1. The three-point system
February 2014

2. Overview Getting in the truck Getting out of the truck
Getting onto the tractor deck
Releasing the fifth wheel pin
Cranking the trailer dolly
Open/closing the trailer doors

3. Climbing in the tractor
Place all carry-on objects into the cab first
Place them on the seat or floor
Always keep your hands free

4. Climbing in the tractor (cont’d.)
Always face the cab

5. Always use the three-point system
Keep one hand and two feet in contact with the truck OR
Keep two hands and one foot in contact with the truck

6. Another way of saying it!
Always keep two hands on the handles when you move either foot OR
Always keep both feet on the steps when you move either hand

7. Another way of saying it! (cont’d.)
Always use the steps and the grab handles to keep three of your limbs in contact with the truck as you enter or exit the truck

8. Getting out of the tractor
Never jump down
Always keep hands free
Use caution when it is slippery

9. Three-point system is the same for the cab-over engine tractor
Use the grab handles and steps like a ladder to climb up
Move your left foot to the step pocket or the door side
Move your hand to the horizontal grab handle or the door
Slide into the seat

10. Medium duty truck Always use the grab bars Never “skip” steps
Never “jump” down from the cab

11. Climbing onto the tractor deck
Make sure the truck is equipped with steps, grab handles and a deck plate
Use the three-point system to climb up
Do not use the fuel tank or air deflector as a step or handle

12. Releasing the fifth wheel pin
Reach in and grab the handle or use an extension tool
Place your other hand on the side rail of the trailer directly above the pin
Place feet shoulder width apart and away from under the drive tires

13. Releasing the fifth wheel pin (cont’d.)
Push with your legs and place a hand against the trailer as you pull with your hand on the pin-release handle
Do not pull from under the trailer

14. Cranking the trailer dolly
Unhook the handle from the in-transit holder
Engage the handle to the gear box pin in the highest gear
Stand to the side, away from the arc of the handle as you turn or “crank” the handle

15. Cranking the trailer dolly (cont’d.)
Use the lower gear to release the tension of the weight off the dollies when moving them to the up position OR use the low gear to lift the trailer off the fifth wheel if you are lowering the dollies
Use the higher gear for raising OR lowering the dolly legs when there is less resistance

16. Opening the trailer door
Release the trailer latch while standing to the left side of the opening in case cargo is pushing the door open
Grip the edge of the trailer door with two hands and walk the door open to the full open position to resist wind blowing the door

17. Opening the trailer door (cont’d.)
Latch the trailer door open with the fastener provided
Always latch the trailer door in the open position
Do not move a trailer with an unsecured door

18. Closing the trailer door
Unlatch the open door
Hold the door with both hands
Stand to the side of the door
Walk the door to the closed position
Fasten the door locking system

19. Climbing in and out of the trailer
Keep both hands free for climbing
Always face the trailer when climbing in or out
Few trailers have grab handles to hold onto

20. Climbing in and out of the trailer (cont’d.)
Always enter a trailer from the rear by stepping onto the bumper as a step (unless alternate step is available)

21. Climbing on or off the trailer – Flatbed
Climb onto the deck plate and then step onto the front of the trailer
Never climb using the wheel and tires as a ladder
These are poor foot or hand holds

22. Review Always keep hands free
Always climb using the three-point system
Always stand to the side when:
Pulling the fifth wheel pin
Cranking the dollies
Handling the trailer doors

23. Thank you Risk Engineering zurich.com
© 2014 Zurich Services Corporation. All rights reserved.
The information in this publication and presentation was compiled by Zurich Services Corporation from sources believed to be reliable. Further, all sample policies and procedures herein should serve as a guideline which you can use to create your own policies and procedures. We trust that you will customize these samples to reflect your own operations and believe that these samples may serve as a helpful platform for this endeavor. Any and all information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal advice and accordingly, you should consult with your own attorneys when developing programs and policies. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this information or any results and further assume no liability in connection with this publication and presentation and sample policies and procedures, including any information, methods or safety suggestions contained herein. Moreover, Zurich Services Corporation reminds you that this cannot be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedure or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. The subject matter of this publication and presentation is not tied to any specific insurance product nor will adopting these policies and procedures ensure coverage under any insurance policy.
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Risk Engineering
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