All motor vehicles and mechanized equipment used in construction are required to have:

• A service brake system, for slowing or stopping the vehicle during normal operations.
• An emergency brake system, as a back-up in the event that the service brake fails.
• A parking brake system, sometimes referred to as a hand brake.

It is permissible for these systems to share components, but in all cases they are each required to be maintained in good working condition, e.g. if the service brake and parking brake are working, they do not make up for a defective emergency brake.

Sometimes, additional assistance may be necessary. For example, when parking on an incline, parking brakes alone may need to be augmented by chocks under the wheels.

Additional Information:

• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart O, Motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, and marine operations. OSHA Standard.
  • 1926.601, Motor vehicles
    • 1926.601(b)(1)