UTILITY CART POLICY

As stated in the University's Health and Safety Policy, the University is committed to providing a healthful and safe environment for all activities under its jurisdiction.  In keeping with this commitment, the University has developed a Utility Cart Policy to ensure the health and safety of the University community and its visitors.

Overview

This policy establishes the safety measures to be followed by University personnel who operate Utility Carts (i.e., "Club Cars," "Golf Carts," "Cushman Carts" and comparable utility vehicles).  The intent of this policy is to prevent injuries to pedestrians, Utility Cart operators, and their passengers.  The policy establishes the requirements for maintenance and repair, utility cart identification, operator and supervisor accountability, and also defines penalties under the CT Motor Vehicle Statutes.

A moratorium and permanent ban is in effect for any new Utility Cart purchases, rentals, replacements, or new uses, with some exceptions.  The exceptions are allowed to provide search and rescue service, injury support services, and to avoid damage to turf grass and playing field surfaces.  All other existing Utility Carts are anticipated to be phased out of service by January 1, 2011.

Scope

University employees, graduate students, and authorized contractor employees who have successfully completed Utility Cart Training conducted by EH&S may operate Utility Carts (see section V of the policy).  Undergraduate students may operate carts with some restrictions.  Volunteers, visitors, and all other individuals are not permitted to operate Utility Carts on University grounds.

To obtain a copy of the complete policy, please contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 6-3613, or find it on the web at: http://ehs.uconn.edu/ppp/#occu