1. Utility Cart and Vehicle Safety
for Auraria Higher Education Center

2. SAFETY FIRST
 Driving is something most of us do daily.
 It’s the most dangerous thing we do!
Most frequent causes of accidents
 Distracted driving – PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY!
 Speeding or Driving too fast for conditions
 DWI/DUI
 Failure to yield
 Weather related road conditions
 Vehicle Maintenance
 Tires tread, wear/pressure
 Brakes

3. Auraria Campus Cart and Vehicle Policy
if it moves, this applies
 All moving equipment operators must have a valid drivers
license on file with their institutional HR. License records must
be renewed annually.
 All drivers must be registered with their institution as an
approved driver (see your institutional HR department).
 Service vehicle/cart operators must adhere to approved
campus routes
 All employees operating moving equipment must adhere to all
applicable traffic laws
 All drivers must be trained in equipment operation
 Employees are responsible for understanding and complying
with the manufacturer’s operating recommendations prior to
operating the equipment.

4.  Campus vehicles are to be used for work related business. Vehicles may not
be taken off campus without authorization from a supervisor, director or
manager.
 All arms and legs must be in vehicle at all times. Only carry the number of
passengers the vehicle is rated to carry.
 Employees are responsible for securing the vehicle that they have been
driving: pull keys, lock vehicle if possible, and park it in an approved service
spot.
 Any instance of careless, negligent or impaired operation of a campus
vehicle will be reviewed by the Institutional Director and/or AHEC Division
Director. Employees determined to have been careless, negligent or
impaired while operating a campus vehicle shall be subject to corrective,
disciplinary and/or legal action.
 Accidents involving campus vehicles/utility carts/moving equipment must
be reported immediately to your supervisor and the Auraria Campus Police
Department at 303-556-5000.
Auraria Campus Cart and Vehicle Policy
if it moves, this applies

5.  No smoking in campus vehicles/carts/equipment.
 Vehicles are to be inspected visually prior to usage for tire inflation, or
other problems with the vehicle.
 Malfunctions or problems with the vehicle are to be reported to a
supervisor immediately, who then must notify Vehicle Maintenance to
facilitate a repair.
 If a vehicle has broken down, please call Vehicle Maintenance and submit
a work order reporting where the vehicle was left.
 Pull over to take phone calls, text or answer the radio. No one shall
operate a campus vehicle while communicating on a mobile device of
any kind.
 All vehicle operators must complete an online or classroom offered
vehicle training annually, prior to use of equipment.
 At no time may the vehicle be loaned to any party without the
approval of the Director.
Auraria Campus Cart and Vehicle Policy
if it moves, this applies

6.  Auraria Campus Wide Policies for Carts/Vehicle Use
 http://www.ahec.edu/about-auraria-campus/campus-
wide-policies
 Most update to date approved routes:
 https://www.ahec.edu/files/general/Service-Vehicle-
Cart-Maps.pdf
 AHEC Facilities Services also has hard maps to keep
in vehicles upon request.
 Maps are updated as campus grows. Routes are
subject to change due to construction and may be
temporary or permanent.
 Click the “Resources” link in the upper right corner of the online training
to download a .pdf of the maps included in this presentation.
Where to Find Campus Maps with
Approved Routes??

7.  To better establish a pedestrian-focused campus core, access control devices
have been installed which limit traffic to authorized vehicles only. The goal
is to increase pedestrian safety while maintaining access for emergency and
service vehicles to travel on designated routes.
 Great! So, how do we work around them?
 Use extreme caution when traveling near control devices.
 Bollards may be lowered and/or removed by authorized AHEC staff under
limited circumstances. All bollards must be reinstalled immediately, no
exceptions.
 Use a spotter when driving over collapsed bollards. Completely remove the
locking pin and padlock(s) prior to passing over a collapsed bollard.
 Collapsible bollards require possession of a 2270 padlock key (limited to ACPD
and AHEC Facilities) or Denver Fire Knox Key (DFD only).
 If you need help removing a bollard, call AHEC Facilities at 303-556-3260,
submit a work order request online or call Campus Police at 303-556-5000.
Campus Hardening and Approved
Utility Cart/Vehicle Routes

8. Click the “Resources” link in the upper right corner of the
online training to download this map.

9. Click the “Resources” link in the upper right corner of the
online training to download this map.

10. Click the “Resources” link in the upper right corner of the online training to download a
.pdf of the maps included in this presentation.

11. Vehicle/Cart Maintenance
 Departments are responsible for
coordinating with AHEC Vehicle
Maintenance.
 AHEC Vehicle Maintenance is
responsible for Preventative maintenance
scheduling and service checks.
 Operators are responsible for
conducting safety check prior to
every operation.

12. Safe Driving Training

13. Should you be driving?
 Are you tired, upset, fatigued, ill?
 Are you taking prescription or over-the-counter
medication?
 Are you emotionally upset?
 On the phone?
 Distracted?
NOTE: No one is allowed to drive
a State Fleet Vehicle while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs!

14. Pre-trip Check
 Conduct a visual check of the equipment before operating
 Phone/radio set to hands free mode
 Where Applicable to type of equipment:
 Check all lights & signals (headlights, warning signals, reverse audible)
 Check the brakes and parking brake for proper function
 Are the tires properly inflated?
 Any leaks, (air, oil, antifreeze or gas)?
 Scan the gauges
 Windows/windshield free of obstruction/ice?
 Windshield wipers operational?
 Adjust vents, heater & air conditioner
 Make sure you’re emotionally ready to focus on driving.
Contact AHEC Vehicle Maintenance for service at 303-556-2221

15. Pre-trip Check - Continued
 Check for obstacles
or pedestrians around
the equipment
 Be sure everything is
properly stored
 Review all safety
warnings and
information posted in
the equipment.
Contact AHEC Vehicle Maintenance for service at 303-556-2221

16. WARNING: Riding in cargo bed can cause
severe injury or death. Do not ride in cargo
bed.

17.  Always check behind the
vehicle before backing.
 Back up SLOWLY and to the
driver’s side when possible.
 Use a helper as needed.
 Watch for students, bikes,
scooters.
 No more occupants that the
number of seats. Bed of
cart is not meant for
passengers
 Drive slow – 5mph speed
limit on Campus
Driving the Vehicle
Carts and Vehicles have approved routes for campus

18. Driving the Vehicle
Carts and Vehicles have approved routes for campus
 Stay on Approved Cart
Routes for Campus
 Avoid steep grades and
curbs
 Obey ALL traffic signs
 Always remain seated
until equipment stops
 Slow down before and
during turns

19. Leaving the Vehicle Unattended
 Do not dismount vehicle
before it has come to a
complete stop
 Set the parking brake
 Turn off the engine
 Take the key!!!!

20. Night Driving
 If you are driving at night does the equipment have:
 working headlights?
 brake lights?
 turn-signal lights
 Drive cautious – pedestrians may not see you coming.
 Check the lights before driving at night.

21. Carrying A Load
 Do not exceed load
capacity
 Balance the load
 Secure the load
 Be sure you can see
behind the vehicle
 Loads can change on
steep grades
 No one rides in the
back

22. Just plain common sense…
 Always tie-down your load
 Always set your brake once
you get to your destination
 After loading, check to see if
all four wheels are still
touching the ground
 Load/unload cart with engine
off and brake engaged to
prevent a runaway cart
 Use Caution When Backing
or Dumping A Load

23. RTD/Railroad Crossings
 The cross bucks and/or RTD signals are
found at most public crossings.
 These signs should be treated in the
same manner as a yield sign.
Listen! Look!

24. Emergency Vehicles
 Immediately move to the right of your lane,
to another lane, or to the shoulder if possible.
 If moving right is not possible, stay where
you are. Do not move left.
Use common sense (if you are in the
immediate path, safely MOVE!)

25. Driving in the Rain
 Just after the rain begins.
The oil mixes the water and makes the
road very slippery
Hydroplaning.
Release the accelerator.
Do not brake.
Occurs at speeds as low as 35 mph.
Worn tread and low tire pressure.

26. Winter Driving
 IDENTIFYING SLIPPERY SURFACES.
 Shaded Areas - Shady parts of the road will
remain icy and slippery after open areas have
melted.
 Bridges - Bridges freeze before roads do.
 Melting Ice - Slight melting will make ice wet.
 Black Ice - If the temperature is below freezing
and the road looks wet.

27. Winter Driving (continued)
Equipment & Supplies
 Scraper with brush on one end
 Snow shovel
 Flashlight
 Abrasive materials (cat litter,sand,salt)
 Jumper cables
 Warning devices (flares)
 Sleeping bag or blankets
 light/matches, candle & high energy food

28. Winter Driving (continued)
Getting Unstuck
 Turn wheels side to side a few times to push
snow out of the way.
 Lightly touch gas; ease forward.
 Rock the vehicle if necessary
 Shift from forward to reverse and lightly touch
gas.

29. Whatever you drive…
 Do a pre-trip check
 Review how the vehicle
operates BEFORE you
turn it on
 Know your vehicle
 If something is broken, do
not use it until it’s fixed!
 Parking brake must be set
when not in transit.
 Do not leave keys in the
equipment unattended
 Operate vehicle at a
speed that will permit it to
be brought to a stop in a
safe manner

30. Pedestrians
 Pedestrians have the
right of way
 Even students too buried
in their phones to see you
coming
 Even those who are jay
walking
 Avoid sidewalks when
possible
 Drive slow

31. Review
 Know the vehicle you are driving.
 Be aware of your surroundings.
 Do not “horse around” with the vehicle
 Do not exceed the maximum occupancy of the cart
 Drive slow. 5 MPH max on campus

32. Suggestions or Questions??
 This training was developed by the AHEC EH&LS
Department
 Contact
 Emily Sanders, AHEC Environmental, Health & Life
Safety Manager
safetyoffice@AHEC.edu