Facilities Management Safety Training Outline for the use of Motorized Utility Carts (CarryAll) Vehicles on the Campus of James Madison University

1. Introduction.
   
   
2. Purpose of Training
   
   
   1. Identify Hazards
      
      
   2. Identify Vehicle Dynamics related to specific vehicle type
      
      
   3. Identify Laws pertaining to operation on Roadways
   
   
3. Hazards
   
   
   1. Vehicle vs. Vehicle when operating on roadway
      
      
      • Ability to be seen by other motor vehicles
        
        
      • Use of headlights, turn signals, caution strobe
        
        
      • Use of mirrors by operator to identify potential threats or hazards
        
        
      • Use of seat belts while operating
        
        
      • Slow moving vehicle placards
      
      
   2. Vehicle vs. Pedestrian when operating on sidewalks and other grounds
      
      
      • Pedestrians have the Right of Way
        
        
      • Forcing Pedestrians off of sidewalks into or onto roadways or other hazards to make room for motorized utility cart to pass safely - do not crowd them
        
        
      • Avoid high pedestrian traffic areas or areas during peak pedestrian times. Wait till time other than between classes.
   
   
4. Vehicle Dynamics
   
   
   1. Vehicle size and weight compared to other motor vehicle
      
      
   2. Diminished crush zones or impact absorbent areas.
      
      
   3. Vehicle safety equipment
      
      
      • Lights - HEADLIGHTS AND STROBE ON
        
        
      • Seatbelts - WORN WHENEVER OPERATING
        
        
      • Horn - USED TO GET THE ATTENTION OF OTHER DRIVERS OR AS WARNING
        
        
      • Mirrors - ADJUST TO ALLOW OPERATOR TO SEE ALL AROUND VEHICLE
        
        
      • Brakes - USE PARKING BRAKE TO SECURE VEHICLE WHEN OPERATOR EXITS
        
        
      • Windshield wipers - USED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER TO MAINTAIN VISIBILITY
        *must be used in conjunction with head lights under VA Law
      
      
   4. Optical distortions caused by curved windshield that may cause blind spots
      
      
   5. Effect of multiple persons or extra weight on handling and abilities of vehicle.
      
      
   6. Interior vehicle ergonomics -
      
      
      • ability to operate without distraction to operate
        
        
      • flying or sliding debris in the event of an impact
        
        
      • projections and protrusions that could cause injury
      
      
   7. Use of Emergency Brake to secure vehicle when parked
      
      
   8. Ability to accelerate out of a situation.
      
      
   9. Ability to stop vehicle under braking with and/or without load.
      
      
   10. High Center of gravity and potential for vehicle upset
   
   
5. Laws pertaining to operation
   
   
   1. Follow all laws as if a car or truck when operating on the roadways.
      
      
   2. Compliance with Golf Cart Laws under VA Code § 46.2-676.
      
      
   3. May only operate on roads within property limits of the University
      
      
   4. Must display slow moving vehicle placards or emblem
      
      
   5. Only operated on roads with speed limits of 35 MPH or less.
      
      
   6. Operator must be an employee of University on official business
      
      
   7. Operator must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in Virginia
      
      
   8. Required to report IMMEDIATELY to LAW ENFORCEMENT any accidents, property damage, or injuries resulting from the operation of the state motor vehicle.
      
      
   9. Securing the motor vehicle when parked.
      
      
   10. Operator subject to Criminal, Civil, and Administrative sanctions for failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations.
   
   
6. Other Considerations
   
   
   1. Safely crossing roadways
      
      
   2. Avoiding high traffic (vehicle & pedestrian) areas
      
      
   3. Securing vehicle when not in use to avoid theft, damage or misuse.
      
      
   4. Operator responsible to make sure vehicle is in safe working order before each use.
      
      
   5. Operator responsible for reporting mechanical or equipment defects in a timely fashion.
      
      
   6. Exercise extreme caution when using vehicle
      
      
   7. Be aware of surroundings and potential hazards
      
      
   8. Use vehicle only as prescribed.
   
   
7. Practical Demonstration
   
   
8. Written Testing
   
   
9. Conclusion