Chapman MG Series, Оригинальное руководство пользователя

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HSE information sheet
Safe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
in agriculture and forestry
HSE Information
Agriculture Information Sheet No 33
Introduction
This information sheet gives advice on the safe use of
ATVs. It covers the two main types used in off-road
working in agriculture and forestry, which are:
●
sit-astride ATVs: any motorised vehicle designed
to travel on four low-pressure tyres on unpaved
surfaces, with a seat designed to be straddled by
the operator and handlebars for steering control.
They are intended to be used by a single operator
with no passenger. However, this type also
includes ATVs intended for use by a single
operator, but with a special seat for a passenger
behind the operator. These vehicles are generally
called ATVs in agriculture, quad bikes in leisure
use and all-terrain cycles (ATCs) in forestry;
●
sit-in machines: side-by-side mini-utility vehicles,
usually with a steering wheel, where the driver sits
in a conventional seat and there is generally
seating for one or more passengers. These are
often called ATVs in both agriculture and forestry.
The ATVs covered by this sheet are those designed for
off-road use only. However, agricultural, horticultural
and forestry users can register an ATV as a ʻLight
agricultural vehicleʼ for limited on-road use in
connection with their business (see ʻRoad useʼ).
Accidents
Both types of machine are designed to cope with a
wide variety of terrain types, including steep slopes, but
if used outside their safe operating parameters they
can very rapidly become unstable. This is why most
ATV accidents involve overturning.
On average, two people die each year in ATV
accidents. Non-fatal accidents are estimated to amount
to over 1000 serious injuries per year. The underlying
causes of accidents were usually one or more of the
following:
●
lack of structured training and/or experience;
●
incorrect/lack of protective clothing;
●
excessive speed;
●
carrying a passenger or an unbalanced load;
●
tipping on a bank, ditch, rut or bump;
● a steep slope combined with other factors, eg
ground or load conditions;
●
towing excessive loads with unbraked equipment.
Route planning and stability
Most accidents with these machines have occurred
where they have either been driven on new routes over
steep ground for the first time, or have been carrying or
dragging destabilizing loads. When travelling over
rough terrain, get to know your own ground and stick to
planned routes where possible. Walk new routes if
necessary to check for hidden obstructions. Allow for
changes in ground conditions and for the destabilizing
effect of loads or attachments.
Sit-astride ATVs (quad bikes/ATCs)
REMEMBER - GET PROPERLY TRAINED AND
ALWAYS WEAR HEAD PROTECTION
Training
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998 (PUWER), there is a legal
requirement for employers to provide adequate training,
and to ensure that only employees who have received
appropriate training in their safe use, including the use
of any towed equipment or attachments, are permitted
to ride ATVs. The same requirements apply to the self-
employed. HSE regards training provided by
recognized training providers as being adequate for the
purposes of PUWER.
You can get details of suitable training courses from
franchised ATV dealers,
manufacturers’ websites, EASI
(European ATV Safety Institute), the Forestry
Commission and Lantra Awards. Training is also
available from agricultural trainers and colleges
accredited by these bodies.