POSTAL
EMPLOYEE'S
GUIDE TO
SAFETY

Handbook EL-814

Introduction

Section I. General Safety Rules
A. General Rules
B. Office Safety

Section II. Occupational Injury or Illness
A. Reporting Injuries or Illness
B. Eye Injuries
C. Emergency First-Aid Telephone Numbers

Section III. Fire Prevention and Protection
A. Fire Fighting Equipment
B. Flammable Materials
C. Smoking

Section IV. Personal Safety and Protective Equipment
A. Personal Safety

Section V. Housekeeping and Sanitation
A. Personal Items
B. Obstacles
C. Spills and Leaks
D. Tools and Other Portable Equipment
E. Cleaning
F. Use of Compressed Air

Section VI. Machinery and Electrical Equipment
A. Machine Guarding
B. Emergency Stop Cords and Buttons

C. Conveyers, Sorters, and Other Mechanized Equipment
D. Cords
E. Grounding
F. Tools
G. Lockout Procedures

Section VII. Lifting and Material Handling
A. Lifting Guidelines
B. Material Handling Equipment
C. Portable Utility Platforms
D. Hand Trucks, Hampers, and Containers

Section VIII. Powered Industrial Vehicles
A. Operating Rules

Section IX. Mail Delivery
A. Fingering Mail
B. Hazardous Conditions
C. Mail Collection
D. Animals and Insects

Section X. Motor Vehicles
A. Licenses
B. Civil Laws
C. Reporting Accidents
D. Vehicle Regulations

Section X1. Air Mail Facilities
A. General Rules
B. Operator and Vehicle Regulations

Introduction

This booklet provides simple, easy-to-locate safety rules and procedures so that you can familiarize yourself with those rules that apply to your job. The booklet is intended for reference only. It is not to be taken off postal premises; use only during your regular work hours. This booklet is not intended to be all-inclusive, as it cannot cover all the conditions which may arise on your job. Your local office may have more specific rules to supplement these requirements.

The omission of any safety information from this booklet does not reduce your personal responsibility to remain alert and use good judgement when performing your duties. If any rule or procedure is not perfectly clear to you, ask your supervisor for clarification. Learn and use all the rules and procedures that apply to your job.

The Postal Service welcomes any suggestions you may have which might improve the safety of operations. Submit your suggestions to your supervisor on Form 1259, Employee Suggestion.

If you observe an unsafe condition or an unsafe act, report it immediately to your supervisor. Use Form 1767, Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition, or Practice. If you want to submit your report anonymously, file the Form 1767 directly with your installation's safety officer or collateral-duty safety officer. Form 1767 should be available in your work area.

SECTION I

General Safety Rules

A. General Rules

Safety rules are for your benefit; observing safe working practices and postal safety rules is a primary responsibility of all postal employees. General safety rules include, but are not limited to:

• You
may not work under the influence of intoxicants.
• You
may not sell, possess, or use illegal drugs on postal premises. If you are required to take drugs prescribed by a physician which could impair your mental or physical abilities, you must notify your supervisor; you may not drive or work around moving equipment while under their influence.
• You
may not keep contraband material such as firearms, dangerous weapons, fireworks, intoxicants, or illegal drugs on postal premises.
• You
may not engage in horseplay, scuffling, fighting, or practical jokes on postal premises.
• You
may not run in postal facilities. Walk down stairs and hold the handrail.
• Do
not toss or throw packages or bundles, unless required by the operation (e.g. culling belt, etc.)
• Observe
all warning signs and notices; they have been installed for your protection.

Other safety rules may apply to your job. You should perform your duties in the safest possible manner at all times. If you have questions about how to perform your job safely, ask you supervisor.

B. Office Safety

Follow these guidelines for office safety:

• Keep
unattended drawers and doors closed in desks, file cabinets, etc., to eliminate sources of cuts, abrasions, or tripping hazards.
• Open
the top drawer of file cabinets slowly, standing to one side of the file cabinet. When you finish with one file drawer, close it before opening another. Do not smoke around open file cabinets.
• Fill
the lowest drawer in a file cabinet first to reduce the chance of its tipping over. Place heavy objects in the bottom drawers.
• Keep
the tops of file cabinets, bookcases, etc., free of files, papers, books, and any other materials.
• When
seated, keep your chair firmly on the floor. Tipping it backwards on its rear legs invites an accident and possible injury.
• Do
not operate or attempt to repair any office equipment or machinery unless you have been properly trained to do so.
• Handle
typewriter cleaning fluids with care; some are toxic and others are flammable. (See Section IV.B. for specific guidelines on handling toxic and/or flammable items.)
• Keep
desktop paper cutters in a closed, locked position when you are not using them.
• Exercise
care when you use and store sharp or pointed instruments, such as ring knives, letter openers, scissors, pencils, etc.

1. Obstructions

• Keep
all aisles clear of tripping hazards, such as waste baskets, electrical cords, protruding utility outlets, trash, etc.
• Keep
your floor area dry. If you spill water or another liquid on the floor, wipe the floor dry immediately to eliminate possible slipping hazards. Call your supervisor for assistance with cleaning large spills.

2. Climbing

When you must climb, use a step stool, ladder, or other equipment designed for that purpose. Don't climb onto chairs or other office furniture.

3. Lifting

Lift with your legs instead of your back. Ask for assistance when the object is too heavy, is awkwardly shaped, or blocks your view when you carry it. (See Section VII.A. for more guidelines on lifting heavy objects.)

C. Elevators

Load capacities are posted in elevators, both by pounds and by number of persons. Never exceed this limit for any reason. Also:

• You
may only repair an elevator if you are qualified in elevator maintenance and repair.
• Do
not use elevators during a fire emergency evacuation.

• Do
not smoke in elevators.
• Be
alert and watch your step when entering or leaving an elevator.
• Do
not ride in freight elevators unless you have been authorized to do so.
• Do
not use passenger elevators for freight.

D. Dock Safety

• You
may not smoke anywhere on the docks or when you are loading or unloading trucks, trailers, vans, railroad cars, or any other vehicles.
• Never
jump off the docks. Use approved steps or ladders.
• Close
dump holes when you are not using them.
• Chock
all trailers while you are loading or unloading them. Keep unused chocks out of walkways and stored against the dock.
• Store
dock plates in an anchored, upright position. When using dock plates, secure them in position to keep them from slipping or sliding away.

E. Rest Bars

• Do
not place rest bars in positions beyond the last notch when adjusting the height. The height adjustment must be made using only the notches provided; never use nails or other sharp objects for rest bar pins. The seat angle must be adjusted using only the slots provided in the seat support. Tilting the seat support against the welded stop is not allowed.

• Keep
at least one foot on the floor (base) when using the rest bar. If you put one foot on the bar rest, your foot must be on the bar rest rather than inside. Never place you feet on case ledges when you are using the rest bar seat.
• After
using the rest bar, fold the seat down (flat) and place it in a safe location, possibly near the working case. Be sure the seat support does not stick out.

SECTION II

Occupational Injury or Illness

A. Reporting Injuries or Illness

If you are injured or become ill from work-related causes, report it immediately to your supervisor, regardless of how serious it is. Follow these procedures:

• Treatment.
You must receive authorized medical evaluation and treatment for first aid in accordance with procedures outlined in the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), 543. The lack of prompt attention to even slight injuries could lead to more serious complications.
• Reporting.
Your supervisor must contact the Medical/Health Unit (if available) or the local emergency rescue/paramedic unit and report the type of injury and your location. Follow the procedures outlined in ELM 544. All reports must comply with the requirements of the Postal Service, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Prevention.
Your supervisor must evaluate each accident and take any necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

B. Eye Injuries

Don't permit a fellow employee to attempt to remove a foreign body from your eye. Have any eye injuries treated immediately by professional medical personnel.

If corrosive liquids, such as acids or other irritants, are splashed in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with clear running water for 15 minutes. Call for assistance immediately (you may need help to hold your eyes open) and have the Medical Unit or emergency first-aid facility contacted immediately. Clean up spills in accordance with your local standard operating procedures and Section V.C. of this handbook.

C. Emergency First-Aid Telephones Numbers

You should become familiar with the emergency first-aid telephone numbers and the procedures for obtaining emergency first-aid when needed. (Use the inside cover of this handbook to list your local emergency phone numbers.)

SECTION III

Fire Prevention and Protection

Become familiar with your floor plan. You should know the location and methods of use of all fire alarm stations, fire exits, and fire-fighting equipment for your facility in case of fire.

• Follow
the directions given by the assigned fire brigade members and supervisors in your area.
• Evacuate
your area immediately; do not go to your lockers to retrieve personal items.
• The
use of elevators during and emergency evacuation is prohibited. EXCEPTION: Handicapped employees and their escorts may use elevators during an emergency, if necessary.
• Report
all suspected fire hazards to your supervisor immediately.

Follow the guidelines outlined below in the event of a fire in your work area:

• Sound
your local alarm first. Take any other required steps to alert fellow employees and the fire department to the fire.
• Do
not engage in any disruptive actions or unnecessary talking during a fire evacuation, so that instructions and directions can be heard and understood by everyone.
• Move
quickly, but do not rum, to the nearest exit.

• Only
attempt to put out first-stage fires if you have received training on how to use fire extinguishers and if you believe you can do so safely. If you are in any doubt about your ability to extinguish the fire, leave the area. Remember, your own safety comes first. NOTE: Postal personnel are not to fight fires involving the structure of the building.
• Some
postal facilities may have electrical transformers which contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). If such transformers are in or near your building, the facility Emergency Action Plan should contain instructions on dealing with PCB transformer fires. Your supervisor or local safety personnel can provide you with information on the Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIGHT A PCB FIRE YOURSELF. FIRES INVOLVING PCBs SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE MUNICIPAL FIRE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.

All fire evacuation procedures must be followed during fire drills, as well as during an actual emergency.

A. Fire Fighting Equipment

• Use
fire hoses, hydrants, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers for fire-fighting purposes only.
• Promptly
report the existence of any used or damaged fire extinguishers to your supervisor.
• Do
not stack or store material within 18 inches of a sprinkler head. Report any deficiencies to your supervisor immediately.

• Do
not lock (except with approved fire exit locking mechanisms) or obstruct exits, passageways leading to fire exits, or fire-extinquishing equipment such as fire extinguishers, alarm boxes, etc. This equipment must be kept accessible at all times.

B. Flammable Materials

• Store
flammable liquids or solvents (up to 5 gallons) in approved bulk storage safety containers.
• Dispose
of oily rags or other flammable waste subject to spontaneous combustion in closed metal containers.

Properly label any can containing a flammable substance to indicate its contents and store it in designated areas. Do not use spark or heat-producing devices in the vicinity of flammable liquids, vapors, or gases.

Gases or vapors escaping from the contents of damaged parcels may be flammable. Follow your facility's hazardous materials standard operating procedures for handling these parcels.

C. Smoking

Smoking on duty is a privilege. You should be courteous and sensitive to the needs and desires of your coworkers who do not smoke. Follow these guidelines:

• Smoking
is permitted only in clearly designated smoking areas and at distribution cases where ashtrays are provided.

• Do
not lay lighted cigarettes, cigars, or pipes on postal equipment, except in ashtrays in authorized area.
• Dispose
of matches, cigarettes, cigars, etc., only in ashtrays or ashcans; don't drop them on the floor or in trash cans.

In addition, smoking is strictly prohibited:

-- At service windows and counters.
-- While receiving mail form the public.
-- While collecting mail from letter boxes.
-- While loading and unloading mail.
-- While distributing mail into pouches, sacks, or mail containers.
-- At or near dropholes or conveyor areas.
-- In areas with flammable or combustible materials and within 25 feet of gasoline pumps, gas and oil storage tanks, spray paint operations, or other operations involving flammable liquids or gases.
-- In battery-charging rooms or areas.
-- In storage areas or other unattended areas.
-- In elevators, mail storage cars, or trailers.
-- In other areas designated by the installation head.
-- While operating mechanized equipment.

SECTION IV

Personal Safety and Protective Equipment

A. Personal Safety

1. Clothing

Wear sensible, properly fitting clothing to work. Oversized clothing, wide-flared pants, full dresses or skirts, full or flared sleeves on shirts or blouses, neckties, scarves, loose aprons, and similar clothing can be hazardous if you work with machinery, vehicles, or moving equipment. Such clothing is not acceptable wearing apparel for the workroom floor.

2. Jewelry

Do not wear jewelry, such as necklaces, neck chains, pins, dangling earrings, bracelets, watches, watch chains, rings, etc., around moving machinery or exposed electrical circuits.

3. Hair

If your hairstyle restricts either your forward or peripheral vision or if your hair can become entangled in moving machinery or equipment, you must tie your hair back or otherwise confine it.

4. Shoes

Wearing appropriate work shoes is important, whether you walk many miles on a route or handle mail in the workroom. You must wear shoes that are fully enclosed at the heel, toe, and sides and that are constructed of leather or a substantial synthetic material (canvas or nylon is not acceptable). To eliminate slips, trips, and falls, do not wear the following types of shoes on the workroom floor, unless required for orthopedic reasons:

• Heels
in excess of 1 1/2 inches and soles more than 1/2-inch in height.
• Spiked
heels, regardless of height.
• Open
shoes (including open sides, toes, or heels), such as thongs, sandals, mules, house slippers, clogs, wedgies, etc.
• Heels
with steel taps.
• Shoes
with cloth, nylon or mesh-woven tops, such as tennis shoes, sneakers, athletic or jogging shoes (except those with leather or leatherlike uppers), moccasins, etc.
• Shoes
no longer adequate because of disrepair.

B. Personal Protective Equipment

You must wear any personal protective equipment that is required by the USPS or your supervisor for the jobs or tasks that you perform.

1. Eye and Face Protection

You must wear USPS-approved eye and face protection when working in areas where hazards exist that could cause eye injuries. You must wear side shields with safety glasses.

The use of safety goggles or face shields for the following types of work is mandatory:

• Handling
or pouring acid or other corrosive chemicals.
• Using
an emery wheel, grinding, riveting, chipping, or sandblasting.
• Using
compressed air for cleaning.
• Working
in areas designated as rewrap operations.
• Working
in laboratory situations where eye hazards exist.

Do not wear contact lenses in the presence of corrosive or irritating materials, especially in battery-charging rooms.

Wear proper eye protection of the correct shade when observing or performing welding operations. Appropriate shielding must be used to protect other employees' eyes from arc flashes. You should never look at or in the direction of a welding arc without appropriate eye protection, as it can cause painful damage to your eyes. Make sure that the lenses of all eye protection devices are free of cracks, chips, or obscurities, and replace or repair such materials immediately.

2. Hand Protection

You must wear gloves where there is a possibility of hand injury, such as when handling corrosive or contaminated objects. Do not wear gauntlet gloves around moving equipment, including conveyors.

3. Head Protection

Wear hard hats when your work exposes you to falling objects, when there is a risk of striking your head against low stationary objects, in designated areas (especially above floor level), or on such equipment as "lift-a-lofts", "vert-a-lifts", etc.

4. Hearing Protection

You may be required to wear hearing protection if noise levels cannot be controlled to below OSHA standards. Safety and health personnel will provide a selection of approved hearing protection devices and assist you with the fit and care of the devices. Hearing protection also will be made available if noise levels on your job exceed 85 decibels. Radio headsets are not a substitute for approved hearing protectors, and you may not wear them in areas where such protection is required.

5. Respiratory Protection

There may be situations where you are required to wear a respirator to protect you from exposure to toxic vapors, dusts, etc. Your supervisor and/or safety office will provide approved respirators and instruct you, on the clock and on postal premises, in the proper fit and use of your respirator. Keep you respirator clean, inspect it frequently as instructed, and store it in a clean place. If your job requires the use of a respirator, you will be evaluated by a medical officer to ensure that you can wear one safely.

SECTION V

Housekeeping and Sanitation

Keeping your immediate work area clean is your personal responsibility. A neat, orderly work place is a safer place in which to work.

A. Personal Items

The Postal Service provides you with lockers and changing rooms so you can keep clothing and other personal belongings out of operating areas. Keep your lockers clean, neat, and free from debris. Don't store items on top of your locker.

You may eat and/or store food and beverage in authorized areas only; do not store or consume them in restrooms.

Dispose of food wastes, etc., only in receptacles intended for this purpose. You are responsible for disposing of your own food waste, wrappers, cans, etc.

B. Obstacles

Keep aisles, passageways, stairways, exits, and all other walking areas free of obstructions at all times. Make sure that electrical panels, switches, fire-fighting equipment, exit doors, fire alarm stations and postal inspector breakout doors are kept clear.

Do not enter roped-off or marked areas where maintenance work is being done or where hazardous or slippery conditions exist.

C. Spills and Leaks

If a spill or leak occurs, notify your supervisor for immediate clean-up and repairs, if needed. If the spilled substance is flammable, take every precaution to avoid possible ignition of the substance.

If suspected harmful vapors or gases are escaping from a spill or related accident, leave the vicinity at once and notify your supervisor.

Follow your locally established standard operating procedure for cleaning up spills and leaks of hazardous materials. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for information on chemical spills or leaks.

D. Tools and Other Portable Equipment

Keep all tools and other portable equipment in their assigned places when not in use.

E. Cleaning

• Never
mix cleaning compounds. The chemicals used in them, such as ammonia an chlorine, when combined, can form toxic or explosive mixtures.
• Remove
dust by vacuuming, rather than blowing down an area with compressed air, whenever possible.
• Rope
off wet floor areas with high visibility safety marking rope and post "Wet Floor" signs until the floors are dry.
• Follow
all vendors' instructions regarding equipment, materials, and supplies.

F. Use of Compressed Air

• Use
a vacuum rather than compressed air to remove dust, dirt, or other debris from your clothing or body. Using compressed air for blowing dust, dirt, or debris off yourself is an extremely hazardous practice.
• Use
air compressed at less than 30 psi for cleaning machinery, parts, etc., or use a hose that is equipped with a nozzle that will deadhead at less than 30 psi in case the outlet is obstructed.
• Always
wear USPS-approved eye protection when you use compressed air.

SECTION VI

Machinery and Electrical Equipment

Treat all electrical circuits as "live" circuitry. Turn off all electrical equipment when you are not using it. Never overload an electrical circuit.

• You
may only use Postal Service machinery and equipment if you are trained and authorized to do so.
• You
may not operate defective machinery or equipment. Report all such machinery or equipment to your supervisor immediately. Complete and attach Form 4707, Out of Order, to all such equipment. Do not operate any equipment which has been red-tagged with this form.

A. Machine Guarding

You may not operate equipment or machinery that is not properly guarded. Follow these guidelines:

• You
should ensure that guards are in place on all drives, pinch points, and points-of-operation and you should keep all guards in place while the machine is in motion.
• Before
starting machinery, make sure everyone is in the clear and that guards and safety devices are in working condition and are properly adjusted.

• Keep
all guards in place, securely fastened, and maintained in a functional condition.
• Do
not remove, replace, or adjust a guard on moving machinery or equipment.
• Do
not use the "stop" button to try to lockout equipment; it is not effective as a lockout device.

B. Emergency Stop Cords and Buttons

You must be trained, on the clock and on USPS premises, in the use of emergency stop cords, buttons,switches, etc., before you are assigned to a machine area. Keep all emergency stopping devices accessible, in plain view, and in operating condition. Report any defects to your supervisor immediately.

C. Conveyors, Sorters, and Other Mechanized Equipment

• You
may not climb under or onto or cross over a conveyor, sorter, or other piece of mechanized equipment for any reason, unless the system is effectively locked out.
• You
may not ride on any of this equipment.
• Turn
off the equipment when freeing jams. Only trained maintenance personnel may clear a jam by mounting the equipment. Before clearing jams or working on this equipment, first lock-out at the source of power. If more than one person is working on the equipment, they must all attach their own personal lock.

• Shut
equipment off when you must search or pick up an item underneath it. Make certain the equipment cannot be started unexpectedly, thus exposing you to danger.
• Do
not attempt to retrieve fallen, misthrow, or caught mail from moving equipment.
• If
a conveyor stops, call a mechanic; don't try to restart it by pulling the belt or by any other method, other than using the designated start button.
• Don't
overload conveyors, sorters, or other mechanized equipment.

D. Cords

• Never
splice or patch electrical cords; you should replace the cord. You may shorten the cord only if you are qualified to do so.
• When
you disconnect electrical equipment, pull the plug rather than the cord.
• Keep
extension cords off the floor as much as possible. If it is absolutely necessary to put such cords on the floor, use Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-approved or other certified testing laboratory-approved temporary floor covers to prevent tripping on or damage to the cord.
• Remove
frayed or damaged electrical cords and replace them.

E. Grounding

If portable electrical tools are not double-insulated and labeled as such, make sure they are equipped with a 3-wire plug. You may not cut off the ground connection.

• If
the ground prong has been removed, do not use the equipment or tool until the plug has been replaced.

F. Tools

Use only approved nonsparking tools and explosion proof equipment in areas containing a potentially hazardous atmosphere, such as battery-charging rooms or spray-painting booths.

G. Lockout Procedures

When working on power-driven equipment or electrical circuitry, make sure it is effectively locked out at the source.

SECTION VII

Lifting and Material Handling

A. Lifting Guidelines

Lifting is so much a part of everyday activities that most of us don't think about it, but it's often done incorrectly. The results can include strains, pulled muscles, disc lesions, and/or painful hernias.

Before lifting, check the immediate area and route of travel to assure that no obstruction or hazard can cause a slip, trip, of fall or a "striking against" accident.

The technique for proper lifting is fairly simple:

• Assess
the load. If the load appears to be too heavy or bulky to lift comfortably, get help.
• Place
one foot alongside the object being lifted and one behind. This method gives you greater stability and your rear foot will give you better upward thrust.
• Use
the "sit-down" position and keep your back in a straight line (though not necessarily perpendicular to the floor). A straight back keeps your spine, back muscles, and organs in correct alignment and minimizes the compression of organs that can cause a hernia.
• Tuck
in your chin so your neck and head are in a straight line with your back; it is not necessary, however, to force your chin against your chest. Tucking your chin helps keep your spine straight and firm.

• A
palm grip is one of the most important elements of correct lifting. Keep your fingers and hands extended around the object you're going to lift, using your full palm. Fingers alone have very little power--you need the strength of your entire hand.
• Keep
the load you are lifting drawn close, against your body and tuck your arms and elbows against your side. When your arms are held away from your body, they lose much of their strength and power. Keeping your arms tucked in also helps keep body weight centered.
• Position
your body so that your weight is centered over your feet. This provides a more powerful line of thrust and also ensures better balance. Start the lift with a thrust of your rear foot.
• Avoid
twisting during lifting; this is one of the most common causes of back injury. By simply turning your forward foot out and pointing it in the direction you are moving, you will avoid the greatest danger of injury.
• Do
not fight to recover a dropping object, or "lost load". Get out of its way and let it fall.
• Sudden
lifting and/or releasing of loads can cause stress to the spine and back muscles. Always lift, move, and lower in smooth motions.

B. Material Handling Equipment

• Inspect
ropes, chains, cables, slips, jacks, skids, and other hoisting and rigging apparatus before you use them.
• Report
damaged or defective ropes, chains, cables, slings, straps, etc., to your supervisor.

• Never
lift a load and leave it suspended or unattended. Do not exceed the lifting capacity of hoisting devices for any reason.

C. Portable Utility Platforms

You may only use portable utility platforms if you are authorized to do so.

D. Hand Trucks, Hampers, and Containers

1. General Rules

• You
may not ride, climb onto, or cross over any manually-propelled, rolling equipment.
• Push
, rather than pull, all hand trucks, containers, hampers, and other such equipment. Your hands must not protrude beyond the sides of the container you are pushing. Do not manually tow containers.
• Never
overload equipment or load it so high that it is top heavy.
• Red
tag defective equipment. Never use red tagged equipment.

2. Hampers

a. Use of Hampers

Keep clear of hamper dumpers that are in use. Avoid placing heavy objects, sacks of mail, or trayed mail in hampers. Place heavy packages on flat-bed trucks, rather than in hampers. If you must remove a heavy package from a hamper, tip the hamper onto its side and lift the package from the floor to avoid excessive strain on your back. Use proper lifting techniques.

b. Towing Hampers

Use a coupler or similar device when towing hampers. Tow no more than 3 hampers, whether loaded or empty. Never attempt to tow hampers by holding them with one hand while you drive the tractor.

c. Stacking Hampers

Never stack hampers more than three high, either for storage or transportation. To unstack hampers, always get help from another person. Turn the nested hampers onto their sides before unstacking them.

d. Transporting Hampers

Make sure that any vehicle you use to transport a hamper (full or empty) is equipped with shoring bars and/or nylon webbing to prevent the load form shifting or rolling free.

3. Containers

The term "containers" includes general purpose mail containers (GPMC), Eastern Region mail Containers (ERMC), BMC Over-the-Road Containers (BMC-OTR), etc.

• When
manually loading or unloading a container, set the brake, if one has been provided. If the container does not have brakes, place, rather than throw, mail or equipment into the container since it may move if jostled. Use at least two wheel chocks (front and back) when positioning a container on an uneven surface to prevent movement.

• Load
the bottom shelf of a GPMC first. Unload the top shelf first. Use the restraining bar to hold the shelf while it is in the raised position. When the container is not in use, store the shelves in the "down" position.
• Secure
all containers that you load onto vehicles with shoring bars to prevent the load from shifting and rolling free. Place OTR-container tow pins in the floor sockets of trucks and vans.
• If
a load a has toppled against the mesh doors of an ERMC or a POST-CON, get assistance in removing the restraining bar. With pressure against the mesh door, the restraining bar can be extremely dangerous because of its spring-like action upon release.
• Always
hold restraining bars, doors, and shelves with one hand to prevent them from falling when released, and stand to one side.
• When
moving an ERMC or GPMC, make sure that the center shelf is in the "down" position. Check the gate latch and shelf latch before loading or moving a container.
• Push
containers from the swivel wheel end. Watch constantly for obstructions on both sides of the container.

SECTION VIII

Power Industrial Vehicles

If you drive a powered industrial vehicle, you are responsible for the safety of the vehicle and for following all safety requirements. You must be trained, licensed (holding an OF-346, U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operator's Identification Card), and authorized to operate powered industrial vehicles, such as forklifts, lifting platforms,etc. Reckless operation of powered vehicles is strictly prohibited. Report any accidents involving a powered industrial vehicle to your supervisor immediately.

A. Operating Rules

1. General Rules

Before using a powered industrial vehicle, check the brakes, steering apparatus, horn, etc. Report any defects to your supervisor immediately.

• The
maximum speed limit for powered industrial vehicles is 5 miles per hour (about the speed of a fast walk). Use only the designated vehicle traffic lanes, and keep to the right whenever possible.
• Never
use the reverse control as a brake.
• You
may only allow a passenger to ride on a powered industrial vehicle if securely attached seating is provided. Never exceed the seating capacity of the unit.

• Never
disengage, cover up, or bypass any audible or visual warning devices on powered industrial equipment.
• Do
not ride with any part of your body protruding from the vehicle.
• Ensure
that there is adequate clearance before you drive under any overhead obstruction.
• Approach
all intersecting aisles and tow conveyor crossings slowly and cautiously. Sound your horn to warn pedestrians of your approach.
• Check
to be sure there is a clear path to the rear before backing up.
• Stop
your vehicle, place the gear in neutral, and turn the ignition off before you dismount.

2. Lift Trucks

Lift, lower, and carry loads on a lift truck with the lifting mechanism in a vertical position or tilted back--never forward.

• Face
the direction in which you are moving and be careful of rear-end swing when turning corners. However, when approaching or leaving a building where the ramp incline is greater than 10 degrees, turn the lift truck so the load is on the upgrade side and cannot slip off the forks.
• Keep
forks on a moving lift truck low (just high enough to clear any floor obstruction and low enough to clear overhead obstructions). Under normal conditions, 3 to 6 inches above floor lever should be sufficient.

• Do
not raise or lower forks while the forklift in in motion. When you park a lift truck, fully lower the forks, put the controls in neutral, shut the power off, and set the brake.
• Before
entering a truck or trailer with a forklift, inspect the floor for damage or decay which might cause the lift to break through. Also, make sure that the truck or trailer wheels are properly chocked.

B. Protective Equipment

• You
are responsible for ensuring that any powered industrial vehicle you operate is equipped with a horn and flashing warning beacon that is in working order.
• Do
not operate industrial lift trucks with the overhead guard removed.
• Wear
a protective helmet while operating a powered industrial vehicle.

C. Towing

• Use
only approved tow bars or coupling devices for towing. Do not use your hand to hold equipment being towed.
• You
may only tow three platform trucks, hampers, or containers (GMPC, ERMC, POST-CON, BMC-OTR) whether loaded or empty. You may attach up to five containers to a driverless tractor unit.

D. Repairs

You may only repair a Postal Service vehicle if you are qualified and fully trained maintenance employee.

SECTION IX

Mail Delivery

A. Fingering Mail

B. Hazardous Conditions

Pay close attention when you are walking to avoid lawn depressions, stones, bits of wood, children's toys, and other tripping hazards. You are not required to risk personal injury from icy steps, broken or rotten steps or porches, protruding nails or sharp edges on mail boxes, or similar hazardous conditions. Use Form 1767, Report of Hazard, Unsafe Condition, or Practices, to report any of these problems to your supervisor.

C. Mail Collection

• When
you are picking up collections from a street box or a mail chute receiving box, or when you are delivering mail to apartment house boxes equipped with an arrow lock, remove the key from the lock to avoid personal injury or damage to your clothing or keys.
• Keep
the chain for your mailbox keys securely fastened to your belt and place the keys in your pocket when you're not using them. Dangling, swinging keys can be dangerous.

• Report
defective, dented, or unanchored collection or relay boxes to your supervisor on Form 1767 so that corrective actions can be taken. Don't try to force entry to dented or otherwise defective collection or relay boxes.
• Always
check the contents of mailboxes for broken glass, bottles, insects, or animals before placing your hands inside.
• Never
stand in the street when loading or emptying mailboxes. Do not place mail in or collect mail from any boxes that require you to stand in the street. Use Form 1767 to report such boxes to your supervisor so that corrective action can be taken.

D. Animals and Insects

You are not required to deliver mail in any instances where you are threatened by an animal. Use extra care in making deliveries when dogs or other animals are loose on your route. Prepare From 1778, Dog Warning Card, and place it in the letter case whenever you observe an animal that may interfere with the delivery of the mail. In addition, report any such interference to your supervisor so that the customer may be notified that the animal must be restrained. Follow these guidelines:

• Neither
antagonize nor attempt to pet dogs. If a dog rushes toward you or takes you by surprise, do not run. Retreat very slowly, facing the dog. Keep your mail satchel between you and the dog as a first line of defense.
• Use
dog repellent spray only if you are attacked. Spray it directly at the dog's nostrils. Do not use dog repellent indiscriminately or when there is a danger of spraying children or adults.
• When
delivering mail through a door slot, keep your fingers out of the slot; an animal may be on the other side.

• When
delivering mail at a customer's door, keep your foot on the door so that a dog cannot unexpectedly rush out at you.
• If
rabies has been officially reported in the community where you are delivering mail, be especially observant of any dogs, cats, or wild animal.

1. Medical Treatment of Animal Bites

If you are bitten, get medical treatment immediately regardless of the severity of the injury. Even small bites or contact with animal saliva can transmit rabies. Wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.

2. Insect Stings

If you have severe or allergic reactions to insect stings, you must inform your supervisor and, if available, the medical/health unit. Use caution in removing mail from mail receptacles to avoid stings from any insects hidden inside.

SECTION X

Motor Vehicles

Vehicle accidents are a major source of serious personal injury for postal employees. Defensive driving in the best way to prevent vehicle accidents because it involves both the desire and the ability of a driver to control accident-provoking situations. You are expected to drive all Postal Service vehicles in a dependable, efficient, safe, and courteous manner.

A. Licenses

B. Civil Laws

You must obey all state and local vehicle codes when driving any Postal Service vehicle. You will receive no special privileges or rights as a postal driver. Police citations for traffic violations are your personal responsibility. Promptly report all traffic violations committed while on duty to your supervisor.

C. Reporting Accidents

If you are involved in an accident:

• Stop
at the scene.
• Aid
or assist any injured person.
• Have
someone call for an ambulance or the police, if necessary.
• Safeguard
the scene against any further accidents.
• Safeguard
the mail.
• Try
to identify several witnesses.
• Notify
your supervisor.
• Follow
the instructions in your Accident Report Kit, Item 87H, and any local accident reporting instructions.

D. Vehicle Regulations

1. Vehicle Safety Inspections

You must make a daily safety check of your assigned vehicle as outlined in Notice 76, Expanded Vehicle Safety Check, before leaving the post office parking lot or garage. Rural carriers are not required to perform this inspection except when they are using a postal-owned or -leased vehicle.

• Check
to make sure that a sealed Accident Report Kit (Item 87H) is provided inside your assigned vehicle.

• Report
all mechanical defects, failures, and vehicle damage to your supervisor. Use Form 4565, Vehicle Repair Tag.
• Handbook
M-52, Fleet Management, section 217.2, requires that vehicles, one ton or larger and regularly scheduled for intercity and airport runs, or vehicles regularly scheduled for use as wreckers, must carry a fire extinguisher and emergency warning device kits.

2. Seatbelts/Doors

You must wear seatbelts at all times the vehicle is in motion. When traveling to and from the route, when moving between park and relay points, and when entering or crossing intersecting roadways, all vehicle doors must be closed. 'when operating a vehicle on delivery routes and traveling in intervals of 500 feet (1/10 mile) or less at speeds not exceeding 15 MPH between delivery stops, you may leave the door of the driver's side open. Rural carriers will follow the policy outlined in Handbook M-37, Rural Delivery Carriers' Duties and Responsibilities, section 161.

3. Fueling

• Shut
off the motor before fueling a vehicle.
• Do
not smoke within 25 feet of gasoline pumps or gas or oil storage tanks.
• Be
sure the nozzle of the pump hose touches the edge of the tank to avoid static sparking.
• Know
where the emergency shut-off switch for the fuel pump is located.
• Be
sure that a fire extinguisher is located nearby.

4. Engine Exhaust

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, deadly gas released by internal combustion engines. Therefore, hook up exhaust hoses to the vehicles before you run an engine inside a building, or make sure there is adequate ventilation. Check exhaust hoses periodically for splits, cracks, or other deterioration.

5. Tire Safety Cages

To inflate or deflate tires mounted on split rims, you must place them in an approved tire safety cage. You may mount or dismount split rim wheels only if you have been trained to do so.

When inflating a tire in the safety cage, use a clip-on type air chuck with a remote valve so that you can stand clear.

E. Driving Regulations

1. General Rules

• Never
finger mail or hold it in your hands while you drive.
• Move
your vehicle only when you are certain that it is safe to do so, especially if children may be nearby. If necessary, get out, circle your vehicle, and check underneath it to make sure.
• You
must yield the right of way and make any other concessions necessary to avoid any accident.

• Always
maintain a safe stopping distance, especially during adverse weather conditions.
• When
following another vehicle, maintain sufficient distance between your vehicle and the one you are following. In clear weather you can judge the proper distance by remembering the 2-second rule: Choose a landmark. When the vehicle ahead of you passes it, begin to count, "one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two". If you pass the landmark before you reach "one-thousand-and-two", you are following too closely. During adverse weather conditions, stay farther behind the vehicle in front of you.
• Use
your turn signal before turning, changing lanes, or pulling to or away from the curb or shoulder of the road.
• Enter
all unregulated or unprotected intersections slowly and cautiously. Slow down and do not enter the cross street until you are sure you can do so safety.
• Before
entering any intersection, slow down and look left, then right, then left again. Remember that danger is always closer form the left when the roadway is two-directional.
• Never
wear headphones or any other device which can diminish your hearing while operating a motor vehicle.

2. Speed

Always drive at a safe speed. Never exceed the speed limit. Also keep in mind that, under certain conditions, the posted speed limit may not be the safe one.

3. Backing Up

• Avoid
backing up whenever possible. If you can, park where you will not have to back up to pull away from a parking place. If you mus back up, first walk around your vehicle to make sure there are no pedestrians, children, obstructions, etc., in your way.
• When
backing up a large vehicle, have someone guide you whenever possible. The guide should stand to the side and rear of the vehicle and use hand signals, not oral directions. Never allow the guide to get out of your vision, especially behind your vehicle, you might unknowingly crush him against some object. Even when you use a guide, it is your responsibility to back up safety. Use both rear view mirrors and have them properly adjusted.
• Drivers
who are required to turn a vehicle around in one continuous operation (such as rural carriers' turnarounds) must use extreme caution when backing up.
• Look
, listen and live at all railroad crossings. Obey all highway rail crossings warnings.

4. Parking

• Whenever
you park your vehicle, turn off the engine, remove the key, place the gear selector in park, and set the parking brake. If the vehicle will be out of your sight, lock it.
• When
parking a vehicle uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb. When parking downhill, turn them into the curb. Remember: "uphill-out", and "downhill-in".

5. Passengers

You may only ride in postal-owned, GSA-owned, rental, or contract vehicles (including employees; privately owned vehicles when used in postal operations) if you are authorized to do so. All passengers must use seatbelts.

If conventional passenger seats are not provided, use an approved auxiliary seat which faces forward and is equipped with a backrest and seatbelts. Never stand in a vehicle that is in motion.

6. Loading

Make sure that any mail that you load into a vehicle will pose no hazard to the operator when the vehicle is started, stopped, turned, or otherwise operated on a mail delivery route. Don't place large parcels, bulky items, or bundles of mail on the tray or ledge to the extent that they could obscure your vision or break the windshield during a sudden stop.

7. Parking Lots

• Park
in designated parking spaces only.
• Use
designated traffic lanes only.
• Observe
posted speed limits. Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed is 10 mph.
• Follow
one-way directional signs in traffic lanes.
• Observe
traffic signals when entering and leaving postal premises.
• Do
not throw litter in parking lots. Use receptacles that are provided.

• Obey
all posted signs in the parking and access road areas.
• Do
not block fire lanes.

SECTION XI

Air Mail Facilities

The complex nature of airport operations can present postal employees with special dangers. Hazards from aircraft, intense noise, fueling operations, and sophisticated equipment should be recognized. These hazards can be overcome by proper training and constant awareness.

A. General Rules

You may only move Postal Service vehicles at airports if you have been specially trained, qualified, and are authorized to do so.

You may not smoke on airport service ramps or in the vicinity of pouch racks. Smoke only in designated areas.

B. Operator and Vehicle Regulations

• Before
leaving your post office facility, make sure that your vehicle contains at least one-half of a tank of gas, a fully charged fire extinguisher, and any required emergency equipment.
• You
must yield to all emergency vehicles responding to an alert. This includes crash and rescue vehicles, fire trucks, security or police cars, etc.

• Use
only the exact route of travel designated by your supervisor to reach the point of entry to an airport service ramp.
• Approach
an aircraft only after all engines and propellers have been completely stopped. Your vehicle may come no closer than 5 feet to any part of an aircraft at any time.
• Never
drive across passenger loading lanes while an aircraft is at a gate position.
• Do
not drive under any part of an aircraft.
• Always
wear ear protection devices in the presence of operating aircraft.

The tail end of an aircraft can be as hazardous as the front. Running engines blast dirt, debris, and other solid objects with a force strong enough to break windshields and to cause eye injury or bone fracture. Take immediate shelter if you are about to be caught by a blast from the engines of an arriving or departing aircraft.