Powered Cart Safety

This program outlines responsibilities, training, pre-trip inspections, maintenance, and more for powered carts and low-speed vehicles on campus.   

I.  Purpose/Scope

Purpose:  To provide administrators and supervisors with guidelines to be followed when training vehicle operators in the proper and safe driving practices for powered carts and low-speed vehicles (LSV). The powered cart & LSV maintenance program and pre-trip safety inspection provide a mechanism to ensure vehicles are maintained to minimum safety standards.

Scope: Includes all California State University, Northridge (CSUN) departments including campus Auxiliary organizations, and official volunteers who operate powered carts and/or LSVs on the CSUN campus. Student employees are also required to complete the training.

II.  Policy

It is the policy of California State University, Northridge to establish a program that provides the operators of electric or gasoline powered carts & LSVs with the following:

  • Adequate training so that the vehicles may be operated in a safe manner.
  • A vehicle that is mechanically safe to operate on a university campus.
  • An understanding of the legal requirements for driving these vehicles on or off roadways (see section VIII).
  • In accordance with CSUN Vehicles Usage Policy.

III.  Definitions

Powered Carts: are not motor vehicles and are not licensed by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles (they do not have a license plate) and shall not be driven on public roadways. They may be either gasoline or electric powered.

Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV):  are motor vehicles which are capable of a top speed of 25 mph. They have a CA Exempt license plate and can be driven on public streets posted 35 mph or less that are adjacent to the CSUN campus.

IV.  Responsibilities

Environmental Health & Safety

  • Develop and administer the Powered Cart & LSV Safety Program procedures.
  • Annually conduct the following activities:
    • Review the program for possible revisions.
    • Provide refresher information to departments that operate powered carts and LSV.

Departments Supervisors

The department supervisor has a number of responsibilities when employees are operating a powered cart.  Supervisors will make sure that:

  • All vehicle operators complete the training prior to operating a powered cart or LSV (Section V).
  • Cart safety training has been taken within the last four years by all employees who operate carts.
  • The driving habits of their employees are monitored.
  • The department’s carts and LSVs are routinely inspected and maintained.
  • A cart needing maintenance is tagged properly with “Out of Service". 
  • The "Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts and LSV" with all powered cart and LSV operators (Section VIII) are reviewed.
  • All purchases of powered carts and LSVs approved are approved and inspected upon delivery by the "Responsible Management Employee"(RME) for fleet vehicles. This approval can be coordinated through the Auto Shop Supervisor (extension 2229).
  • Any accidents or injury involving a cart or theft are reported to University Police (818) 677-2111 or 911.
  • Immediately or within 24 hours of occurrence:

Employees

It is the responsibility of drivers to abide by all the rules and regulations specified in this program including:

  • Successful completion of the University Defensive Driver and Powered Cart training (every 4 yrs).
  • Successful completion of all Powered Cart Safety program requirements.
  • Maintain a valid California driver's license.
  • Immediately report any accident and / or injury involving a cart to your immediate supervisor NO MATTER HOW MINOR THE ACCIDENT OR INJURY APPEARS.
  • Immediately report ALL cart maintenance problems to your direct supervisor.
  • Ensure all passengers comply with ALL safety rules and procedures.
  • When a cart is not operating properly, post a DO NOT OPERATE sign until it has been inspected and / or repaired and the cart is in a safe operating condition.
  • Review the owner's manual for technical specifications and vehicle characteristics.

Physical Plant Management (PPM)

  • Develop and maintain a campus standard for powered cart and LSVs safety equipment (i.e. seat belts, horn, windshield). This standard will be used by the RME to ensure that all new carts and LSV purchased meet minimum campus safety standards.
  • Administer the powered cart and LSV maintenance program (Section VII).

 Department of Police Services (DPS)

V.  Training

Employees

Prior to operating a powered cart or LSV on the CSUN campus, employees must:

Department Supervisors

  • Provide the employee with a copy of Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts & Low-Speed Vehicles. Ensure the employee understands all of these rules. 
  • Review the Pre-Trip Safety Inspection requirements (Section VI).
  • Review the basics for operating the powered cart or LSV with the employee. Ensure that the driver knows the location and proper operation of the following:
    • Lights, turn signal, and horn location (if equipped).
    • Emergency brake location and operation.
    • Accelerator and brake pedal operation.
    • Forward-Reverse switch location and operation.
    • After completing the above steps, have employee sign the Employee/Supervisor Training Certification Form. Certificate is retained in your department files as long as the employee remains an active powered cart or LSV operator.

VI.  Pre-Trip Safety Inspection

Prior to driving any powered cart or LSV, the following Pre-Trip Safety Inspection shall be performed:

  • Check all tires for proper air pressure - use air pressure gauge if you are unsure.
  • Check accelerator pedal for a smooth and non-binding motion.
  • Check all lights (if equipped) are working properly.
  • Test brakes for proper operation.
  • Ensure seatbelts are in good working condition.
  • Check mirrors.

If any of the tested items are not functioning properly, immediately take the cart or LSV out of service until repairs are completed.

VII.  Powered Cart & LSV Maintenance Program

  • All powered carts and LSVs must undergo an annual safety inspection conducted by the PPM Auto Shop. A written summary of the inspection results will be given to the department for their records.
  • If a department chooses to use an outside vendor to perform the inspection, the vendor will (as a minimum) follow the same inspection protocol as that followed by PPM. PPM will supply a copy of this protocol upon request. A written summary of the inspections results will be kept in the department files.

VIII.  Rules for Safe Operation of Powered Carts & LSVs

The following operating rules apply to both electric, gasoline powered carts & LSVs.

  • Only drivers authorized by the university and trained in the safe operation of powered carts and LSVs shall be permitted to operate such vehicles.
  • All prospective cart or LSV operators MUST receive training before being allowed to operate a powered cart or LSV.
  • Seatbelts must be worn by all vehicle occupants at all times. The maximum number of passengers is equal to the number of seatbelts in the vehicle. All passengers must be in a seat while the cart is moving - no exceptions. Drivers violating this safety rule may have their driving privileges suspended or revoked.
  • Operators and passengers shall keep arms, legs, and any other body parts inside the cart or LSV at all times, and shall not jump on or off of moving vehicles.
  • Powered carts shall be driven on campus streets whenever possible. If a sidewalk must be used, the cart speed should not exceed that of the pedestrian traffic. Powered carts shall not be driven on lawns at any time.
  • LSVs (which are capable of 25 mph) shall be driven on campus streets and may not be driven on the sidewalks.
  • LSVs can be driven on public streets posted 35 mph or less which are adjacent to the campus.
  • Powered carts and LSVs shall not exceed 15 mph on all campus roadways.
  • Operators shall be familiar with, and observe all established traffic laws. Citations will be issued for violations of traffic laws.
  • Materials and equipment shall be properly secured so that they will not shift or fall off of moving carts or LSV.
  • Powered carts & LSVs shall not be operated at night without properly working head and taillights.
  • Be extremely cautious while making turns and while driving on uneven surfaces to avoid tipping in carts.
  • Do not drive while using headphones, cell phones, radios, etc.
  • NEVER leave a child unattended in a cart.
  • Do not cut corners.  Cutting corners can lead to a roll-over.
  • Do not make abrupt directional changes.
  • Do not skid unless under emergency situations.  This greatly strains brake components.
  • Do not drive carts while under the influence of alcohol or substances which may impair driving.
  • Do not use the accelerator to hold the cart on an incline.
  • Do not play or “rough house” on carts.
  • Do not yell or scream while operating a cart.
  • Do not park on grass unless it is absolutely essential
  • Parking is prohibited in the following areas:
    • Red zones
    • Disabled access spaces
    • Near building entrances and exits, especially fire exits

IX. Forms Used

Request Defensive Driving & Powered Cart Training

Employee/Supervisor Training Certification Form

Acknowledgement and Verification For University and Private Vehicles

Employee Injury/Supervisors Accident Investigation Report

Standard State Form 270: Vehicle Accident Report

Standard State Form 274: State Driver Accident Review

 

X.  Reference

CSUN Vehicles Usage Policy
CSU Use of University and Private Vehicles Policy Guidelines