BLACK MESA COMMUNITY SCHOOL

PO BOX 97
PINON,ARIZONA 86510
928-674-3632

"Developing Self-Confidence for Lifelong Success"
Transportaton Department:
  1. Bus Routes - Still adjusting the routes due to students still enrolling.
  2. AM bus Routes - Bus CAN ONLY WAIT for (3 minutes per Arizona Minimum Standards School Areas Guidelines), have your child ready and waiting, if your chlld misses the bus, the parents are responsible for bringing their child to school.
  3. PM Route - Be home for your child and know when the bus gets to your resident, if you will not be home, call the school for bus change between 12:00pm - 2:00pm. Make sure the person receiving your child will be home and they are aware of it. We will not release your child to a minor (under the age of 18 yrs. old), come out when the bus arrives at your resident. If no one is home, the bus driver will bring the student back to the school and social services will be notified.
  4. Adverse Road/Weather Condition - If the roads are impassable to your resident, take your child out to the main road to meet the bus.
  5. No Snacks(sodas, chips, candies, etc.) - Don't let your child bring snacks on the bus in the morning, they eat breakfast at school. If they eat snacks on the bus in the morning they may get full and not eat their breakfast.
  6. Electronics - Do not let your child bring any electronic items on the bus, it may interfere with classroom intsruction. BMCS is not responsible for theft of electronic items and will be confiscated by BMCS bus drivers.
  7. Caps and Bandanas - Are not allowed on the school buses/vehicles and on school campus.
  8. If your child will not be getting on the bus in the morning, let the bus driver know ahead of time so they don't have to make a trip to your resident that day. The bus drivers will provide you with their phone numbers.
  9. Student Pick-Ups - You LOH (loacation of home) should be the same as listed on your child's enrollment forms. Changing the pick-up location will delay the bus driver's route.
  10. If your child is sick, DO NOT let them come to school. Have them stay home.
  11. The weather is changing and it's starting to get chilly in the morning, have your child wear a light jacket.

BLACK MESA COMMUNITY SCHOOL

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION & SCHOOL VEHICLE OPERATION POLICY

Table Of Contents
900STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICE2
901PURPOSES2
902ADOPTION OF CERTAIN ARIZONA REGULATIONS & STANDARDS2
903DEFINITIONS2
904TRANSPORTATION REVIEWS3
905PERSONNEL STANDARDS FOR ALL BUS DRIVERS3
910USE OF VIDEO ON SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS5
915SCHOOL BUS SCHEDULING & ROUTING6
920FIELD TRIP & EXTRA CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES7
925SCHOOL BUS SAFETY PROGRAM & EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS2
930SCHOOL VEHICLE OPERATION POLICY8
940HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS10
945SCHOOL HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTAL13
950DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES13

SECTION 900 - STUDENT TRANSPORTATION & SCHOOL VEHICLE OPERATION POLICY

900STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
The health, safety and welfare of all students and staff shall be the primary concern in all transportation matters. All transportation-related duties shall be performed with this in mind. Other general policies to be considered relative in the subject of transportation are protection of the School from liability, efficient service of the School's transportation needs, protection of School assets through proper maintenance and use and ensuring the staff is properly trained, licensed and certified to perform transportation functions.
901PURPOSES:
901.1To provide student transportation services in a safe manner.
901.2To provide student transportation in a cost effective manner required to meet the educational needs of the students.
901.3To the degree possible, minimizing student riding time.
901.4To ensure the highest level of vehicle maintenace and compliance with all applicable vehicle regulations and specifications.
901.5To full inform staff, students and the general public regarding safe bus transportation.
901.6To comply with all applicable standards established by Board, Navajo, Federal, state and local agencies.
902ADOPTION OF CERTAIN ARIZONA REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS:BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
BMCS adopts the following as BMCS policy, not as controlling law which would waive BMCS's Navajo sovereignty or subject BMCS to state or federal court jurisdiction:
902.1Arizona Commercial Driver's License Manual as it may be amended.
902.2Arizona Department of Administration Minimum Standards for School Buses and School Bus Drivers as it may be amended.
902.3PLEASE BE ADVISED ANY AND ALL CITATIONS TO FEDERAL OR STATE LAW IS FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY. BMCS IS SOVEREIGN AND SUBJECT TO NAVAJO LAW. FEDERAL AND STATE LAW MAY BE USED THROUGHOUT THIS POLICY FOR CONVENIENCE, BUT DOES NOT IMPLY THAT BMCS IS SUBJECT TO SUCH LAW OR SUBJECT TO FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS, AND BMCS HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY JURISDICTION IN FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS ARISING FROM ANY SUCH CITATION. THE CITATIONS ARE PART OF OUR POLICY, BUT SHALL NOT IMPLY A WAIVER OR OUR SOVEREIGNTY OR THAT WE ARE SUBJECT TO THOSE JURISDICTIONS.
902.4In the event of any conflict between the above adopted Arizona manuals and standards and these BMCS policies, the BMCS policies shall control.
903DEFINITIONS:BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
903.1Accident - Any unexpected occurence involving a moving or non-moving school bus that results in any bodily injury or fatality to a passenger or non-passenger, damage to personal or real property outside the school bus, or damage to the school bus that affects the integrity fo the school bus or results in a major defect as described in A.A.C. R17-19-108(B).
903.2Belt Cutter - A hand-held instrument containing a blade used to sever a seat belt or a wheelchair securement device.
903.3Emergency Exit - An opening in a school bus, including a door, push-out window, or roof hatch, used to unload passengers in the event of an occurence that requires immediate evacuation of the school bus.
903.4Employee - All BMCS employees and Navajo Nation Workforce Trainee.
903.5Motor Vehicle - A BMCS owned or rented motor vehicle, e.g. buses, sedans, light trucks, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Motor Vehicle Operator - An employee who is authorized to drive a BMCS motor vehicle.
903.6PTI (Pre-Trip Inspection) and ATI (After-Trip Inspection) - To include ensuring the vehicle is safe to drive, do interior and exterior inspection of the vehicle to check all fluids, moving parts, lights, brakes (hydraulic and air), tires, seat belt, horn, emergency exits, exhaust, emergency kit, gauges, windshield, heater, cleanliness, to ensure no sleeping or hold-over students, and as more fully explained in the Arizona Commercial Driver's License Manual which sections are adopted herein by references as they may be amended.
904TRANSPORTATION REVIEWSBACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
904.1School administrators will be asked to ride certain bus runs and report findings to the Head of Transportation or designee. The report should list all violations of Navajo, and applicable state, federal and local requirements.
904.2The BIA safety officer and/or Head of Transportation or designee will conduct spot checks of buses throughout the year to review requirements, discuss problems and develop solutions. The checklist will be provided to transportation supervisor or designee.
904.3All bus drivers and the Principal will meet as neccessary to assess transportation needs.
904.4The transportation supervisor or designee will make recommendations for changes in the trasportation system to the Principal who will subsequently present them to the School Board.
904.5When a school bus is unavailable due to repair/services, other school vehicles, appropriate for student transportation, will be used to transport the students to and from school.
905BUS DRIVERS' STANDARDS:
Bus drivers must meet all Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements established by the State of Arizona, provide notification and obtain any neccessary certification for transporting students in other states as needed, and by Driver Licensing Guidelines for Medical Advisory Board, (US Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare, 1969), as may be amended.
905.1Qualifications:
  1. Physical Fitness: Each bus driver applicant must complete a physical examination conducted by a qualified licensed physician to assure that applicant is physically and mentally healthy and can perform the tasks and duties in the bus driver position description. The examination msut include all items indicated on A.D.O.T. Certificate of Medical Examination Report (Appendix A). The completed form must be on file before transporting students.
  2. Character: Persons convicted of a felony offense of disqualifying offenses set forth in P.L. 101-630, shall NOT be employed. School bus drivers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
  3. License Requirement: Each bus driver and substitute bus driver must hold a current (not suspended, expired or revoked) State of Arizona Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and other required endorsements. It is the employee's responsibilty to renew or update their CDL requirements. The CDL Class B must be active at all times during the period of employment with the school.
  4. Black Mesa Community School is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
905.2BUS DRIVER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Arizona Minimum Standards for school buses and bus drivers and the Arizona Commercial Driver's License Manual, both as may be amended.
  2. School bus driver's responsibilities to passengers and school.
  3. Accident and emergency reporting/record keeping.
  4. Transporting Exceptional Students Services.
  5. National Council DefensiveDriving Course.
  6. Standard Operationg Procedures Training.
  7. BMCS Governing Board Policy.
905.3BUS DERIVER RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Basic duty requirements of bus drivers include, but are not limited to:
    1. Operating vehicles in a safe and efficient manner.
    2. Mandatory usage of seat belts on all school buses equipped with seat belts. It is the driver's responsibility to instruct all passengers.
    3. Conducting pre/post-trip inspection of bus and equipment.
    4. Establishing and maintaining rapport with passengers.
    5. Enforcement of all rules governing student action for the duration of each trip.
    6. Not allowing any students to get off the bus at any point other than at the student's regular assigned stop without the permission of school authorities and/or parents.
    7. Not allowing the transport of animals (with the exception of guide dogs), firearms, knives, explosives, breakable glass items or other dangerous objects that could block the aisles or items that may fly loosely in the event of an accident.
    8. Ensuring that instruments carried by the students should be under control at all times, either held in their laps, placed between seats or in vacant seats. The aisles are to remain clear at all timesduring regular student transportation or to events.
    9. Adherence to established routes and schedule as closely as safe operations permit, should use good judgement and impede traffic unneccessarily.
    10. Not allowing students to protrude their heads, arms, or other [parts of their bodies from the wondow.
    11. Coming to a complete stop at all designated bus stops whether students are there or not, unless a parent/guardian has notified the driver that the student will be absent.
    12. Not waiting for student(s) beyond the three (3) minutes waiting period unless they observe students making an effort to reach the bus.
    13. Reporting all parent or student complaint(s) regarding transportation services to Head of Transportation.
    14. Reporting all hazard, whether potential or existing, on the routes and all causes for failure to operate as scheduled.
    15. Making recommendations through the chain of command regarding school transportation program improvements.
    16. Reporting all disciplinary cases to the Hearing Officer in accordance with Student/Parent Handbook.
    17. Not attempting to discipline a student while the bus is in motion. A student shall not be forced off a bus for misconduct while the bus is enroute, unless the student is endangering the lives of other passengers. If such actions become neccessary, an immediate report to the school is required. The driver may not administer corporal punishment or physically restrain a student for disciplinary reasons unless it is for the protection of the driver or other students.
    18. Not using cell phones while bus is in motion.
910USE OF VIDEO ON SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS:BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
BMCS Governing Board supports the use of video on school buses as a means to monitor and maintain a safe environment for students and employees.
910.1The video may be used on buses used for transportation to and from school, field trips, curricular events and extracurricular events.
910.2The contents of the video may be used as evidence in a student disciplinary proceeding.
910.3The content of the video is a student record subject to board policy and administrative regulations regarding confidential student records.
910.4Only those persons with a legitimate educational purpose may view the video. In most instances, those individuals with a legitimate educational purpose is limited to the Principal, Head of Transportation, Bus Driver, Hearing Officer and special education staffing team.
910.5A videotape recorded during a school sponsored trip, such as an athletic event, may also be accessible to the sponsor or coach of the activity. If the content of the videotape becomes the subject of a student disciplinary proceding, it may be treated like other evidence in the proceeding.
910.6The school will annually provide the following notice to students and parents:
"The BMCS Governing Board has authorized the use of video on the school buses. The video will be used to monitor student behavior, to maintain order on the school buses, to promote and maintain a safe environment. Students and parents are, hereby, notified that the content of the video may be used in a student disciplinary proceeding. The content of the video are confidential student records and will be retained with other student records. Video will only be retained if neccessary for use in a student disciplinary proceedings or other matter as determined neccessary by the administration. Subject to applicable laws and policies regarding student privacy and the confidentiality of student records, parents may request to view video of their child if the video are used in a disciplinary proceeding involving their child".
910.7The following notice will also be placed on all school buses equipped with a video: "This bus is equipped with a video/audio monitoring system".
910.8The school shall review video when neccessary as a result of an incident reported by a bus driver or student. The video may be recirculated for erasure after ten (10) days.
910.9Viewing of video is limited to the individuals having a legitimate educational purpose and in compliance with all applicable student privacy rights, laws, regulations and policies. A written log will be kept of those individuals viewing the video stating the time, name and the individual viewing and the date the videotape was viewed.
910.10Determination of how video will be used and which school buses will be equipped with video equipment will be made by Principal in consultation with Head of Transportation and bus drivers.
910.11Students are prohibited from tampering with the video on the school buses; students found in violation of this regulation shall be disciplined in accordance with the Student and Parent Handbook and parents shall reimburse the school for any repairs or replacement neccessary as a result of the tampering.
915SCHOOL BUS SCHEDULING AND ROUTINGBACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE SAFETY AND CONDUCT OF STUDENTS WHILE GOING TO AND FROM SCHOOL OR AT A BUS STOP, WHILE WAITING FOR A BUS, OR AT THE TIME THEY ARE DROPPED OFF THE BUS, IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS. The purpose of bus scheduling and routing is to achieve amximum utilization of the bus fleet in order to provide safe, reasonable, equal service to all students of Black Mesa Community School. The Head of Transportation designee, under the direction of the Principal, is responsible for the development of bus routes, schedules and stops.
915.1Familiarity with Assigned Bus Route and Schedules:
  1. Plan A - Regular bus route.
  2. Plan B - Regular bus route with a child to be dropped off at a prearranged place on another route. Parent and/or guardian permission is required.
  3. Plan C - When a bus driver does not report to work, or takes unscheduled or emergency leave, the transportation supervisor or designee is responsible for assigning a substitute driver.
  4. Plan D - Early dismissal and field trips need to be arranged in advanced and intinerary to be posted in advance and BMCS shall attempt to notify parents as soon as possible.
915.2Alternate Student Drop-off/Bus Changes:
Parents may request BMCS Transportation to permit bus transpotation to or from a home within the regular bus route, other than the regular residence. Requests will be honored and processed contingent on the following qualifications and conditions:
  1. A request must be made 24 hours in advance to the administrative receptionist.
  2. The child must live within the area of the school's regular route.
  3. If space is available on the bus serving the alternate stop.
  4. The point of pick-up or drop-off the alternate drop-off must be on an existing bus stop. A route cannot be altered or additional mileage or stops added.
  5. Students may have only two designated pick-up and drop-off points. Both parties will have to agree on a decision.
  6. Written approval by BMCS is neccessary before the change will be honored.
915.3It remains the parents' responsibility to make plans and accomodations for their children at drop-off and pick-up locations and time. The parent remains responsible for the child. The child will be dropped off whether or not the parent is visible. Parents must fully inform their children of what to do upone being dropped off and while waiting to be picked up. It is not the responsibility of BMCS and it is impossible for BMCS to uniformly accommodate every situation.
915.4Children will be dropped off whehter or not the parent is visible at a bus stop. It is not required that a parent be seen or be visible at the bus stop for a pick-up or drop-off.
915.5It is suggested that students who walk to school or a bus stop wear reflective tape on their clothing.
915.6Parents must ensure that students are at their bus stop and ready to board the bus ten (10) minutes before the scheduled bus arrival time.
915.7If the bus does not appear within fifteen (15) minutes of the scheduled pick-up time, the school shall attempt to call the parents regarding the delay; however, the parents have the phone numbers for the bus drivers and should call the bus drivers to determine if there is a delay and when to expect the bus.
915.8It is imperative that students know where to go if parents are delayed in arriving at the drop-off location. It shall not be the responsibility of BMCS to make accommodations for the student under these circumstances.
915.9Bus drivers are not allowed to wait at the pick-up or drop-off because they must keep to the schedule as closely as possible. If a driver reasonably believes a child is endangered they will report the situation to local law enforcement; however, a driver or BMCS cannot be held liable for any failure to report.
920FIELD TRIP AND EXTRA-CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES:BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Insofar as educational requirements permit, school will be adjusted to allow maximum utilization by providing transportation for elementary and junior high field trips with same buses for school and extra-curricular activities.
920.1One-day field trips are to be arranged in advance and itinerary should be completed and provided to the head of trnsportation one week before the trip. Overnight field trips will be approved by the BMCS Governing Board.
920.2Procedures for Approval Request for Field Trips:
  1. Field trip package cover sheet.
  2. Travel authorization.
  3. Three (3) days notice.
  4. Itinerary.
  5. Student listing.
  6. Emergency and contact numbers for parents, bus drivers, chaperones, school and principal.
925SCHOOL BUS SAFETY PROGRAM & EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS:BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
925.1Student safety is the FIRST PRIORITY in all matters pertaining to pupil transportation. Safety precaution include the following:
  1. An emergency evacuation drill will be held during the first week of each month. Arizona DPS student transportation will be notified of the drills. Initial practice drills will be conducted on school hours. All students and staff will be given an opportunity to participate, including those students who may ride the bus only on special trips.
  2. Bus drivers and supervisors will be aware of students with physical limitations and will, with others as may be required by law or these policies, agree upon extra procedures that may be neccessary to transport such students safely.
  3. Bus drivers should ensure that the emergency brake is set, ignition off, and the transmission is disengaged during drills and emergencies. During and emergency or drill, students will evacuate safely, orderly, and in shortest time possible.
  4. All students should move a distance of 100 feet away from the bus in all emergency drills and evacuations. Students shall remain in a group until given further instructions by the driver/student leader and a "head" count is conducted.
  5. Students shall be instructed in how and where to get help. Emergency telephone numbers shall be posted in the school buses and vehicles.
  6. During an emergency, if the driver is incapacitated and unable to direct the students, an appointed student helper, or adult monitor shall assist in the evacuation.
  7. Student helpers will be trained monthly by the bus drivers on how to open emergency doors and windows, air brakes/hydraulic, two way radio, operate a fire extinguisher, triangle deflectors and other functions.
925.2Student Responsibility: Buses transporting students are considered an extension of the school, therefore, student misconduct on the bus is subject to disciplinary action. Uniform rules of conduct and disciplinary measures will be enforced. Each student will provided with printed rules of conduct, which are as follows:
  1. Abide by Parent Student Handbook.
  2. All passengers are under the authority of the bus driver.
  3. Students who must walk a distance to meet the bus should walk on the side of the road to their left, facing traffic, except on divided highways.
  4. Flammable items are not permitted on the bus.
  5. Students are to remain in their assigned seats while the bus in motion. Seat changes may be made ONLY when the bus is stopped and with the driver's approval.
  6. Students may not open or close the bus windows without the driver's approval.
  7. Student silence is expected when the bus is approaching railroad crossing.
  8. Students are expected to stay out of the driver's seat and shall not tamper with any bus equipment.
  9. Damage to the bus shall be documented by the driver and reported to the Hearing Officer.
  10. Students crossing the road to board or depart the bus are to wait for the driver's signal and cross ten (10) feet in front of the bus so the driver can see them. Students should look both ways before crossing to the opposite side off the road.
  11. Students are expected to pick up trash around their seats prior to exiting the bus.
  12. Refer to Section 730 in the Sudent & Parent Handbook.
930SCHOOL VEHICLE OPERATION POLICYBACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
All employees share an affirmative duty to ensure BMCS-owned vehicles are used properly by responsible individuals who have a high regard for both personal and public safety while operating a school-owned vehicle.
930.1Qualifications - An employee may request a school vehicle for BMCS business, if he or she satisfies the following requirements:
  1. Possess a valid and current (no suspension, expiration or revocation) state driver's license.
  2. Comlete a National Defensive Driving Course every three (3) years.
  3. Complete GSA Form 3607 signed by the Principal.
  4. Complete a BMCS vehicle operator's training.
  5. Annual MVD evaluation of the applicant's driving record.
930.2Causes for Disciplinary Action: Supervisor shall initiate appropriate disciplinary action against employee pursuant to BMCS policies and procedures, up to and including termination of employment for the following:
  1. Convicted of Reckless Driving, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or loss of driving privileges related to such degrees.
  2. Arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offense related to traffic incident involving alcohol or drugs, including but not limited to vehicular homocide, vehicular manslaughter or passenger endangerment.
  3. Any aggravated assualt charges or other crimes against a minor or person(s).
  4. Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or hallucinogenic drugs.
  5. Conviction for leaving the scene of an accident.
  6. Failure to report revocation or suspension of driver's license.
  7. Failure to report incidences.
  8. Exibition of behaviors inconsistent with the safe and prudent operation of a motor vehicle.
  9. Any disqualifying event under P.L. 100-297.
930.3SCHOOL VEHICLE OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Complete a tranportation request and travel authorization form, signed by Head Transportation/Mechanic and Principal.
  2. With the assistance of the Transportation Department, perform a PTI and ATI of all school-owned vehicles.
  3. Comply with Title 14 Navajo Nation Code Subchapter 5 §240 Speed Regulation or a reasonable speed allowed by conditions of the road.
  4. Ensure seat belt usage in all school-owned or rented vehicles as required by law or safe operation of vehicle.
  5. When appropriate, operate a GPS in an audible mode while vehicle is in motion.
  6. Compliance with State, local and tribal traffic laws and the lawful instructions of emergency and law enforcement personnel.
  7. Abstain form ingesting or transporting controlled substances, energy drinks, intoxicating beverages, prescription drugs or other medications that caution against driving a vehicle when taken to avoid being impaired while driving and avoid ingesting anything that might impair your ability to drive.
  8. Shall not transport unauthorized passengers such as hitch hikers, friends, family members or non-BMCS students in a school-owned or rented vehicle.
  9. Transporting, when authorized by your supervisor, parent(s) to school site for parent-teacher conferenceor for an individual education plan meeting. 24-hours advance notice is required.
  10. Immediatley reporting to the Immediate Supervisor any medical or physical condition, including the use of controlled substances, prescription or over-the-counter drugs, which may impair the driver from the safe operation of a school vehicle. This is absolutely mandatory.
  11. Immediately notifying the Principal of any restricted, suspended, revoked or cancelled license.
  12. Reoprting all incidents or accidents involving a motor vehicle that occur while on official duty. In the event of an accident involving a school vehicle, the operator shall:
    1. Immediately notify the nearest police department, Principal, and Head of Transportation.
    2. Do not leave or move the vehicle until authorized by a police officer and the Principal.
    3. Do not engage in an argument nor express an opinion as to who was responsible for the accident.
    4. Secure names and address of all available witnesses.
    5. Inform and provide information to the Principal of the following:
      1. Name
      2. Location of accident
      3. Event
      4. Any injuries
      5. Submit the Motor Vehicle Accident Report Form, to the Principal and Head of Transportation, immediately.
  13. Reporting all on-duty incidents involving a motor vehicle that could result in a violation, citation, charge, arrest, warrant or civil action.
  14. Notifying the Principal or designee of these incidents no later than the following nusiness day after the occurences. Failure to inform the Principal or designee of any such situation may subject employee to disciplinary action, up to termination of employment.
  15. Shall not use a cell phone or other electronic device while the vehicle is in motion or in traffic. A cell phone or other electronic device may only be used when the vehicle is safely stopped out of traffic.
940HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORSBACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
This policy applies to all free moving mobile equipment that may be propelled by gasoline, propane, diesel or electricity with the exceptions of school buses and passenger vehicles. Only competent personnel may operate heavy equipment/mobile equipment.
940.1Definitions:
  1. Competent Person - Person who by possession of a recognized degree in an applicable field or a certificate of professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to operate heavy equipment and solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter and work.
  2. Free Moving Mobile Equipment - Operator controlled mobile equipment not considered by Fixed Rails and can include Bobcat (forklift, Auger, Sweeper, Tiller, Front Bucket, etc.), Aerial Lifts, dump truck and backhoe.
  3. Mobile Equipment - Free moving equipment propelled/powered by gasoline, propane, natural gas, diesel or electricity used to haul, transport, excavate, move, manuever, or hoist materials, equipment, products or personnel.
  4. Heavy Equipment - All free moving mobile equipment that may be propelled by gasoline, propane, diesel or electricity, including those identified in (A)(02) and (A)(03) above with the exception of school buses and passenger vehicles.
940.2Head of Transportation Responsibilities:
  1. Ensure that this policy and all department rules in the equipment training procedure are followed.
  2. Ensure a Competent Person is available for heavy equipment/mobile equipment training.
  3. Identify and provide the appropriate training for the Competent Person to conduct heavy equipment/mobile equipment training.
  4. Ensure that operators of heavy equipment/mobile equipment are trained, evaluated, observed, given skills needed to operate the equipment safely and where required or applicable, properly licensed.
  5. Document random observation and on the spot corrections and conduct department refresher training regularly and as needed.
940.3Employee Responsibilities:
  1. Always ensure the safe operation of all heavy equipment, especially student safety.
  2. Follow this policy and other safety rules pertaining to the pre-shift inspection of operation and routine maintenance of heavy/mobile equipment.
  3. Perform pre-shift inspections prior to start of work for respective equipment.
  4. Report any pre-shift inspection deficiencies with equipment to their immediate supervisor for maintenance or further action prior to operate of the equipment.
  5. Obey traffic signs and signals and audible or visual warning devices.
940.4Competent Person (Equipped Trainer) will:
  1. Train and evaluate equipment operators in classroom, hands-on training process and refreshers.
  2. Be knowledgeable and experienced in the particular equipment operation and how-to train.
  3. Document evaluations and training.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
940.5Risk Management Safety will:
  1. Provide assistance for compliance with the policy to requesting individuals, departments/agencies.
940.5General Operating Requirements
  1. The location and conditions shall determine the vehicle speed limit and post the information.
  2. All incidents involving mobile equipment shall be formally investigated.
  3. Equipment operators are responsible for keeping the equipment under control at all times.
  4. All equipment operators must obey traffic signs and signals, and audible or visual warning devices.
  5. Alteration or modification of equipment is not permitted without prior written consent of the manufacturer and location management.
  6. When parking equipment, the operator must not block fire aisles, access to stairs, stretcher storage, fire department, or other emergency response areas or equipment.
  7. Stunt driving and horseplay are strictly forbidden.
  8. All equipment rated capacities shall not be exceeded.
  9. Equipment operators shall perform a pre-trip inspection on all equipment using the appropriate form in the Attachments.
  10. Any deficiencies found in the pre-trip inspections shall be reported and the equipment taken out of service until repairs are made and equipment is safe to operate.
  11. The right of way is yielded to emergency vehicles.
  12. Riders are not permitted except for the operator unless neccessary and apporved by location management.
  13. Operators must keep both hands free such as not eating, reading and drinking while operating.
940.6Free Moving Equipment or Vehicles
  1. If governors (speeding equipment) are in use and are set to a specific speed, they must not be removed or altered in any way.
  2. Equipment operators msut maintain a safe following distance from other equipment or vehicles (three truck lengths or three seconds).
  3. For intersections with obstucted views, the equipment operator is responsible to slow down, sound the horn and used fixed convex mirrors, where provided to check for cross-traffic.
  4. Seat belts must be worn at all times.
  5. Excess counter-weighting is forbidden.
  6. The proper attachments must be used for the respective equipment.
  7. Be aware of bystanders and pedestrians that may be in the target zone of an unstable load.
  8. Level the top of the forks and do not lift with only one fork.
  9. Center of gravity of the load must be as close to the mast as possible. The stability is greater as the center of gravity of the load is brought closer to the front axle.
  10. Tilt the mast gently backward to stabilize the load when the load is elevated.
  11. Loads become less stable when the load is raised, turning, on slopes, tilting the load, and on rough or uneven surfaces.
  12. Traveling surfaces must be able to support the weight of the equipment and the load.
  13. There must be adequate overhead clearance maintained such as from lights.
  14. Transporting an individual in a lift platform is forbidden.
  15. Equipment operators must not pass forks or attachments over anyone, nor shall anyone pass under them whether the equipment is loaded or empty.
  16. Equipment operators shall not pass other vehicles moving in the same direction at intersections, blind spots or other dangerous locations.
  17. Equipment operators shall travel with the load as close to the floor as possible (one or two inches at the heel of the forks and four to six inches at the tips, with the load resting against the mast).
  18. Equipment operators shall keep their bodies within the dimensions of the truck and not between the mast uprights.
  19. All free moving mobile equipment shall have back-up alarms.
  20. Back-up alarms and lighting must ne inspected during the pre-shift inspections and any deficiencies corrected.
  21. Flatbed truck operators shall avoid steering wheels all the way in either direction.
  22. The load must clear the floor for a flatbed truck before engaging the reverse speed.
  23. Flatbed truck operators shall pre-examine loads to ensure they do not overload the truck.
  24. Flatbed truck operators shall not use the reverse direction power for braking.
  25. Flatbed truck operators shall allow sufficient clearance for lowering loads into storage spaces.
945SCHOOL HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTALBACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Black Mesa Community School has heavy equipment and a dump truck for school use only.
945.1The operator must be a certified heavy equipment operator.
945.2PTI/ATI forms will be completed for every use. Any intentional damages or negligence will be cause for non-reimbursement of the security deposit. The renter will be responsible for any additional cost if the deposit amount does not cover all the expenses.
950DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Any employee who violates any of the transportation policy will be disciplined and/or terminated pursuant to Personnel Policy §450.1 and shall have the right to appeal as set forth in §450.2.