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NAO
206-7
NOAA Circular 00-01; FILE AS: NAO 206-7
Eff: 02/28/00
SUBJECT: Guidelines for the Use of Electric Scooters
in the Silver Spring Metro Complex
TO: All NOAA Offices in the Silver Spring Metro Center
Complex (SSMC OFFICES)
SECTION 1. PURPOSE.
To assist physically challenged NOAA employees in
the Silver Spring Metro Center (SSMC) complex, electric
scooters are available in SSMC-2, SSMC-3, and SSMC-4
and are located in the vicinity of the security guards'
stations at each location. There are two scooters in
SSMC-2, one in SSMC-3, and one in SSMC-4. NOAA employees
in SSMC-1 may use one of the two scooters in SSMC-2.
The overall management and maintenance of the scooters
is the responsibility of the Facilities Services Division,
Personal Property and Transportation Branch, phone:
301-713-3530.
SECTION 2. GUIDELINES.
The following guidelines are provided regarding the
use of electronic scooters.
.01 The electric scooters are provided for occasional,
temporary use by physically challenged NOAA employees
while on the SSMC complex.
.02 The
scooters are not intended to be used by individuals
all day, every day. If an individual requires the use
of a scooter on an all-day, everyday basis, that individual's
Line/Staff Office may consider purchasing one for his/her
use. The Line/Staff Office would be responsible for
the scooter's maintenance. Information on the scooters,
including purchase and maintenance costs, can be obtained
by contacting the Personal Property and Transportation
Branch.
.03 The scooters are provided on a first-come, first-served
basis, and the security guards will control the scooter
keys. When a scooter is required, the security guard
should be contacted first to determine if one is available.
The followingtelephone numbers for security guards'
stations are provided for your information:
SSMC-2 - 301-713-2065
SSMC-3 - 301-713-2660
SSMC-4 - 301-713-0268
The scooters will be checked daily to ensure that
they are in working condition.
.04 When a request is received, the guard shall record
the caller's name, organization, telephone number,
and destination on a register for the scooter(s) assigned
to that building.
.05 The guard will advise the user on how to operate
the scooter. A set of operating instructions, safety
precautions, and helpful driving hints for the scooters
is attached.
.06 Upon receipt of the scooter, each user will be
required to sign a log which will include the date,
time, and building destination. The guard will indicate
the date and time when the scooter is issued to the
user and will initial the registering form.
.07 The scooters are to be used only for transportation
on the SSMC complex. Scooters are not to be taken off
the complex as such use creates liability issues.
.08 The scooter and its keys must be returned to the
building from which taken the same day. The guard will
note the time of return in the log book and will then
store and secure the scooter in its proper location.
.09 When a user reports maintenance or safety problems,
the guard will provide the information to the Dispatch
Pool Manager, Personal Property and Transportation
Branch.
SECTION 3. EFFECT ON OTHER ISSUANCES.
None.
Signed
Chief Financial Officer/Chief
Administrative Officer
Offices of Primary Interest:
Office of Finance and Administration
Facilities Office
Facilities Services Division
Office of Civil Rights
Attachment
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Attachmment to NOAA Circ. 00-01 Pg 1 of 3
Filed as NAO 206-7 (Eff: 2/28/00)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
CHAUFFEUR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
Before operating your scooter, please check the following:
1. The control console battery gauge should read full
prior to operation. This gauge may dip slightly when
the throttle control lever is depressed, so it is always
best to read this gauge while in motion.
2. The batteries must be sitting flat within the battery
well area.
3. Make sure the manual freewheeling
knob (located inside the utility trunk) is depressed
into the "run" position
and not lifted up into the "freewheeling" position.
PLEASE NOTE: NEVER LEAVE THE FREEWHEEL KNOB IN THE
FREEWHEEL POSITION UNLESS YOU ARE PUSHING THE SCOOTER.
4. Position yourself comfortably in the seat, push
the seat lock lever down to unlock the seat lock, and
rotate until facing forward. Once the seat lock lever
is released, it will lock securely in place.
5. Adjust the steering column to a comfortable position.
6. Insert the key all the way into the switch located
on the control console.
7. Start with the speed control on a lower setting.
8. Grasp each of the handle bar grips and gently rest
your thumb against the throttle control lever.
9. After planning your direction, forward or reverse,
slowly press your thumb against the throttle lever
for the direction selected. The electric brake will
automatically release, and the scooter will smoothly
accelerate to the preselected speed. Releasing the
throttle lever will cause the scooter to decelerate
and come to a complete stop. The electric brake is
automatically engaged when the scooter comes to a stop.
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Attachmment to NOAA Circ. 00-01 Pg 2 of 3
Filed as NAO 206-7 (Eff: 2/28/00)
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE
USE OF
CHAUFFEUR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
1. Do not carry passengers.
2. Do not mount and dismount unless the key is removed
and the seat is locked in place.
3. Reduce speed when turning the scooter in any situation.
4. Reduce speed on uneven terrain and soft surfaces.
5. Always stop fully when changing direction.
6. Avoid traveling across the side of a hill or turning
sideways on an incline.
7. Proceed carefully as you approach the down grade
of a ramp or hill.
8. Always avoid operating the scooter near unprotected
ledges and drop offs.
9. Always keep your feet on the floorboard when you
ride.
10. Do not operate on icy or slippery surfaces.
11. Do not operate on snow.
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Attachmment to NOAA Circ. 00-01 Pg 3 of 3
Filed as NAO 206-7 (Eff: 2/28/00)
HELPFUL DRIVING HINTS
FOR THE USE OF
CHAUFFEUR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
1. As you begin to use your scooter, you will no doubt
encounter situations that at first may require some
practice. Simply take your time, and you will soon
be in control through doorways, elevators, up and down
ramps, and across grass and gravel.
2. As you approach a closed door, determine if it
opens in toward you or opens out away from you. Unlatch
the knob or pushbar and allow the power of the scooter
to pull or push open the door. If the door is self
closing, you may quickly pass, allowing the door to
close behind you. If not, just stop when you are clear
of the door and push it closed.
3. Modern elevators have a rubber door edge safety
mechanism that when pushed will reopen the door. If
you are in the doorway when it closes, either push
on the rubber door edge or allow it to contact the
scooter, and it will reopen. Use care that pocketbooks,
packages, or cane/crutch holders do not become caught
in the door.
4. The scooter will enable you to climb steep hills,
but to ensure proper stability, do not exceed a maximum
grade of 15 degrees.
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