Driving lull through site with and without load height requirements

When driving through a site, whether with or without a load, several safety considerations should be kept in mind. Here's a breakdown:

• General Traffic Regulations: Always observe all traffic regulations, including posted speed limits within the plant [1]. Maintain a safe following distance, approximately three truck lengths, and always keep the vehicle under control [1].
• Right-of-Way: Yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks [1].
• Passing: Avoid passing other trucks traveling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations [1].
• Obstructed Views: If the load obstructs your forward view, travel with the load trailing [1].
• Railroad Tracks: Cross railroad tracks diagonally whenever possible, and do not park closer than 8 feet from the center of the tracks [1].
• Clear Path of Travel: Always look in the direction of travel and maintain a clear view of the path [1].
• Grades: Ascend or descend grades slowly. When on grades exceeding 10 percent, loaded trucks should be driven with the load uphill. On all grades, tilt the load and load engaging means back, if applicable, and raise only as far as necessary to clear the road surface [1].
• Speed: Operate the truck at a speed that allows you to stop safely under all travel conditions [1].
• Floor Conditions: Slow down for wet and slippery floors [1].
• Stable Loads: Handle only stable or safely arranged loads, and exercise caution with off-center loads [2].
• Load Capacity: Only handle loads within the rated capacity of the truck [2].
• Attachments: When not handling a load, trucks with attachments should be operated as partially loaded trucks [2].
• Securing Loads: Loads should be built and secured to ensure stability during transit [3].
• Warning Signals: Ensure all vehicles are equipped with audible warning signals [3].
• Lighting: If operating in dark or poorly lit areas, vehicles must have headlights and tail lights [3].
• Hazardous Crossings: Railroad tracks and other hazardous crossings should be plainly posted [4].
• Restricted Clearance: Areas with restricted side or overhead clearance must be clearly marked [4].
• Aisles and Roadways: Aisles, passageways, and roadways must be wide enough to allow safe side clearance [4].
• Overhead Hazards: If operating in areas where overhead hazards exist, the vehicle should be equipped with an approved overhead guard [5].

It's also important to remember that operators must be trained in several key areas, including [6]:

• Operating instructions, warnings and precautions for the types of trucks they are authorized to operate [6].
• Differences between the truck and an automobile [6].
• Truck controls and instrumentation [6].
• Steering and maneuvering [6].
• Visibility, including restrictions due to loading [6].
• Vehicle capacity and stability [6].
• Surface conditions where the vehicle will be operated [6].
• Composition of loads to be carried and load stability [6].
• Pedestrian traffic in areas where the vehicle will be operated [6].
• Narrow aisles and other restricted places where the vehicle will be operated [6].
• Ramps and other sloped surfaces that could affect the vehicle's stability [6].

By adhering to these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries while driving on-site.