Motorcycle, Scooter/Moped, Segway, and

 Bicycle Use by Employees - Personal Protective Equipment Policy

UFEHS-SAFE1-05/20/09

Environmental Health and Safety

Business Affairs

University of Florida

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this policy is to help protect University of Florida (UF) employees from preventable injury. The objective is to reduce the risk of employee injury or fatality through the use of appropriate personal protective equipment during operation of motorcycles, scooters/mopeds, Segways, and bicycles while in the course and scope of employment.

AUTHORITY:

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is responsible for safety policy development and for monitoring compliance of UF facilities and operations. EH&S has enforcement authority when dealing with unsafe or non-compliant conditions and with violations of environmental, health, and safety related statutes and regulations.

POLICY:

This policy sets forth the requirements for use of personal protective equipment during operation of motorcycles, scooters/mopeds, Segways and bicycles by UF personnel while in the conduct of official business.  All University employees who ride their personal or UF-owned motorcycles, scooters/mopeds, bicycles, or Segways for UF business purposes are required to wear a protective helmet.  Employees may use their own personal helmet or a UF-provided helmet that meets DOT or CPSC standards.  Use of a personal motorcycle, scooter/moped, Segway or bicycle for travel to and from work or for onsite recreational purposes is not considered “work related;” however, UF employees are strongly encouraged to wear their helmets whenever they ride.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Departments – Comply with all policy and program elements and provide appropriate safety equipment for department owned vehicles.

PROCEDURES:

Appropriate protective headgear must be worn by any employee who operates a motorcycle, scooter/moped, Segway, or bicycle on University business as follows:

• Motorcyclists and operators of a moped or scooter must wear a properly fastened helmet that meets the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) FMVSS 218 standards. Helmets that meet FMVSS 218 have a manufacturer-applied sticker on the outside rear of the helmet with the letters “DOT”.

• Bicyclists and Segway operators must wear a United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved bicycle helmet.
  
  
• Helmets must be sized to fit the wearer snugly, yet comfortably.
  
• The helmet should have no obvious defects such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps.
  A helmet impacted in an accident must be replaced regardless of its visual condition.
  
  
• Keep the helmet securely fastened when riding.
  
  
• A plastic shatter-resistant face shield is recommended and can help protect one's face in a crash. It also provides protection from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and debris. Eye protection is required under Florida law for anyone operating a motorcycle.