GOLF/UTILITY CARTS

PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES (GOLF/UTILITY CARTS)

Section 7.03.02 - PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES (PTVs)

These procedures apply to ALL PTVs (Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles) whether rented for short-term use or assigned to a department.

A. PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES

1. Contact the Plant Operations office at extension 4467 for availability of a PTV.

2. Complete "Vehicle Request Form" (see Exhibit 7.01.09-A) and forward to Plant Operations, CBX 085.

3. Anyone requesting the use of a PTV must provide a driver who must be a Georgia College faculty or staff employee, or an approved student driver (see Section 10.01.05).

4. Drivers are required to complete PTV training and to review vehicle safety rules and operating procedures located in the PTV.

a. A log will be maintained by the Office of Environmental Health & Occupational Safety of drivers that have completed training.

5. The PTV and keys must be returned to Plant Operations Office or to the Public Safety dispatcher the same day to avoid being charged for an additional day's use.

B. DRIVER ELIGIBILITY (ALL STATE VEHICLES AND PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES)

The driver of a Georgia College vehicle must be protected and the University must be protected in two areas – liability and worker's compensation. To achieve this, the following conditions shall be met:

1. Be an employee of Georgia College with the valid license and proper driver's license classification to operate the vehicle to be driven, or

2. Be a student of Georgia College being paid at least minimum wage and with the valid student driver's permit (see Section 10.01.05), or

3. An individual employed by Georgia College on a part-time or temporary basis can be used if he/she has the proper license and is being paid at least minimum wage (this must be verified by the Payroll Office).

C. SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES (PTVs)

1. All PTVs will be inspected on an annual basis by the Georgia College Automotive Shop personnel to determine safety of operation.

2. The Safety Inspection will include inspection of all items listed on the Georgia College "Personal Transportation Vehicle Inspection Form".

3. Upon passing the Safety Inspection, a decal bearing the year, inspection date and signature of the inspector will be placed on the inside of the windshield.

4. If a PTV does not pass the Safety Inspection, it will not be released for operation until all repairs are completed and the cart has been re-inspected.

D. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE OF PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES (PTVs)

1. All PTVs should be in good, safe working order at all times. Should a problem be detected the vehicle should be transported to the Automotive Shop for repair.

2. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that the vehicle is in good working order.

E. GUIDELINES FOR SAFE USE OF PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES (PTVs)

1. Speed Limits:

The speed limit for PTVs is 20 mph

Operators must take conditions into account and drive slower under the following conditions:

Slippery sidewalks or other surfaces

Heavy pedestrian traffic

Reduced visibility due to weather

Approaching intersections and/or blind spots

2. Safety:

Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle

Do not exceed seating capacity

Operators shall perform a pre-operational check:

Lights, brakes, back-up alarm, hazard light, horn, tire pressure

Refer to the operator’s manual for more information

Vehicle must be at a complete stop before switching gears

PTVs should not be parked in such a manner that sidewalks are obstructed

Headlights must be turned on at dusk and when it is raining, snowing or foggy

Utilize horn for emergency purposes only

Obey ALL traffic signs and lights

Do not exceed PTV weight capacity

Sudden stops or changes in direction may result in loss of control

Avoid tipping over – drive straight up or down a slope

Always remain seated

Slow down before and during turns

Reduce speed and use extra care in inclement weather

3. Pedestrians:

Pedestrians have the right of way

Drive slowly

Avoid driving around people when possible

Avoid driving on the grass unless necessary

Never attempt to move pedestrians through intimidation

If an operator can’t predict the actions of a pedestrian, he/she must stop

4. Leaving the Vehicle:

Do not dismount vehicle before it has come to a complete stop

Engage the brake

Turn off ignition

Remove the key

Lock the vehicle if appropriate

5. Other Considerations:

Never do anything that distracts you from operating the PTV! Such as:

Operating radios, iPods, etc

Cell phones

Eating/drinking

Smoking

Reading or rubbernecking

Do not park vehicle in a way that blocks emergency exits, doors, stairs, sidewalks, fire lanes, fire hydrants or handicap ramps

No horse play or reckless behavior

F. SUPERVISOR ACCOUNTABILITY

1. Ensure all operators receive training

2. Ensure operators review utility cart manual

3. Ensure operators read the PTV (Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle) procedures

4. Keep documentation in a central location to document this has been done

5. Take disciplinary action against operators who fail to comply with the procedures

VEHICLE USAGE

BUILDING MAINTENANCE