In Vehicle Electronics Policy Cell Phones and Mobile Computers 1
Cell Phones and Mobile Computers Human Resource Policy TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Purpose...3 2. Introduction...3 3. Responsibility...3 4. Policy...4 5. Definitions...5 EXHIBITS CSP Exhibit A Safety Sensitive Guidelines...6 REVISIONS/APPROVALS Revisions and Approvals Words in BOLD type are found in the definitions section in alphabetical order. 2
1. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is twofold: A. To define the policy of (the Company ) on the use of cell/mobile phones (personal and Company) and Company radios while driving and/or performing safety sensitive work while on duty. B. And to define Company policy for the use of mobile computers while driving. Safe practices contained herein should be adhered to when using other potentially distracting devices such as GPS units, AM/FM radios, satellite phones, CD players, ipods, paper maps, etc. 2. INTRODUCTION It is the intention of the Company to provide proactive corporate policy to prevent injuries, vehicular damage and property damage. Cell phone usage during the performance of safety sensitive tasks (See definition on pg. 5 and Exhibit A, pg. 6) and the operation of hand-held radios, mobile computers and the use of distracting devices in Company vehicles are activities that can cause employees to lose focus on the task being performed. 3. RESPONSIBILITIES A. Supervisors: Supervisors are responsible for communicating, monitoring and enforcing this policy. B. Employees: Employees are responsible for complying with all items contained within this policy. 3
4. POLICY A. Cell Phone Use during Safety Sensitive Tasks: Personal or Company cell phones shall not be used while performing safety sensitive (See pg. 5) tasks. Cell phone and radio communications, related to the immediate work being performed, are permissible. The following are allowed: the use of a cell phone by a supervisor, foreman, or other responsible lead person needing to make calls to make decisions about the work, and/or when requesting or issuing clearances. Lone workers should have a means to communicate in emergency situations; example: working alone in a bucket aloft. While driving as defined below in Section B. B. Cell Phone and Radio Use While Driving on Company Business: Company cell phones should not be used while driving during Company business. If it is necessary to answer an incoming business call or make an outgoing business call, a hands-free cellular device shall be used. Outgoing calls using a hands-free device shall be limited to calls, which demand an immediate decision or answer. Duration of calls should be kept as short as possible. Personal cell phones shall be turned off while driving and calls returned when the vehicle is stopped and otherwise secured. Employees shall use hands-free technology while driving a vehicle when on duty. This includes rental vehicles. If a hands-free device is not available, employees shall allow calls to go to voice mail and return calls or retrieve voice mail when the vehicle is in park, turned off or otherwise secured. Hands-free examples: ear-buds, head-set devices, external speaker-phone kits and internal speaker-phone functions, etc. A Company two-way radio should not be used in heavy traffic conditions, while navigating intersections, or in areas frequented by children or pedestrians. Reading or sending e-mail or text messages is prohibited while driving. 4
C. Mobile Computer Use in Company Vehicles: Employees shall not operate computers while driving Company vehicles. Open computer screens obstruct the driver s view of the passenger rearview mirror causing visual impairment of traffic conditions. Data may not be entered or retrieved while the vehicle is moving. The vehicle must be in park or otherwise secured. The computer shall be set so that the screen is frozen or unusable while driving or in motion and the computer top shall be closed to allow unobstructed view of the passenger side mirror. The vehicle shall be placed in park, turned off, or otherwise secured before operating the computer. Drivers with computer posts installed and located so that they impede the deployment of the passenger air bag, shall not transport passengers in the front seat. The use of a GPS unit while in a moving vehicle is allowed. 5. DEFINITIONS: Cell/Mobile Phone: A cellular, mobile telephonic device. Hands-Free Device: A telephonic device that allows a driver to talk on the phone with both hands remaining on the steering wheel. (This includes ear-buds, headset devices, external speaker-phone kits and internal speaker-phone functions, etc.) Mobile Computers: Computers and/or laptops with the ability to be mounted or operated in a vehicle. On Duty: An employee who is getting paid and/or who is otherwise required to be alert and fit for duty. (Includes On-Call -- available in person, without impairment, on a moments notice.) Safety Sensitive: Any job or task that could put the employee, or any other personnel, at risk if the employee in question is impaired. (See Exhibit A, page 6.) Voice Mail: An audible electronic storage system that saves voice messages for later retrieval. 5
CSP-EXHIBIT-A SAFETY SENSITIVE GUIDELINES Safety sensitive means any job or task that could put the employee, or any other personnel, at risk if the employee in question is impaired or not fully focused on the work at hand. Safety sensitive duties could include, but are not limited to, any of the following job tasks. Confined space entry. Operating equipment and vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, cranes, boom trucks, forklifts, loaders, mules, etc. Operating power plant equipment, such as boilers, turbines, pumps, fans, compressors, etc. Working from ladders, platforms, or lifts. Working with power tools. Working with lathes, drill presses, power presses, or other machining tools. Working with hazardous chemicals. Welding, cutting, grinding. Working with steam, hot water, compressed air, hydraulic fluid, or other pressurized fluids. Using respirators. Working on any federally regulated gas pipeline facility. 6