1.0
PURPOSE:
To increase safety awareness for operators, crew-members, and passengers
in University owned
water vessels.
2.0
APPLICABLE TO: Any University employee, student worker,
student who must operate a University owned water
vessel to fulfill the needs and/or requirements of his/her job, course
curriculum or degree plan.
3.0
GUIDELINES:
3.1
Personnel
shall not operate a University owned water vessel without having successfully
completed the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries boating safety
course.
3.2
Personnel
utilizing University owned water vessels are required to complete a ‘Vessel
Authorization / History Form – DA2066 (Section 7: Forms) each
year.
3.3
Personnel
using University owned vehicles to tow vessels must complete the University’s
Driver Safety Program and have, in their possession, a valid driver’s
license.
3.4
The
Director of The Louisiana Environmental Research Center (LERC) shall be Program
Administrator of the University’s water vessel safety
program.
3.4.1
Documentation
of course completion vehicle / vessel inspections, float plans, operator history
forms and accidents / incidents shall be kept on file by the Director of
LERC.
3.4.2
The
Office of Environmental, Health, Safety and Hazardous Waste should evaluate
program policies and documentation on an annual
basis.
3.4.2.1
This
evaluation should also include an annual check with the Louisiana Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division for possible citations given to water vessel
operations personnel.
3.4.2.1.1
A list of
high risk operators, if any, should be noted
3.4.2.2
The
Director of LERC is responsible for insuring all equipment necessary for safe,
legal operation of University owned water vessels, is up-to-date and in good
working condition.
4.0
SAFE
OPERATIONS
4.1
Vehicles
/ Vessels
4.1.1
University
owned equipment will be checked out through LERC.
4.1.2
Prior to
the use of University owned vessels /vehicles, the operator shall conduct a walk
around inspection to identify any obvious
problem(s).
4.1.2.1
Deficiencies
must be documented on the ‘Water Vessel Safety Checklist’ (Section 7:
Forms).
4.1.2.1.1
Items must be corrected prior to use of
the equipment.
4.1.3
The use
of alcohol or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) that impairs ability or
judgment is not permitted.
4.1.4
Operators
of University owned equipment are responsible for obeying all Federal, State and
Local ordinances, rules, regulations and laws.
4.1.5
A “Float
Plan” (Section 7: Forms) shall be filed with LERC prior to utilization of
vessel.
4.2
Personnel
4.2.1
Personnel
have the responsibility to immediately stop any observed unsafe act(s) and to
eliminate any unsafe condition(s).
4.2.2
Personnel
are to adhere to guidelines and directives that accompany any equipment on board
the vessels and vehicles such as fire extinguishers, personal floatation
devices, hard hats, hearing protection, gloves,
etc.
4.2.3
Visitors,
other than crew, are required to sign an acknowledgment of responsibility
document (Section 7: Forms).
4.3
Firearms
4.3.1
No
firearms are allowed on University equipment unless assigned to a commissioned
law enforcement official.
4.3.1.1
The
University Police Chief on a case-by-case basis may make exception in
writing.
4.4
Fire
Safety
4.4.1
While
operating University owned equipment that utilizes combustible or flammable
liquids, a fire extinguisher will be readily
available.
4.4.2
Flammable
liquids will be stored in approved containers.
4.4.3
While
refueling vessels / vehicles, the operator will ensure proper
grounding.
4.4.3.1
Appropriate
steps should be taken to prevent the buildup of static
electricity.
5.0
ACCIDENT
REPORTING
5.1
Call
appropriate agency for assistance
5.1.1
Coast
Guard (Waterway)
5.1.2
State
Police (Vehicular)
5.1.3
Campus
Police (All situations)
5.2
If the
accident involves an injury, immediately notify campus police
(475-5711).
5.3
Fill out
the appropriate accident forms (Section 7: Forms)
5.3.1
Incident
/ Accident Investigation Form
5.3.2
Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Waterway Accident Form
5.4
Make no
statement or warranty about the University’s
liability.
6.0
DISCIPLINARY
ACTION
6.1
The
recommended guidelines for disciplinary actions for operating violations
are:
|
VIOLATION |
DISCIPLINARY
ACTION |
|
Incapacity
of Operator (drugs, alcohol) |
Loss
of operating privileges |
|
Negligent
Homicide |
Loss
of operating privileges |
|
Misuse
of vessel (pending an investigation) by Program
Administrator |
Loss
of operating privileges |
|
Careless
Operation or Interference with Navigation |
First
offence:
Written warning issued +
Required to attend boating safety class Second
offence: Written warning
issued +
Required to attend boating safety class
Suspended operating privileges until class
completed Third
offence:
Suspension of operating privileges pending
an investigation by the Program
Administrator |
|
Reckless
Operation |
Suspension
of operating privileges pending an investigation by the Program
Administrator |
|
Accidents |
Program
Administrator will review reports and determine disciplinary action
depending on severity |
6.2
Whenever
suspension of operating privileges is deemed necessary, Program Administrator
will communicate this action to the individual’s supervisor and will also put a
copy of the ruling into the individual’s personnel
file.
6.2.1
This may
lead to further action by the individual’s department according to Civil Service
rules and regulations.