FridayFriday SafetySafety BriefBrief

August 15, 2003 Brought to you by Idealsafe at 402-474-4166. Website: www.idealease.com

FMCSA Issues Rule to Improve For-Hire Small Bus & Van Safety AugustAugust 2424 -- SeptemberSeptember 1,1, 20032003 On Tuesday, August 12, 2003, the U.S. Department of Visit http://www.truckline.com/insideata/ntdaw/ for Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Visit http://www.truckline.com/insideata/ntdaw/ for ideas and suggestions regarding gifts, activities, Administration (FMCSA) announced requirements that will ideas and suggestions regarding gifts, activities, etc. to help with your own company’s driver improve the safe operation of commercial nine- to 15- etc. to help with your own company’s driver appreciation week. passenger vans and small buses in interstate commerce. appreciation week. “ These requirements will help improve safety for occupants of these vehicles, which are known to pose serious safety risks,” U.S. Secretary Norman Y. Mineta said. “We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure the safety of those who rely on this group of motor carriers that provides important intercity travel services.” Under the new rule, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) will apply to all businesses operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV) designed or used to transport between nine and 15 passengers (including the driver) in interstate commerce for “direct compensation” when the vehicle is operated beyond a 75-air-mile radius from the location where the driver normally works. Affected motor carriers must comply with the requirements of this rule by Nov. 10, 2003. Drivers of these vehicles will be required to meet the same physical qualifications and hours-of-service rules as motor coach drivers, TheThe hazard hazard communication communication rules rules probably probably except they will not be required by the FMCSA to have a commercial applyapply to to your your shop, shop, which which includes includes an an driver’s license (CDL) or be tested for controlled substances and inventoryinventory of of any any chemicals chemicals used used (i.e. (i.e. brake brake alcohol. FMCSA has no authority to establish and enforce the CDL cleaners,cleaners, solvents, solvents, paints, paints, etc.), etc.), the the proper proper and controlled substances and alcohol testing rules relating to MaterialMaterial Safety Safety Data Data Sheets Sheets and and employee employee commercial van operations. training.training. DoDo aa walkwalk aroundaround inspectioninspection toto seesee Businesses operating these vehicles will be subject to compliance thatthat personal personal protective protective equipment equipment is is being being reviews and the same safety fitness procedures and standards used usedused and and make make sure sure everyone everyone affected affected has has to evaluate other interstate motor carriers. Carriers that receive an receivedreceived the the required required PPE PPE training. training. Check Check “unsatisfactory” safety rating will be prohibited from operating CMVs firefire extinguishers, extinguishers, electrical electrical equipment, equipment, first first to transport passengers in interstate commerce. The vehicles will be aidaid kits kits and and housekeeping. housekeeping. If If you you have have a a required to meet the same safety requirements as motor coaches. paint/bodypaint/body shop, shop, make make sure sure that that the the filters filters areare clean. clean. There There should should be be no no other other combustiblescombustibles in in the the paintpaint booth.booth. Make Make suresure personalpersonal protectiveprotective equipmentequipment isis usedused here.here. LookLook forfor possiblepossible rulemakings,rulemakings, inin thethe nearnear future,future, regardingregarding verifyingverifying thethe accuracyaccuracy ofof logslogs by by motor motor carriers carriers and and the the drivers’ drivers’ Security Training requirementrequirement to to submit submit supporting supporting documents.documents. The The physical physical exam exam Don’t forget to include the mandatory requirementsrequirements maymay bebe rolled rolled intointo thethe CDL,CDL, security element to your HazMat training by September this eliminatingeliminating the the rule rule to to carry carry the the physical physical year, if you haul certain hazardous materials. card.card. Current Current employment employment background background investigationinvestigation rulesrules ofof driversdrivers maymay bebe rolledrolled And, speaking of training, if you operate flatbeds, you should ensure intointo one one requirement, requirement, which which will will require require that all drivers know and understand the cargo tie down and certaincertain information information to to be be obtained obtained and and also also securement rules. Proper cargo securement is a must! You can make requirerequire past past employers employers to to respond respond to to your own training program, using the types of freight you haul, with inquiries.inquiries. We’ll We’ll watch watch these these.. simple video clips taken on a video camera to help with the training when a load isn’t available on your yard. Both classroom and “hands-on” training is the best method of instructing, to ensure that drivers fully understand how to tie down their loads.

This publication is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. This “Safety Brief” is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.