Commercial driver's guide to operation, safety and licensing

• The vehicle is loaded so the total
dimensions and total weight on each
axle are within the limits according to
the laws in the jurisdiction where the
vehicle is being operated.
Before unloading
• Move slowly if you must back into a
position to unload. Before backing in an
unfamiliar area, get out, look around the
area and walk the route that you
will follow.
• You should back the vehicle to the
driver’s side (left) for better visibility.
Use the mirrors continually to check
your position.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a backing
alarm, make sure it is working. Some
regulations require a backing alarm
when vehicles are around workers on
foot. These alarms must be automatic
and cannot have a shutoff switch as
specified in Occupational Health and
Safety Code 2009.
For more information regarding this
code visit this web site; http://www.
employment.alberta.ca/documents/WHS/
WHS-LEG_ohsc_2009.pdf
• Whenever possible, have someone
guide the vehicle when you are
unloading. Make sure that you and the
guide use and understand the same
hand signals. The guide should always
be outside and to the rear of the vehicle
so that he or she is able to see the path
the vehicle is taking and be seen by the
driver. The driver should always be able
to see the guide. Stop if you cannot
see the guide.
• Remember, even with a guide, you are
still responsible for all movements
of the vehicle.
• Check for overhead wires and
obstructions.
• Do not raise the box to dump unless the
vehicle is on level ground.
During unloading
• Other vehicles and people must not
be within the dumping radius of the
raised box.
• Before dumping into a hopper, get
out and look to make sure the hopper
is empty.
• To avoid a tip-over, learn to recognize
hazardous areas and situations. These
include soft or uneven surfaces or
poorly compacted fill.
• The tailgate chain and the angle of the
truck bed will regulate how fast the
material flows from the box.
• Check your operator’s manual for
detailed instructions for unloading.
• Release the tailgate. Be aware that a
load that is concentrated at the rear of a
raised box with the tailgate closed can
tip the vehicle over backwards.
• Do not get into the raised box if the load
is stuck. Lower the box first.
• If you lose sight of your guide, stop until
visual contact is regained.
• Once the unloading has been
completed, lower the box and ensure
that the tailgate is latched.
CHAPTER SIX Operating Class 3 vehicles 63