Cart Safety (Forklifts, golf carts, mules, etc) Program
Human Resources, Safety
General Cart
Safety Program
This program applies to the following equipment used at various locations: Forklifts, Golf Carts, Mules and Segway Scooters
General Cart (Golf Carts, Segway’s, etc)
Operational Procedures
- Carts must be operated only by those employees whose duties make it necessary to operate a cart.
- Supervisors are responsible for designating which employees are authorized to operate carts
- Employees may not operate carts until they have been properly trained.
- Contract employees, volunteers, etc are prohibited from operating company carts.
Operation and Maintenance
- Inspect the cart prior to use to ensure tires, wheels, steering, brakes and windshield (if equipped) are operating properly.
- If the cart is in need of repair or maintenance, it should be taken out of service.
- A cart should not be operated faster than a quick walk (approximately 10 mph) but this is dependant upon conditions (weather, nature of load, pedestrians around you).
- Carts should be operated on streets, parking lots or designated areas when possible and avoid sidewalks. All road rules (stop signs) must be followed.
- Cart operators must proceed through any door or building opening with care, and reduce speed when turning.
- If cart is equipped with seat belts these should be utilized.
- If applicable, all drivers and passengers should remain seated and no body parts should extend along the sides of the cart.
- PEDESTRIANS ALWAYS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY!
- When cart is not in use it should have key removed with control lever in “neutral” and brake engaged.
- Large hot boxes or other items should not be placed in driver seat area, but in rear cargo area of the cart. (NOT in front seat)
Battery Recharge
- Use only approved battery recharger designed to automatically shut off when fully charged.
- Do not smoke or have open flames within 20 feet of recharge station.
- Have fire extinguisher and eye wash station located in vicinity of battery charging area.
Refueling/Propane
- Shut off engine
- Do not smoke or have open flame within 20 feet of fueling area.
- Dispense fuel in properly type and stored containers.
- Have fire extinguisher and eye wash station located in vicinity.
- Wipe up any fuel spills, allow to dry before operating the cart.
Forklift
Operational Procedures
- Forklift must be operated only by AUTHORIZED employees whose duties make it necessary to operate a forklift
- Formal Forklift training must be completed prior to use and every 2 years by authorized provider of training.
- Supervisors are responsible for designating which employees are authorized to operate forklift.
- Employees may not operate forklift until they have been properly trained.
- Contract employees, volunteers, etc are prohibited from operating company forklift.
Operation and Maintenance
- Inspect the forklift prior to use to ensure tires, wheels, steering, brakes and windshield (if equipped) are operating properly.
- If the forklift is in need of repair or maintenance, it should be taken out of service.
- Carts should only be operated in areas designated for proper use. All road rules (stop signs) must be followed.
- IF FORKLIFTS ARE OPERATED AROUND CUSTOMERS AND/OR IN CUSTOMER AREA, A SPOTTER IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES.
- Operators must proceed through any door or building opening with care, and reduce speed when turning.
- If forklift is equipped with seat belts these should be utilized.
- PEDESTRIANS ALWAYS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY!
- When forklift is not in use it should have key removed with control lever in “neutral” and brake engaged.
Refueling/Propane
- Shut off engine
- Do not smoke or have open flame within 20 feet of fueling area.
- Dispense fuel in properly type and stored containers.
- Have fire extinguisher and eye wash station located in vicinity.
Wipe up any fuel spills, allow to dry before operating the forklift