Fuel Safety

Drivers of fuel tank trucks must observe safe driving practices, some of which are listed below. l Drive defensively and make allowances for other drivers.

. Make turns only from proper lanes, and signal intent to other drivers. Never leave the proper lane except when necessary and then only when it is safe to do so.

. Avoid excessive speeds at all times. The fuel tank truck is top-heavy when loaded with fuel, and unstable when partially filled with fuel. The operator must be alert when traveling over rough terrain, on gravel, and on curves. Be alert for passing or approaching traffic.

. Drive downgrade in the same gear that would be used to drive upgrade.

. Move completely off the road if possible, when parking. Set the brakes and chock the wheels when parked on a grade. Set flags during the day and set reflectors at night.

. Stop at all railroad crossings, and be especially watchful if there are multiple tracks.

. Keep your vehicle moving to prevent an accumulation of vapor if a small leak develops. Arrange to discharge the load at the nearest point.

. Ask for assistance if a large amount of fuel is escaping which may be the case if the vehicle is damaged. Immediately secure the engine, cordon the area, and obtain fire-fighting and security support.

. Avoid driving past a fire or near the site until it is safe to do so.

. Never smoke on or about tank vehicles used for hauling flammable liquids. Carry no matches on such vehicles.

. Examine tires occasionally on long hauls for air pressure and for damage that could cause an accident.

. Fuel-handling vehicles should be parked in the least congested area of a pool, properly marked with the type of fuel on board, and No Smoking Within 50 Feet signs visible from any direction. Remember: SAFETY FIRST.

BUS DRIVER

A bus driver must be mature and reliable and must ensure a bus is safe before driving it. Besides performing the normal prestart procedures, the following are items the operator must ensure are in good working order:

1. Service brakes

2. Parking brake 3. Steering mechanism

^4. Lights and reflectors

5. Tires and horn

6. Windshield wipers

7. Rearview mirror or mirrors

8. Wheels and rims

Additionally, check the interior of the bus to ensure rider safety. Aisles and stairwells must always be clear and the following must be in a safe working condition:

1. Each handhold and railing

2. Floor covering

3. Signal devices (emergency door buzzer)

4. Emergency exit handles

5. Emergency exit sign visible

6. Seats secured to the bus

NOTE: The bus must have a fire extinguisher and emergency reflectors as outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Pocketbook, ORS-7A. Additionally, the bus must also have spare electrical fuses unless equipped with circuit breakers.

When performing the normal prestart inspection procedures for a bus, you should use the Bus Inspection Memory Aid (fig. 6-22).

The bus driver has the responsibility for the orderly behavior and safety of all passengers and cargo and should be neat in appearance and maintain a courteous attitude.

The following are rules a bus driver must follow when operating a bus:

1. Do not allow a rider to stand forward of the rear of the driver's seat. Buses, designed to allow standing, should have a 2-inch line on the floor or some other means showing riders where they cannot stand. This line is called the standee line, and all passengers must stay behind it.

2. Do not put a bus in motion with the doors open, and do not close the doors until all passengers are completely clear of the doors.

3. Pay attention to the road when driving and do not carry on unnecessary conversation with the passengers while the vehicle is in motion.

Figure 6-22.-Bus Inspection Memory Aid.

4. Stop, start, and operate buses smoothly and

5. While driving, scan the interior of the bus as well without jerks or sudden changes in acceleration When as the road ahead, to the sides, and to the rear. You may making a turn or upon approaching a sharp curve, reduce have to remind personnel to keep arms and heads inside your speed and use care to avoid injuring passengers. ^{the bus.}

6. Stop your bus between 15 and 50 feet before railroad crossings. Look and listen in both directions for trains. You should open the door if it improves your ability to see or hear an approaching train. Before crossing after a train has passed be sure there is not another train coming in either direction on other tracks. When it is safe to cross, drive the bus completely across the crossing without changing gears. You do not have to stop but must slowdown and carefully check for other vehicles at the following locations:

At streetcar crossings

At railroad tracks used only for industrial switching within a business district

Where a policeman or flagman is directing traffic

If a traffic signal shows green

At crossings marked "exempt crossing"

Adhere to the standards and procedures contained in the Commercial Driver License (CDL) Handbook for the state or states you operate in.