In November last, new legislation was signed which requires all users of ATVs as of next year to undergo mandatory training, and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), when using such vehicles for work purposes.
To find out what’s involved in such training, we took part in a half-day training course with Kevin Jones from Terrafirma Training Limited (TFT).
The course took place at the well-known ATV/UTV dealer JF Hanley in Co Roscommon.
Machine knowledge and checks
All ATVs are designed to cope with varying terrain types but if used outside their safe operating parameters they can quickly become unstable.
Before riding, it is mandatory that the operator spends time gaining knowledge of the ATV, its components and capabilities as well as the legal requirements.
All ATVs are designed to cope with varying terrain types but if used outside their safe operating parameters they can quickly become unstable.
All the usual pre-start checks such as tyre pressures, brakes, fluid levels and components such as lights should be frequently carried out.
In particular, it’s important that front and rear cargo rack weight limits are never exceeded.
These weights will generally be displayed on the ATV’s body panels and are typically in the region of 45-50kg front and 85-95kg on the rear, although these vary between manufacturer.
For example, a 100l sprayer, which is quite common, exceeds the rear capacities of most ATVs. Overloading will severely affect the ATV’s handling.
ATV’s have a long seat to aid the operators weight distribution, and not for carrying passengers.
Towing capacity should also be noted and adhered to. While most ATVs will tow over and above their rated towing capacity, this will affect the machine’s handling and braking capabilities and should be avoided.
Safe procedure and operation
The safe mounting, dismounting and correct riding position was highlighted by Kevin.
Many guys ride quads by side-saddling, which is essentially sitting or standing solely to one side of the vehicle.
This is extremely dangerous and causes instability on the quad.
The biggest take-home message from the training day was the emphasis placed on the rider’s positioning and his/her influence on the quad’s balance and stability.
ATVs have a long seat to aid the operator’s weight distribution, and not for carrying passengers. The position of the rider on the machine needs to be changed depending on the terrain and motion.
Riders must have the ability to move and balance the momentum of the ATV with their own body weight.
Riders must have the ability to move and balance the momentum of the ATV with their own body weight.
When riding corners, the operator should always be leaning into the corner. For example, if turning right, you should be leaning as much of your body weight as possible to the right of the quad, while keeping your feet grounded.
The position of the rider on the machine needs to be changed depending on the terrain and motion.
Once we got a feel for the ATVs used on the course, our training progressed into rough terrain. Again, the rider’s positioning was in focus. When riding downhill, it’s advised to push your weight backwards to the rear of the seat, select a low gear and use engine braking, rather than the ATV’s brakes.
When riding such challenging terrain, its essential that you avoid sudden increases in speed, which are a common cause of overturning.
When going uphill, move your bodyweight forward as much as possible, keeping both feet on the footrests and maintaining a constant speed. When riding across a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the ATV.
When riding such challenging terrain, it’s essential that you avoid sudden increases in speed, which are a common cause of overturning.
Assessment
Once successfully completing the course, each rider’s driving is assessed by the co-ordinator and marked on the criteria mentioned above. If successful, a certificate will be issued.
When riding across a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the ATV.
There are still quite a few questions in the industry about the rollout of the course and whether or not it will be a once-off course.
Costings are yet to be confirmed but it is estimated the half-day course will cost in the region of €250 to €300 per person.
Mandatory training
and PPE
Last November, the Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English, signed a Statutory Instrument which introduced an obligation on the users of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to undergo mandatory training, and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using such vehicles for work purposes.
When going uphill, move your bodyweight forward as much as possible, keeping both feet on the footrests and maintaining a constant speed.
The introduction of this mandatory training and use of PPE for ATVs was a recommendation of the Farm Safety Task Force, and the new measures are set to come into force on 20 November 2023.
Over a 10-year period (2009-2018), tractors, ATVs and other vehicles represented 30% of workplace fatalities in the agriculture sector.ATV fatalities have increased significantly in recent years, with 12 fatalities attributed to their operation in this 10-year period.
The biggest take-home message from the training day was the emphasis placed on the riders positioning and his/her influence on the quads balance and stability.
Mandatory training and use of PPE for ATVs will come into force on 20 November 2023. Know your ATVs capacities and capabilities. Wear the correct PPE ie helmet, gloves and goggles. Weight distribution is key. Avoid sudden increases in speed in challenging terrain.
In November last, new legislation was signed which requires all users of ATVs as of next year to undergo mandatory training, and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), when using such vehicles for work purposes.
To find out what’s involved in such training, we took part in a half-day training course with Kevin Jones from Terrafirma Training Limited (TFT).
The course took place at the well-known ATV/UTV dealer JF Hanley in Co Roscommon.
Machine knowledge and checks
All ATVs are designed to cope with varying terrain types but if used outside their safe operating parameters they can quickly become unstable.
Before riding, it is mandatory that the operator spends time gaining knowledge of the ATV, its components and capabilities as well as the legal requirements.
All ATVs are designed to cope with varying terrain types but if used outside their safe operating parameters they can quickly become unstable.
All the usual pre-start checks such as tyre pressures, brakes, fluid levels and components such as lights should be frequently carried out.
In particular, it’s important that front and rear cargo rack weight limits are never exceeded.
These weights will generally be displayed on the ATV’s body panels and are typically in the region of 45-50kg front and 85-95kg on the rear, although these vary between manufacturer.
For example, a 100l sprayer, which is quite common, exceeds the rear capacities of most ATVs. Overloading will severely affect the ATV’s handling.
ATV’s have a long seat to aid the operators weight distribution, and not for carrying passengers.
Towing capacity should also be noted and adhered to. While most ATVs will tow over and above their rated towing capacity, this will affect the machine’s handling and braking capabilities and should be avoided.
Safe procedure and operation
The safe mounting, dismounting and correct riding position was highlighted by Kevin.
Many guys ride quads by side-saddling, which is essentially sitting or standing solely to one side of the vehicle.
This is extremely dangerous and causes instability on the quad.
The biggest take-home message from the training day was the emphasis placed on the rider’s positioning and his/her influence on the quad’s balance and stability.
ATVs have a long seat to aid the operator’s weight distribution, and not for carrying passengers. The position of the rider on the machine needs to be changed depending on the terrain and motion.
Riders must have the ability to move and balance the momentum of the ATV with their own body weight.
Riders must have the ability to move and balance the momentum of the ATV with their own body weight.
When riding corners, the operator should always be leaning into the corner. For example, if turning right, you should be leaning as much of your body weight as possible to the right of the quad, while keeping your feet grounded.
The position of the rider on the machine needs to be changed depending on the terrain and motion.
Once we got a feel for the ATVs used on the course, our training progressed into rough terrain. Again, the rider’s positioning was in focus. When riding downhill, it’s advised to push your weight backwards to the rear of the seat, select a low gear and use engine braking, rather than the ATV’s brakes.
When riding such challenging terrain, its essential that you avoid sudden increases in speed, which are a common cause of overturning.
When going uphill, move your bodyweight forward as much as possible, keeping both feet on the footrests and maintaining a constant speed. When riding across a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the ATV.
When riding such challenging terrain, it’s essential that you avoid sudden increases in speed, which are a common cause of overturning.
Assessment
Once successfully completing the course, each rider’s driving is assessed by the co-ordinator and marked on the criteria mentioned above. If successful, a certificate will be issued.
When riding across a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the ATV.
There are still quite a few questions in the industry about the rollout of the course and whether or not it will be a once-off course.
Costings are yet to be confirmed but it is estimated the half-day course will cost in the region of €250 to €300 per person.
Mandatory training
and PPE
Last November, the Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English, signed a Statutory Instrument which introduced an obligation on the users of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to undergo mandatory training, and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using such vehicles for work purposes.
When going uphill, move your bodyweight forward as much as possible, keeping both feet on the footrests and maintaining a constant speed.
The introduction of this mandatory training and use of PPE for ATVs was a recommendation of the Farm Safety Task Force, and the new measures are set to come into force on 20 November 2023.
Over a 10-year period (2009-2018), tractors, ATVs and other vehicles represented 30% of workplace fatalities in the agriculture sector.ATV fatalities have increased significantly in recent years, with 12 fatalities attributed to their operation in this 10-year period.
The biggest take-home message from the training day was the emphasis placed on the riders positioning and his/her influence on the quads balance and stability.
Mandatory training and use of PPE for ATVs will come into force on 20 November 2023. Know your ATVs capacities and capabilities. Wear the correct PPE ie helmet, gloves and goggles. Weight distribution is key. Avoid sudden increases in speed in challenging terrain. 
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