This information is provided free of charge by the Department of Industrial Relations from its web site at www.dir.ca.gov. These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. See full disclaimer at https://www.dir.ca.gov/od_pub/disclaimer.html.

Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders
Article 10. Haulage and Earth Moving

§1590. Haulage and Earth Moving, General.

(a) Private Roadways and Off-Highway Conditions.

(1) Single-lane private roads with two-way traffic shall be provided with turnouts. Where turnouts are not practicable, a control system shall be provided to prevent vehicles from meeting on such single-lane roads.

(2) On private roads used for two-way traffic, arrangements shall be such that vehicles travel on the right side as much as possible. Signs shall be posted to clearly indicate variations from this system. Where practicable, separate haulage roads shall be provided between loaded and empty units. Haulage roads shall be wide enough to allow for safe passage. Safe distances between moving units shall be maintained.

Note: Left hand traffic patterns are permitted provided that vehicle operators are advised of the pattern and job site conditions warrant that the procedure is safe.

(3) Private roads shall be maintained free from holes and ruts that affect the safe control of the vehicle. Every emergency access ramp and berm used by an employer shall be constructed to restrain and control runaway vehicles.

(4) Where a hazard exists to employees because of traffic or haulage conditions, a system of traffic controls shall be required so as to abate the hazard. (See Section 1598(b)).

Note: Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the use of additional signs that are not included in the Manual referenced in Section 1598(b). Examples: “Haul Road,” “Left Hand Pattern,” “Scraper Crossing,” etc.

(5) Employees (on foot), such as grade-checkers, surveyors and others exposed to the hazard of vehicular traffic, shall wear high visibility safety apparel in accordance with the requirements of Sections 1598 and 1599 of these Orders.

(b) Dust Control. Action shall be taken to prevent dust from seriously reducing visibility. In dusty operations, equipment operators shall use adequate respiratory protection.

(1) Equipment shall be under control at all times and shall be kept in gear when descending grades.

(2) No vehicle shall be driven at a speed greater than is reasonable and proper, with due regard for weather, traffic, intersections, width and character of the roadway, type of motor vehicle, and any other existing conditions.

(d) Exhaust. Arrangements shall be made to direct exhaust gases away from the operator's breathing zone.

(e) Heat Shields. When push-tractors are working in tandem, heat shields, or equivalent protection, shall be provided for operators.

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

HISTORY

1. Amendment of subsection (e) and new subsections (f), (g) and (h) filed 10-2-70; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 70, No. 40).

2. Amendment of subsections (a) and (d) filed 5-21-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 21).

3. Repealer and new section filed 11-12-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 46).

4. Amendment of subsections (a) and (c) filed 2-7-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 6).

5. Amendment of subsection (a)(5) filed 6-2-2010; operative 7-2-2010 (Register 2010, No. 23).

Go Back Go Back to Article 10 Table of Contents