Taratuta LLC
Safety by the Numbers
Updated on
October 24, 2010
Who Is Subject to PUCO Rules?
Any company, organization or motor carrier who operates PUCO regulated vehicles in intrastate commerce is subject to PUCO rules. Businesses and organization who were not subject in the past, including private carriers, exempt carriers, and previously non-regulated carriers, companies and organizations using these vehicles are subject to enforcement. While full enforcement (citations, civil fines up to $1,000 per
omission, etc.), "officially" does not begin until January 1, 2012, vehicles and drivers in violation of the rules can be ticketed and be declared Out‐Of‐Service (OOS).
Look for updated announcements on this site as they develop.
Links:
Transcript of Technical Conference webcast on 10-19-2010 in .PDF format
Vehicles covered include pickup-trucks, pickups and trailers with a combined GVWR over 10,001 pounds, service trucks, utility trucks, tow trucks used for private business and not for-hire (including salvage yards hauling only vehicles purchased for salvage and companies that operate tow trucks to service fleet vehicles), small box trucks or passenger vans. Check all of your GVWRs (on doorjam, inside of door, glove box or owner's manual). If you have a regulated vehicle:
- Start a file for these type vehicles (list tire size on front)
- Keep a three-ring binder for PUCO information (bookmark this page for reference)
Q. Do I now need a CDL?
A. If your vehicle(s) fall(s) over 10,001 pounds GVWR but is/are under 26,001 pounds GVWR, then check the Chart in the State CDL Manual.The "rules" are not changing. Enforcement of the rules, however, is changing. Know the rules.
Check or P.O.
- Owners, managers, partners, etc., who drive these type vehicles (even occasionally) are not "exempt" from the rules
- Anyone who drives a "regulated vehicle" as part of their job is "regulated" as well and needs to be "qualified," "fit," and knowledgeable
- Additional documentation at both the company and driver level may be required
- Fines can be hefty to both driver and company
- Stop at all open weigh stations
- Hours of Service are 24/7/365 so know the rules. This is one of the top problem areas, but easy to solve with our training materials.
- Load securement is another hot area; know the rules
- Set policy for use of regulated vehicles as a personal conveyance
Final Notes
Please make every effort to stay on top of these regulations. The Safety Audit Guide management program can help you avoid some of those "unintended consequences."
We are on the cusp of what some call a coming "Tort Tsunomi" and any safety violations may result in costly insurance premiums. Knowledge and application of these rules is essential to the continued success of your business or organization.
The "good news," however, according to the National Safety Council, is that safety pays a handsome return: expect a payback of between $3 to $6 for every dollar spent. In these days of 2% bank CDs that is good news. Get a leg up on the competition and start today.
Your company or professional organization might like to arrange a talk and Q&A session.
Please let me know if I may be of any further assistance.
All the best!
John Taratuta admin(at)part380(dot)com
Compliance Blog click here
A few more Safety Tips
One rule is to never carry any hazardous materials (hazmat) in the cab of a vehicle (even common caulking). This is what a leaky acetylene bottle can do to ruin the day. This is unfortunately a commonly occurring safety event.
Could this happen to your vehicle? Now what?
Will this trigger a PUCO/DOT records audit?
Does your driver keep any records? Do you?
"We are seeing more often than not that drivers are being arrested for accidents where someone has died – even if it was the other person’s fault . . . If someone has died in the accident, then there is a pretty good probability that the police officer will arrest your driver. In our experience, we are finding that it doesn’t always matter the size of the town or the facts of the accident. If someone has died and a truck driver is involved in the accident, then the police officer is going to bring the truck driver in." (Bassett Bulletin Vol. 7 Issue 14)
The insurance is on the vehicle. The driver's only protection (as well as the company's) are his records. There's a saying in this business, "If it's not documented, then it's not done."
Have you provided Hours of Service training? When? Was it documented? Refresher training?
Is there an accident kit and camera in the vehicle? Does the driver know how to use it?
Do you have Safety Meetings or training? Are they documented?
What about proper load securement?
Can your driver identify hazardous materials (hazmat)? Is he knowledgeable about Materials of Trade (MOT)?
What about DOT roadside inspections? How will your driver or you process the paperwork?
What are your responsibilities? What are your rights? Learn more with the Safety Audit Guide.
Best Regards.
PUCO Fines and Civil Forfeitures (.PDF format)
Remote trunk opener triggers acetylene tank blast
Keyless entry remote triggers explosion
