Table of Contents
13.0 Vehicles
13.1 Risks and Hazards
13.2 Responsibilities (Due Diligence) Regarding Vehicles
13.3 Safe Driving Guidelines for All Vehicles
13.4 Equipment Lists for Vehicles
13.5 Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections
13.5.1 Vehicle Maintenance
13.5.2 Regular Vehicle Inspections
13.5.3 Contractor's Vehicles
13.5.4 Rental or Leased Vehicles
13.6 Training
13.6.1 Loading Guidelines
13.6.2 Vehicle Controls and Equipment
13.6.3 How to Change a Tire
13.6.4 How to Use a Hi-Lift Jack (Jack-All, Kangaroo Jack)
13.6.5 Starting a Vehicle with Booster Cables (Jump Start)
13.6.6 Winches
13.6.7 Fuelling Procedures
13.7 Handling and Driving Skills
13.7.1 Braking
13.7.2 Parking
13.7.3 Reversing
13.7.4 Crossing Streams
13.7.5 Towing
13.8 Defensive Driving Skills and Attitudes
13.8.1 General Defensive Driving Techniques
13.8.2 Techniques for Unpaved Roads
13.8.3 Weather-Related Safe Driving Techniques
13.9 Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operation Guidelines
13.9.1 General Driving Techniques
13.9.2 Off-Road Driving Guidelines
13.10 Resources
Introduction
Drivers of vehicles are a major cause of work-related accidents and safety incidents in the mineral exploration industry. Usually these accidents and incidents are due to driver error or negligence. Therefore, by improving driver skills, attitudes, defensive driving techniques, and by reducing driver fatigue, an exploration company can expect to reduce vehicle-related accidents and incidents. Carrying appropriate equipment and good maintenance practices also contribute to improved vehicle safety. Company employees who travel in countries where roads and driving conditions are particularly hazardous should avoid driving and instead use local staff drivers or professional drivers associated with their hotel.
When they differ, the instructions in the manufacturer's operator manual that accompany a vehicle or piece of equipment (e.g. winch or jack) take precedence over instructions in the PDAC Health and Safety Guidelines.