Transcript Golf Cart Safety Policy

Golf Cart Safety Policy
TRINITY UNIVERSITY PHYSICAL PLANT
GOLF CART SAFETY PROCEDURES
Last Updated 10-26/2004
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
GOLF CART SAFETY PROCEDURES
• The following rules outline basic golf
cart operation and maintenance for
work and personnel transportation
on the Trinity University campus.
Anyone found violating these rules
will be subject to disciplinary action.
SAFETY WHEN OPERATING A GOLF CART
A golf cart should be typically be operated on campus at a speed
equivalent to a well-paced walk, and it may at no time travel faster than
fifteen-mph. The traveling speed of a golf cart is dependent upon the
terrain over which it is being driven, weather conditions and the total
weight of the golf cart, its passengers and any equipment being
transported. Golf cart operators must observe all Texas vehicle traffic
laws such as lane travel, stop signs, legal passing of other vehicles, etc.
Remember to use
Common Sense
SAFETY WHEN OPERATING A GOLF CART
Golf carts must be operated on campus
streets or in parking lots when possible.
When a street or parking lot is unavailable
for use, carts may drive on sidewalks.
However, sidewalks may only be used as a
means of travel to the nearest adjacent
street or parking lot.
Operating a golf cart on a sidewalk is
permissible for workers who must
transport equipment to or from a work site.
However, if a street or parking lot is
accessible, cart use on a sidewalk is
strictly prohibited.
Golf carts are not permitted on the city
streets at any time.
It’s Easy, Just Remember:
1 seat, 1 rider
2 seats, 2 riders
Most golf carts used on this campus are
designed to carry one driver and one
passenger. Never operate a golf cart with
more passengers than it is designed to carry.
“IF” the golf cart is manufactured with seat
belts, then each person riding in the golf cart
is required to wear a safety belt.
All occupants in the golf cart shall keep
hands, arms, legs and feet within the confines
of the golf cart at all times when the cart is in
motion.
Never modify a golf cart without first
consulting the University mechanic.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way
Remember that pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Operators of
golf carts must permit this right-of-way. If the golf cart is being operated
on a sidewalk, the operator must pull off of the sidewalk or stop the unit
when approaching pedestrians.
Storing and Securing Your Golf Cart
•When the golf cart is not in use, you must engage the parking brake.
•When you’re done with the golf cart for the day, the unit must be secured
with a cable and lock or an equivalent locking mechanism.
SAFETY CHECKLIST
Before operating the golf cart, check for proper tire condition and
inflation.
Check your brakes. On occasion, due to moisture or lack of use, the
brakes will tend to stick a little.
Check for any indication of battery fluid leaks such as wet spots under
the unit. If you do see or smell battery acid, remember it is very caustic
and may cause severe burns. Do not touch it - apply some baking soda
to the spill and notify the Physical Plant mechanic immediately.
If the golf cart is in need of repair or maintenance, the mechanic must
be notified, and the unit will be taken out of service.
OPERATING THE GOLF CART
The following rules must be observed when operating or using a golf cart:
Never leave the keys in the golf cart when unattended.
Always lock and secure the golf cart when not being used, such as when storing overnight.
Never back up without confirming that there are no pedestrians or objects behind the cart.
Never shift gears while the vehicle is in motion.
Never exceed the safe speed limit (15 mph maximum).
Never operate the golf cart with more passengers aboard than the golf cart is designed to accommodate.
Always obey all traffic rules and regulations.
Reduce speed to compensate for inclines, pedestrians and weather conditions.
Maintain adequate distance between vehicles.
Approach sharp or blind comers with caution. Operator and passengers must wear seat belts when
available.
Keep hands, legs, feet and arms inside the confines of the golf cart when it is in motion.
Use a tow bar only when towing a golf cart.
While this is a true statement, it is easier and safer to contact the University Mechanic for this task.
BATTERY SAFETY
When recharging the batteries, the following safety rules shall be
observed:
Wear safety goggles at all times.
Do not recharge the battery near an open flame or source of ignition.
Do not smoke near the recharge station.
Only an approved battery charger may be used to recharge the batteries (these are designed to
shut off automatically when the batteries are fully charged).
Pour baking soda on all spilled battery acid before cleaning up the spill.
Wash skin thoroughly with cold water if you make contact with battery acid.
Disconnect all battery charger cords before using the golf cart.