For maintenance, it is vital that machines be put into a state in which unexpected movement is reduced to the minimum. The procedure most commonly used is that of lockout or power lockout. The difficulty with the concept is that its meaning varies greatly in each individual's mind. There are employees who use it in a very precise manner to include all of the logical precautions that should be taken to shut down a machine for maintenance. But there are others who take the term to mean merely locking off the electrical switch. Between the two extremes, there exists a complete spectrum of individual interpretations. As a result, a machine that is considered "locked out" by one employee may not necessarily be in a safe condition to be worked on by another individual, although both believe that the machine is safe from any movement.

A "locked out" machine is still capable of injuring or killing someone who is working in, on, or around it. In trying to achieve maximum protection for machine operators and maintenance and service personnel it is important to consider far more than merely locking out electrical energy. Depending on the type of equipment involved, the following additional sources of power should be taken into account:

(1) hydraulic fluids under pressure,

(2) compressed air,

(3) energy stored in springs,

(4) potential energy from suspended parts, and

(5) any other sources that might cause unexpected mechanical movement.

All such energy sources must be neutralized before any maintenance or set-up work can be done safely.

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9. Material Handling

a. Lift Trucks

NO Amarillo College employee shall operate a lift truck or forklift without prior safety and proficiency training. Documentation of training will be kept on file by the employee’s immediate supervisor and the Occupational Safety and Environmental Department.

Lift trucks come in many shapes and sizes. When selecting a lift truck, special consideration should be given to engine emissions, noise emissions, maintenance, human factors in engineering, and driver visibility. Safe lift truck operating procedures include:

(1) using horn at intersections,

(2) securing dockboards and bridgeplates,

(3) using lift truck guards when loads are lifted higher than the operator's head,

(4) turning the engine off when refueling, and

(5) lifting personnel only with an approved platform.

Lift trucks should be inspected at the start and end of each work shift.

b. Cable and Chain Slings

Cable and chain slings are extensively used to lift, tow, and haul material. The primary cause of cable and chain sling damage is overloading. Maximum load capacities must be clearly identified on the lifts. Cable and chain inspections should be made frequently. Defects to look for include gouges, nicks, bent links, wear, and stretching.

c. Loading Docks and Storage Areas

Loading docks and storage areas present many safety hazards. These hazards can be minimized by proper design, traffic flow, and good housekeeping. Loading docks can be made safer by the use of mirrors, dockboards, wheel chocks, and wheel stops. Responsibility for good housekeeping in storage areas rests with every department and employee. Clean up and proper storage of materials and equipment should be part of the daily routine.

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d. Manual Lifting

Back injuries account for almost one in every five work-related injuries. Back injury controls may include pre-placement physical exams, employee education and training in proper lifting techniques, back care, and job analysis and redesign to reduce and minimize lifting activities.

10. Use of Chemicals

Each department should be familiar with the proper handling and storage procedures for all the chemicals it uses. These procedures should be explained to all employees who come into contact with the chemicals. Reference the Amarillo College Hazard Communication Program Manual for additional information.

a. Handling and Storage

College departments use various chemicals during their routine work operations. Proper chemical handling and storage procedures will reduce the likelihood of an accident or injury. Each chemical has unique safety precautions, and the compound manufacturer is required to provide a copy of these precautions with the chemical. Know the proper handling and storage techniques for a chemical before using it. Most accidents and injuries involving chemicals are due to inhalation, absorption, or ingestion.

b. Inhalation

The major exposure to chemicals occurs when they are breathed in after they become airborne. If inhalation of toxic chemical gases is a problem, appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn.

c. Absorption

Other chemicals cause injuries when they are absorbed through the skin. Employees with open wounds are especially susceptible to these chemicals. Careful chemical handling and the proper personal protective equipment will decrease the hazards posed by these compounds.

d. Ingestion

Ingestion, the eating or drinking of substances, is a third type of exposure from harmful chemicals. Employees rarely eat or drink chemicals knowingly. However, employees who eat or smoke in their work areas may incur exposure without their knowledge.

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Careful and thorough wash ups before eating and at the end of the work day and appropriate personal protective equipment can reduce these exposures.

11. Traffic Barricades and Warning Devices

Adequate barricades and channelizing devices, properly used, are essential to the safety of work crews and the traveling public during road repair and maintenance jobs. These devices, of themselves, convey no specific message, even though a sign may be used. They are intended to impose an obstacle, real or apparent, in the normal channel of travel. They must be highly visible in themselves, but they should also be protected by adequate advance warning signs and devices.

12. Vehicle Operations and Maintenance

a. Vehicle Operations

College vehicle operators who have been properly selected and trained should be familiar with the basic principles of safe motor vehicle operations. Drivers who possess good driving skills, knowledge, and experience and vehicles in good mechanical condition are fundamental aspects of a fleet safety program. The list of safety precautions which all operators should observe is extensive and can serve as an effective in-service training session for drivers. A few major principles are:

(1) Keep speeds within limits which are reasonable and careful for the driving conditions, and under no circumstances exceed the legal speed limit.

(2) Always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead. Following too closely often results in a rear-end collision.

(3) Exercise special caution at all intersections, the most common location of vehicle accidents. Slow speed, look for pedestrians, and signal at all turns.

(4) Pass other vehicles only when the road ahead is visible for the required distance. Passing while driving uphill or on a curve is hazardous.

(5) Night driving is especially hazardous due to limited visibility. Stop when fatigued, keep the windshield and headlights clean, and avoid

looking directly into the headlights of approaching vehicles.

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(6) Before backing, sound the horn and make sure the way is clear. Get out and look behind the vehicle if necessary. Back slowly and continue to watch for any hazards to the rear or the sides. If possible, have another employee serve as a guide, but make certain that individual is visible at all times.

(7) Be alert for pedestrians when driving along a line of parked cars, at intersections, and in shopping areas.

(8) Park only in approved areas and in a manner which does not pose a hazard or obstruct other traffic.

(9) Always wear seat belts while driving or riding in a College vehicle.

(10) Shut the engine off if you are leaving the vehicle unattended.

b. Vehicle Inspections

If a vehicle is found to be out of compliance with the required maintenance procedures, it shall be reported to the Safety Director. If it is the opinion of the Safety Director that the safe operation of a College vehicle is not possible because of the failure to comply with the procedures, then the operation of the vehicle may be suspended until the vehicle is properly maintained by the responsible employee(s).

(1) Daily Inspections

A daily inspection will be made by the driver prior to the operation of any assigned vehicle, or at the time a new vehicle is assigned. If problems or discrepancies are observed, they should be reported to the responsible supervisor for correction. The responsible supervisor shall review and refer to maintenance personnel any corrective action needed.

(2) Supervisor Inspections

A regular inspection should be made by each supervisor for vehicles for which he or she is responsible. This regular inspection is to determine if employees are making their inspections and to check on past repairs. If the vehicle is not in a safe operating condition at the time of the supervisor's inspection, the situation shall be corrected immediately and a notation shall be made for review.

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(3) Road Observations

The purpose of road observations are to observe College drivers for safe driving practices and the observance of traffic laws. Periodic observations of employees should be made by responsible supervisors. If an unsafe practice or a violation of a traffic law is observed, it shall be noted and brought to the attention of the driver for corrections. It is important to emphasize the importance of good driving practices and the observance of traffic laws.

c. Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is essential to efficient and effective College operations. A preventive maintenance program will prevent accidents and delays, minimize the number of vehicles down for repair, stabilize the workload for departments and garage personnel, and prevent excessive wear and breakdown of equipment. Maintenance should cover all mechanical factors related to the safe operation of all motorized equipment such as brakes, headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, tires, windshield wipers, mufflers, exhaust systems, horns, mirrors, etc.

If possible, drivers should be assigned to regular vehicles to fix responsibility as well as to encourage drivers to take care of their vehicles. When drivers are familiar with their vehicles and know how they normally operate, problems can be detected sooner.

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