Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders
Article 11. Vehicles, Traffic Control, Flaggers, Barricades, and Warning Signs

§1597. Jobsite Vehicles.

Jobsite vehicles as defined in Section 1504 of these Orders, which are utilized on jobsites exclusively and are, therefore, excluded from the provisions of applicable traffic and vehicular codes shall be equipped and operated in the following manner:

(a) Vehicles shall have a service brake system, an emergency brake system, and a parking brake system. These systems may use common components, and shall be maintained in operable condition.

(b) Whenever visibility conditions warrant additional light, all vehicles, or combinations of vehicles, in use shall be equipped with at least two headlights and two taillights in operable condition.

(c) All vehicles, or combination of vehicles, shall have brake lights in operable condition regardless of light conditions.

(d) Vehicles with cabs shall have windshields and powered windshield wipers. Cracked or broken windshields shall be replaced promptly. Where fogging or frosting of windshields is prevalent, operable defogging or defrosting equipment shall be required.

(e) Tools and material shall be secured to prevent movement when transported in the same compartment with employees.

(f) Vehicles used to transport employees shall have seats firmly secured and adequate for the number of employees to be carried.

(g) Vehicles on construction sites, not covered by the provisions of 1596 (g) or applicable provisions of the State of California Motor Vehicle Code shall have installed seat belts and anchorages meeting the requirements of 49 CFR Part 571 (Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards).

(h) The employer shall require the use of seat belts.

(i) Vehicles excluded from provisions of 1591 and the State of California Motor Vehicle Code shall be equipped with fenders or, if vehicle is not designed for fenders, mud flaps.

(j) Vehicles not covered under other sections shall be checked at the beginning of each shift to assure that the following parts, equipment, and accessories are in safe operating condition and free of apparent damage that could cause failure while in use: service brakes, including trailer brake connections; parking system (hand brake); emergency stopping system (brakes); tires; horn; steering mechanism; coupling devices; seat belts; operating controls; and safety devices. All defects shall be corrected before the vehicle is placed in service. These requirements also apply to equipment such as lights, reflectors, windshield wipers, defrosters, fire extinguishers, etc., where such equipment is necessary.

(k) Where vehicles are operated, temporary covers for conduits, trenches and manholes and their supports, when located in roadways and vehicular aisles, shall be designed to carry at least 2 times the maximum intended vehicular live load and they shall be designed and installed as to prevent accidental displacement.

(l) Exhaust retrofits. If an exhaust retrofit is installed on a vehicle, it shall be installed and maintained in accordance with Section 1591(m).

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 5-21-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 21).

2. New subsection (i) filed 5-21-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 21).

3. Editorial correction of subsection (g) (Register 82 No. 3).

4. Amendment of Article 11 Title and Section 1597 filed 9-10-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 37).

5. Editorial correction of Article 11 Title filed 12-3-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 49).

6. Amendment of subsection (d) filed 4-4-96; operative 5-4-96 (Register 96, No. 14).

7. Amendment of first paragraph filed 3-5-2008; operative 4-4-2008 (Register 2008, No. 10).

8. New subsection (l) filed 2-1-2012; operative 3-2-2012 (Register 2012, No. 5).