SOP #767: Heavy Equipment Transport

Purpose and Scope

To formalize a departmental policy regarding the driving of heavy equipment on campus.

Policy and Procedures

Heavy Equipment Covered

1. Backhoes
2. Skid-Steer and attachments
3. Tractors
4. Forklifts
5. Bat-wing Mower
6. Aerial lifts (excluding bucket truck)
   • Boom lifts
   • Scissor Lifts
   • Man lifts
7. Any and all equipment not typically driven on roads

Road Usage and Escorts

1. Equipment should be moved to the desired location using only Miami University-owned roads/parking lots if such an option is available and EVEN IF THAT ROUTE IS LONGER THAN TAKING PUBLIC ROADS
   • FOR TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES, HEAVY EQUIPMENT MUST NEVER BE DRIVEN OVER LAWNS OR ON SIDEWALKS
2. If heavy equipment must be driven on public roads, a full size vehicle is required as an escort
   • Acceptable escorts:
     • Miami University Police Department
     • Any Miami University vehicle equipped with hazard lights
       • The heavy equipment should lead the escort with the escort’s hazard lights on at all times
       • Speed limits should never exceed 10 mph

Safety Measures During Transport

1. If the heavy equipment is equipped with hazard or running lights, these should be on at all times
2. Heavy equipment must be placarded with a slow moving vehicle sign
3. Speeds should never exceed 10 mph

Training - All operators of heavy equipment must be certified as trained by the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO).

Signaling - Appropriate hand signals must be used if the heavy equipment is not equipped with turn signal indicators.

Daylight Operation - Heavy equipment should typically be transported during daylight hours.

Revision History

• December, 2024