Transport Equipment and Vehicle Safety

This section provides safety guidance related to bicycles (including e-bikes, etc.), and applies to UBC Members when engaged in UBC Activities in workplace, teaching, and, research environments at or of UBC per Health and Safety Policy. This section is intended for UBC Members who require use of a bicycle as part of their regular duties and not to use of bicycles during personal time (such as commuting to and from campus) or outside of their regular duties.

Tips for Safe Biking

General information about the rules of the road and other tips, which can make biking safer and easier, is available at: https://planning.ubc.ca/transportation/cycling/cycling-tips-and-resources which includes tips and resources on:

• Routes and Maps
• Basic bike gear and clothing
• Bike fitting and maintenance
• Rules of the Road
• Using Bike Boxes
• Keeping your bike safe and preventing theft
• Maintenance resources

Important Considerations for Use of Bicycles on Campus

Questions related to bicycle activities should be discussed with the appropriate Supervisor. Important considerations for use of bicycles on campus by UBC Members include, but are not limited to:

• Is the activity requiring a bicycle part of regular duties?
  • If yes, is the necessary safety provisions provided (appropriate helmet, good conditioned bicycle, etc.)?
• Is a bicycle required for the job or can an alternate method be used (walking, other equipment, campus mail, etc.)?
• Is the bicycle and related equipment UBC property or personal?
  • If the bicycle and related equipment are personal, the University’s insurance will not provide coverage for any damage or theft and the worker will be responsible for maintenance and safety.
    • For questions, please visit Insurance and Loss Prevention.
• Before leaving:
  • Has the route, weather, and terrain been adequately assessed?
  • Has a pre-trip inspection been conducted and documented verifying all is in good order?
  • Has a risk assessment been done for the activity and related equipment?
    • If using storage supports, has risk and balance been assessed as adequate?
• Are the workers able to contact appropriate first aid and call 911 if there is an emergency?
• Is the worker going to be alone or in isolation and able to check-in?
• Has a written safe work procedure been developed for the specific activity?

Bike Safety Safe Work Procedure & Inspection Checklist

Safe Work Procedure for bicycles (WORD). Download & edit to your specific situation.

Driving on UBC campuses presents some challenges with pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and vehicles of all types continuously present and moving through a small geographic area. Please follow the below basic safety guidelines to ensure a safe campus, and remember, the pedestrian always has the right of way.

Be prepared

• Walk around your vehicle before you drive: This will help you determine if there are any obstacles nearby that you will need to avoid.
• Prepare your vehicle before you drive: Ensure that your seat, mirrors and headrest are adjusted for you. Conduct a pre-trip inspection to confirm that everything is working properly.
• Remove ALL distractions: Put away all electronic devices, headphones/ earbuds, snacks or drinks. The only thing you should be focused on is driving safely.
• Wear your seatbelt.

Be alert

• Scan the road ahead and sides of the road for pedestrians, bicycles, and other hazards
• Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles in your path.
• Focus on the road. Always leave your phone alone while driving.
• Be ready to yield to pedestrians, especially when turning at intersections and near transit stops.
• Expect the unexpected, even mid-block, as pedestrians may not be crossing within a crosswalk.

Be patient

• Never pass/ overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
• Adhere to the campus roadway speed limit of 30 km/h at all times.
• Come to a complete stop at STOP signs.
• Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians and allow time for them to traverse intersections.
• Bicyclists and pedestrians can be unpredictable; expect the unexpected
• Allow extra time to travel across campus when classes are in session. Some intersections and crosswalks are extremely crowded during class changes. If possible, take an alternate route or wait for a less congested time.

Be responsible

• Leave sufficient space when passing vulnerable road users and take every possible precaution to avoid collision.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, and at intersections when making turns.
• Respect cyclists and avoid tailgating.
• Slow down when passing bicyclists and give them at least three feet of space when passing.
• After passing a bicyclist, look over your shoulder and check your rearview mirror before moving back into the lane.

For information on Pedestrian Safety, visit Personal Safety.

This content applies to all workers who work with mobile equipment (includes HIAB, lift trucks, backhoes, skid-steer, excavator, etc.) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). There may be additional requirements for other “prime movers” (such as UTVs, earth-movers, and lift trucks).

Mobile equipment generally means a prime mover, or a prime mover with a towed component, which towed component moves relative to the ground, or has a rider, for its work function, but does not include:

• a prime mover, or a towed component, that is carried as a load,
• a commercial passenger vehicle under the Passenger Transportation Act, including a bus or a taxi, or
• a motor assisted cycle, scooter, minibike, skateboard or other miniature vehicle.

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) means a motorized vehicle, designed to travel on 4 or more low pressure tires with or without endless tracks added, with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering, but does not include an all-terrain cycle or a utility terrain vehicle.

What is required for Mobile Equipment and ATVs?

UBC operations involving mobile equipment must follow responsibilities under the University Health and Safety Policy, and requirements of the Motor Vehicle Act (such as having a valid license to travel on roadways) and applicable Standards (windows, maintenance, brakes, seat belts, controls, steering, load handling attachments), and all other legal requirements, including but not limited to:

• Occupational Health & Safety Regulation (OHSR): Part 16 – Mobile Equipment
• Occupational Health & Safety Regulation (OHSR): Part 8 – Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

What training is involved?

Each operator must be properly trained in the safe operation of the vehicle. The training program for an operator typically covers, but is not limited to:

1. The operator’s pre-trip inspection
2. Use of personal protective equipment and clothing
3. Operating skills according to the manufacturer’s instructions (including safe use and competency demonstration)
4. Basic mechanical requirements
5. Loading and unloading the vehicle, and securing loads, if required.

What are supervisors’ responsibilities?

Requirements and precautions should be taken towards the mitigation of risks including injuries, damage to equipment, infrastructure, structures and property.

Supervisors must ensure that each operator is properly trained and/or certified (relative to the equipment) and competent (with documentation) in the safe operation of the equipment prior to use (unless being trained under the supervision of an instructor/supervisor). Prior to commencing work, the scope of the work, location of applicable manuals and/or risk assessments and safe work procedures must be communicated. This may include (as applicable), but not limited to:

• Hazard identification
• Inspections and maintenance (including tire servicing)
• Personal protective equipment and clothing
• Other considerations such as, but not limited to: Safe operation (including boarding/leaving, clearance, vision, swing radius, working on grades); loading, unloading, securing load/max loads; unattended equipment; pedestrian and equipment traffic

Identifying hazards

Hazards associated with Mobile Equipment and ATV can include, but are not limited to:

• Rollover
• Contact with pedestrians
• Excavation collapse
• Traffic hazards (people, lanes, etc.)
• Overhead hazards (power lines, height restrictions, etc.)
• Slip/Fall hazards
• Obstructed views

What needs to be inspected and assessed?

1. The operator must inspect the equipment before the start of operation on the shift and thereafter as required to ensure the safe operating condition of the equipment.
2. The operator must report defects and conditions affecting the safe operation of the equipment to the supervisor or employer.
3. Any repair or adjustment necessary for the safe operation of the equipment must be made before the equipment is used.
4. During operation, the operator must continuously monitor the performance of the mobile equipment and report any unsafe, or potentially unsafe, defects to the supervisor.
5. Inspection and maintenance records must be kept for at least 2 years of any defect reported.

What Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing may be needed?

Workers working with or in close proximity to mobile equipment or ATVs must wear:

• High visibility vest
  • A worker exposed to the hazards of vehicles travelling at speeds in excess of 30 km/h (20 mph) must wear high visibility apparel meeting the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation
• Hearing protection if required
• Protective head gear (Hard hat, etc.) if required
  • Must be in good condition meeting appropriate standards.
• Clothing suitable for the environmental conditions.
  • When necessary to protect against the hazards presented at the worksite, suitable gloves and clothing which covers the ankles and legs and the arms to the wrists.
• Eye protection if required
• Steel-toed boots if required
• Gloves if required

Note: The PPE above must meet any applicable requirements set out in the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation.

What needs to have Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS)?

“Rollover protective structures” or “ROPS” is an affixed to structure to mobile equipment and designed to protect an on-board operator in the event of a rollover of the mobile equipment.

Mobile equipment must be used with certified ROPS unless permitted by the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation (such as ATVs, snowmobiles, golf carts). Modifications and repairs must be marked.

What is required for Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS)?

A rollover risk assessment must be done by a qualified person, documented, and available at the site where there is the risk that mobile equipment will experience a rollover while it is being operated by an on-board operator, based on the relevant circumstances of the proposed operation.  For assistance, contact SRS.

What is required for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) operator use?

There are additional requirements for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) including but not limited to use, instructions, modifications, loading and unloading.  Contact Safety & Risk Services for further assistance.

An ATV/UTV Checklist can be found on the WorkSafe BC website.

For any support regarding mobile equipment and ATVs, contact Safety & Risk Services.

During work hours, a supervisor is responsible for all aspects of a worker’s safety, including any modes of transportation or commuting on the Point Grey campus.

Campus walking

Walking is typically the most convenient way to get around campus. UBC has created car-free corridors to make walking safe, convenient, and enjoyable. When possible, please use the pedestrian priority zones and follow the road safety guidelines to prevent pedestrian injuries.

Specific transportation requirements

Certain on-campus jobs may require specific modes of transportation. If your work requires a particular mode of transportation, your employer will provide the necessary transportation. This may include motor vehicles, mobile equipment, and bicycles. Supervisors who have workers issued any of the above modes of transportation can refer to the following resources for more safety information and requirements:

• Motor vehicles
• Mobile equipment (includes HIAB, lift trucks, backhoes, skid-steer, excavator, etc.) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Bicycles

Other transportation modes

Any other work-related transportation during work hours must be approved by your supervisor. If the mode of transportation is approved, supervisors are responsible for:

• Assessing whether the mode of transportation is legal for use on campus
• Identifying and reducing the risk of foreseeable hazards
• Creating a documented process for inspections and maintenance
• Considering and providing, if required, personal protective equipment
• Providing documented training for the safe operation
• Reviewing other considerations such as, but not limited to safe operation (including boarding/leaving, clearance, vision, swing radius, working on grades); loading, unloading, securing load/max loads; unattended equipment; pedestrian and equipment traffic