Jump to:
- Purpose
- Background
- Policy
- Vehicle Operating Standards
- Supervisor Responsibilities
- Operator Requirements
- Condition & Standard Safety Features
- Accident Reporting
- Maintenance Responsibility
- Safety Checklist
- Battery Recharge
- Training
- Acknowledgement Sheet
The purpose is to establish standards for the safe use and operations of a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle on UA Little Rock premises.
Departments at UA Little Rock provide Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles to employees so job related duties can be fulfilled. Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles are used to transport equipment and people, patrol the campus grounds, make deliveries, and provide campus maintenance activities. This policy establishes consistent procedures regarding the following:
- Vehicle Operating Procedures
- Supervisors Responsibilities
- Department and Driver Responsibilities
- Operator Requirements
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle Condition and Standard Safety Features
- Accident Reporting
Compliance with these standards will ensure the safe operation of these vehicles for the campus community; including but not limited to Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle drivers, vehicle operators, cyclists and pedestrians.
Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles owned by UA Little Rock may only be used for official department/university business by university employees, student employees, and university approved volunteers associated with a university department. Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles may not be used for personal business. If operated on a city street, knowledge of and compliance with applicable City of Little Rock laws, rules, regulations and policies regarding use are the responsibility of the driver; noncompliance may result in citation and/or suspension of user privileges.
- In order to operate a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle, employees must be trained. The Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle training program will be provided by Environmental Health and Safety with assistance from the Motor pool.
- Golf Cart/Utility operators are subject to the rules of the road, including stopping, turning, and safe operation. Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operators observed in violation of these rules can be cited.
- Drivers must have a valid Arkansas Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and an updated driver’s authorization on file with no major traffic offenses.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles are to be operated at speeds no greater than 10 MPH or as safety concerns demand. Operators should always consider the terrain, weather conditions, and existing pedestrian and vehicular traffic, which may affect the ability to operate the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle Safely.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operators will stop at all “blind intersections” and then proceed with caution.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles will be operated only within the confines of University property.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles are to be driven on an improved surface unless a non-improved surface is the only available way to gain access to the specific area where work is being performed. If the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle must be on a landscaped area in order to allow a pedestrian(s) the proper right of way, it should be brought to a full stop, then immediately returned to the designated driving surface as soon as the area is clear.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles will be operated in such a manner that does not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic flow on sidewalks, ramps, or roadways. In that respect, Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles will be operated on service roads and perimeter sidewalks whenever possible rather than on internal campus sidewalks designed primarily for pedestrian use.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles will be operated with the utmost courtesy, care, and consideration for the safety of pedestrians.
- Pedestrians will be given the right-of-way at all times.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles that are equipped with the manufacturer’s seat belt will be utilized by both the operator and passenger.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles will not be parked:
- In fire lanes
- In metered parking spaces
- In reserved parking
- Within 20 feet of the main entrance/exit of any building in any manner that would impede the normal flow of pedestrian traffic
- On sidewalks or ramps that would impede handicap accessibility
- Supervisors will assure that each employee in their department, who operates a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle, is properly advised of this policy.
- Supervisors are responsible for obtaining a signed copy of the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle Safety Guidelines Acknowledgement Sheet from each employee in their department who operates a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle, attesting to the employee’s knowledge and understanding of, and agreement to abide by, the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle policy. This signed Acknowledgement Sheet must be completed and maintained by the Supervisor and a copy provided to EHS.
- Drivers must have a valid drivers’ license with a satisfactory driving record and an updated drivers’ authorization on file with the HR Coordinator.
- If an accident or incident occurs and once other priority notifications have been completed, notify EHS as soon as possible.
- No one under the age of eighteen (18) may operate a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operators are responsible for the security of ignition keys during the time a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is assigned to them. Any time a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is unattended, the ignition will be turned off, and the key will be removed from the ignition and kept in the possession of the authorized operator.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operators are not permitted to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with open beverage containers, or while wearing devices that impede hearing, e.g., stereo headsets, earplugs, etc.
- All passengers must be in seats designed for such use. No passengers are allowed to be transported in the beds or on the sides of Golf Carts/Utility Vehicle with the exception of the transport of an injured person on a backboard.
- Cell phone usage while driving a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is strictly prohibited unless responding to an emergency (use caution and speaker phone if feasible).
- When the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is not in use, make sure to engage the parking brake.
Golf Cart/ Utility Vehicle Condition and Standard Safety Features
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles owned by the University will be equipped and maintained with working headlights and taillights, if equipped.
- Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles that do not have any lights will only be operated during the daylight hours.
- Golf Carts/Utility Vehicles should be in good working condition.
- Reflective tape will be placed on the front and rear bumpers for easier visibility at night. Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles will not be modified in any manner that affects the recommended mode of operation, speed, or safety of the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle.
- All accidents involving a Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle will be reported immediately to the supervisor of the department to which the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is assigned, regardless of whether property damage or personal injury occurred.
- The Environmental Health and Safety Office will investigate accidents and incidents.
- Upon completion of the investigation, depending on the severity, the driver may lose all privileges to operate Golf Cart/Utility Vehicles on campus.
Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle Maintenance Responsibility
- Each Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operator is responsible for providing timely notification of safety and maintenance concerns to the supervisor of the department to which the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle is assigned.
- Each Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle operator is responsible for performing weekly checks before putting the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle into operation. This checklist will be maintained with the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle at all times.
Before operating the cart/vehicle at the beginning of each shift, the operator will check the following items:
- Proper tire condition and inflation
- Proper operation of brakes
- Indication of battery fluid leaks such as wet spots under the unit; for gas operated carts, verify that the correct amount of fluids are in the cart and that there are no leaks.
- If the cart is in need of repair or maintenance, it should not be driven.
When recharging the batteries, the following safety rules shall be observed:
- Only an approved battery charger will be used to recharge the batteries (designed to shut off automatically when the batteries are fully charged).
- Do not recharge near an open flame or source of ignition.
- Pour baking soda on all spilled battery acid before cleaning up the spill. You should wash skin thoroughly with cold water if it comes in contact with battery acid.
- Disconnect all battery charger cords before using the cart.
Methods of training may include any combination of hands-on training, email distribution, and video. Training will be coordinated by Environmental Health & Safety with the affected departments.
- Student Workers: Upon implementation of this policy, all student workers must receive training via hands-on and/or a video presentation. Thereafter, returning student workers will be required to review the policy and sign the Acknowledgement Sheet. All sheets shall be maintained by Environmental Health & Safety.
- Faculty & Staff: The entire Faculty and Staff shall be provided a copy of the policy via email upon implementation of this policy and annually thereafter. In departments where carts are used on a regular basis, additional training using the video and/or hands-on training is recommended.
