If the load on a truck starts to tumble or fall off, workers should not try to stop it

AA. Pipe (casing, drill pipe, collars, tubing) should be off loaded by the use of a forklift truck or crane. Should it be necessary to roll pipe off the truck bed, workers should not be between unloading pipe ramps. If the work necessitates that a worker be between pipe ramps, all unloading should stop immediately. Other workmen should be alerted so that they will not release the pipe. Never attempt to control rolling pipe with your feet or any other part of your body. Keep to the sides of the pipe rack, pipe ramps, and ends of the pipe. To have an even roll of pipe down the skids to the pipe rack, the truck should be parallel with the ends of the pipe rack.

BB. Before the load binders are released on the truck, the stakes on both sides of the truck should be examined to see that they are securely set to prevent pipe from rolling when the binders are released.

CC. Care should be taken so that equipment being hauled over railroad tracks does not foul or drag across the tracks. Adequate protection for tracks should be provided.

DD. Truck and tire load capacity should not be exceeded.

FF. Proper paperwork should accompany each commercial transport load. A Straight Bill of Lading should suffice. When carrying hazardous materials, a hazardous material shipping paper, in addition to the Bill of Lading, should be carried in a pouch on the driver’s door.

7.3 Safe Driving Concepts for Accident Prevention

A. The driver is responsible for the safe operation and movement of the vehicle.

B. If going on a long trip, the driver should plan ahead so that he does not find himself exhausted and still far away from his destination. If tired or sleepy, you should not drive. The driver must follow local and federal rules regarding hours of service and maintain current driver logs.

C. The driver should not be distracted by other activities, whether external or internal.

D. The driver should use high-beam headlights whenever there is no street lighting and there is also no oncoming traffic, fog, rain or snow.

E. Drive defensively by anticipating the potential errors of other motorists. Trips should be planned to avoid high-risk situations. Limited access highways should be used whenever possible.

F. Driving should be adjusted to unfavorable weather conditions.

G. Headlights should be on during the daylight hours. This practice has been shown to reduce certain types of accidents.

7.4 Hand Signals for Directing Vehicles

A. Whenever possible, the vehicle should be positioned so as to minimize movement in reverse.

Caution should be exercised when moving a vehicle on a rig site.

B. If another person is available, they should be utilized as a guide. The guide should be fully visible to the driver and if not fully visible, the driver should stop movement of the vehicle.

Resume backing only after visual contact is restored with the guide.

C. When it’s necessary to move a vehicle, it is important that everyone understands exactly what’s to be done. The driver and the workers involved should understand who is directing the task and the procedures to be followed. Utilize a pre-task safety meeting to review all the hazards associated with the particular task as well as the precautions taken to minimize or eliminate them.

D. Signals:

1. Proceed Slowly – Straight Forward or Backward:

Both arms extended forward and slightly wider than the body, parallel to the ground.

Palms facing the direction of desired travel. Together bend both arms repeatedly toward the head and chest then extend.

2. Turn:

The direction arm is extended from the side of the body, parallel to the ground indicating the direction the vehicle or equipment is to travel. The motioning arm is extended in the opposite direction (palm upward) and repeatedly bent towards the head to indicate the desired direction of travel.

3. Distance to stopping point:

To give the driver a visual reference for the distance to the stopping point, with both arms extended sideways with elbows bent upward at 90 degrees. Palms facing forward. Keep hands above head and bring elbows forward as the distance narrows. As elbows reach the straightforward position, continue the hands coming together above the head to indicate the stop point is being reached. Upon reaching the stopping point, give the STOP signal.

4. Stop:

To stop all movement of the vehicle and await further instructions, cross arms at the wrist above the head and hold in position until the vehicle stops moving.

5. Emergency Stop:

The driver must immediately stop the vehicle if anyone signals an emergency stop.

To stop all movement of the vehicle immediately, extend both arms above the head with crossed arms at the wrists, then wave repeatedly down until parallel with the ground, then return to the stop position above the head. Repeat until the vehicle stops moving.

6. Vehicle is clear to leave the area:

To show the driver that it is clear to leave the area, point at the driver, then extend both arms to the side of the body with the elbows bent upward at 90 degrees. Turn to face the direction of desired travel, extend arms forward until they are parallel to the ground indicating the direction to be used on leaving.