Vehicles

• If you use tractors or equipment on slopes, carefully assess the risk of overturning
• Always assess the slope and ground conditions before commencing work
• Consider if it is worth taking the risk of operating on sloping ground
• Make sure you are familiar with the slope. Walk the slope before driving on it
• Use a four-wheel-drive tractor
• Select the right gear before approaching the slope, to avoid gear change on the slope
• Use engine braking when you drive down a slope
• Keep as much weight uphill as possible
• Turn uphill if working across a slope
• Avoid quick, sharp turns
• If a tractor is about to overturn, do not attempt to jump clear. Stay in the cab and hold on to the steering wheel

Update on the implementation of Regulations governing ATV/Quad Bike Training and Helmet wearing SI 619 OF 2021

The use of ATV/Quad Bikes is becoming more and more common on farms and forests and for many other sectors such as road works, airports, military ATV’s/Quads are essential pieces of equipment. However, there have been a significant number of fatalities involving quads and the potential for a serious injury or fatality when using a quad is high.

The main causes of serious or fatal injury associated with ATV/Quad Bikes are:

• being thrown off during vehicle overturns or after loss of control;
• collisions with structures, trees, poles, other vehicles etc.;
• being trapped/asphyxiated under an overturned machine;
• being drowned under a quad bike overturned in a water course;
• pedestrians being struck or run over by an ATV/Quad Bikes.

Contributory factors/underlying causes of fatalities and injury with ATV/Quad Bikes can include:

• lack of formal operator training and/or experience;
• incorrect/lack of appropriate head protection;
• excessive speed;
• age of the operator;
• carrying a passenger on a quad bike;
• unbalanced loads or overloading;
• tipping on a bank, ditch, rut or bump;
• loss of control on a steep slope combined with other factors, e.g. ground or load conditions;
• towing excessive loads with un-braked equipment;
• poor maintenance, e.g. faulty brakes, incorrect tyre pressures, etc.

Regulations governing the safe use of ATV/Quad Bikes in all workplaces (SI 619/2021) come into effect on 20 November 2023. Regulation 619/2021

These regulations have 2 essential requirements of note:

1. Training to be undertaken with a registered training provider to a QQI standard or equivalent
2. Use of helmets to a (generally) prescribed standard

Training

The existing QQI ATV training standard is at level 5 (5N1752) with the stated purpose of:

Only training to this QQI Standard or equivalent is acceptable for compliance with the regulations, therefore, when seeking out training ensure the quad bike training provider confirms that the course provided is to this QQI standard or equivalent.

Training Providers

Persons seeking out training must ensure that the training provided is to the QQI Standard or equivalent. The majority of ATV/Quad Bike training providers in Ireland train to the Lantra Standard, which is equivalent to the QQI standard. A listing of training providers can be accessed at https://www.lantra.co.uk/product/35434 and use ‘Search for providers near you” at the bottom of the page.  This will bring up the list of providers offering the course in your immediate area as seen in the screenshot below.

You may also contact QQI and City & Guilds for information on approved ATV/Quad Bike training providers.

Helmets

Helmet types suitable for ATV/Quad Bike operations, depending on the circumstances of use, are motorcycle helmets and specialist ATV helmets. All helmets should have a chinstrap and be capable of being used with suitable eye protection. The type of helmet chosen must be based on an assessment of the circumstances in which the ATV/Quad Bike will be used, e.g. the types of surface travelled over and anticipated speeds. The harder the surface and higher the speed the greater the degree of protection needed. Standard industrial hard hats, forestry helmets and cyclist helmets are not acceptable for any ATV/Quad Bike operations. Importantly, ‘All quad bike helmets should fit comfortably and securely, to ensure full protection.’

• Consider the risk of overturning on sloping ground
• Professional training is essential before using an ATV
• Never carry a passenger on an ATV
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet

 ATVs require on-going maintenance as specified by the manufacturer. Check, in particular, that:

• tyre pressures are correct
• brakes give a straight stop
• the throttle operates smoothly in all steering positions
• Many ATVs have no differential, so the vehicle speed and placing of your body weight is crucial for safe cornering.
• An Information Sheet on the safe use of ATVs in agriculture and forestry is available

Further info:

For information on the Measure go to gov.ie - National Farm Safety Measure 2023

• Cab/Roll bar in good condition
• U guard is in place to cover the PTO stub
• All controls in working order and clearly marked/ understood
• Brakes in good working order and adequate for the work
• Handbrake fully operational
• Mirrors, lights, indicators and wipers functioning, clean and visible
• All hitching equipment free of defects
• All visible defects identified and rectified