18.K Specialty Vehicles.
For the purposes of the Section, specialty vehicles are defined as all other vehicles not meeting any of the definitions above and may include cargo or personnel carriers or custom vehicles (i.e., Taylor-Dunn/Cushman, golf carts, Segway-type vehicles, snow machines, etc.).
18.K.01 A driver qualification and training program specific to the specialty vehicle must be established.
18.K.02 An AHA/SOP that includes at a minimum, the safe operations, limits of operational work areas, required PPE and vehicle safety equipment requirements must be established for the use of all specialty vehicles.
18.K.03 Whenever visibility conditions warrant additional light, all vehicles, or combinations of vehicles, in use must be equipped with at least one headlight and one taillight in operable condition.
18.K.04 The manufacturer's recommended load carrying capacity, personnel capacity, and maximum safe vehicle speed must not be exceeded at any time.
18.K.05 Specialty vehicles must not be used for other than their manufactured purpose. Manufacturer-installed safety equipment will be maintained in working order and used in compliance with the requirement of this regulation and in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
18.K.06 Cargo items will be secured as necessary to prevent movement/tipping.
18.K.07 Specialty vehicles must not be operated on unimproved surfaces.
18.K.08 For Segway HT, the minimum head protection standard is an approved bicycle helmet.
18.K.09 A snow machine is any vehicle designed to travel over ice and snow using mechanical propulsion in conjunction with skis, belts, cleats, or low-pressure tires.
- All state and local laws and regulations must be observed. Snow machines may be used on public roadways only where authorized by state and local regulations or in an emergency.
- Operator training for snow machines will include:
- (1) Hand signals;
- (2) Riding positions;
- (3) Towing of a sled;
- (4) Surface conditions and types (e.g. snow, ice, tundra, etc.);
- (5) Proper apparel while riding;
- (6) Dangers to avoid.
- The following minimum equipment is required on all snow machines:
- (1) Brakes that will work under normal driving conditions and when loading;
- (2) A throttle in which, when released by hand, will return engine speed to idle, close the carburetor, and disengage the clutch;
- (3) A rear snow flap to deflect material or objects thrown by the track;
- (4) A protective shield over all moving parts;
- (5) Reflectors on the sides or side cowling (must meet Society of Automotive Engineers Standards);
- (6) A rigid drawbar that is no longer than 10 ft (3.0 m) when towing;
- (7) Operable rear view mirror(s).
- When working from snow machines, two machines are the minimum (the buddy system). When working more than five miles from support base, a track vehicle for support will be used to support the operation.
- Passengers are not authorized on personal snow machines (snowmobiles) except in case of an emergency (i.e., a broken-down machine).
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18-16. What is the requirement for towing when using a snow machine?
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