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ATV – Safety

 

The use of ATVs for wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire operations has increased dramatically over the last ten years. Note: Several agencies have required training for ATV operations (check your agency’s requirements).

Most injuries associated with ATVs occur when:

  • Driver loses control (When the operator encounters a change of terrain or swerves to avoid an obstacle, it causes an abrupt change of balance and loss of control.),
  • Vehicle rolls over,
  • Driver or passenger is thrown off,
  • Operator’s loss of attention to what, where, and how an ATV is being operated, or
  • There is a collision with a fixed object.

Identified contributing factors to ATV accidents include:

  • Rider is inexperienced,
  • Excessive speed combined with rough terrain can create enough pitch and bounce to cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle,
  • Lack of helmet use,
  • ATV is improperly loaded, or load weight exceeds vehicle operation capacity, or
  • Operator carries a passenger that affects the operator’s control and operation of the ATV.

Safety measures for ATV use include:

  • Conduct pre-ride inspection which should include checking tires, throttle cable, front and rear brakes, lights and switches, oil and fuel, chain or driveshaft, and air filter. Clean out of weeds and other debris from around engine and other hot components, and check the chassis for any defects or wear.
  • Single riders only. Injuries frequently occur to passengers; therefore, riding double should not be permitted.
  • Always wear PPE – helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Appropriate helmets are those designed for motorcycle use (not firefighting) and should include safety visors/face shields, goggles, or safety glasses for eye protection.
  • Use headlights to improve visibility by other vehicles.
  • Maintain speeds acceptable for riding conditions, especially over uneven terrain.
  • Avoid traversing slopes.
  • Mounted or towed loads should not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation and should be properly mounted so that weight transfer does not affect the center of gravity of the machine – mounting a tank (e.g., drip torch) on the rear of the vehicle increases the chances for a rear turnover.
  • Do not drive on public roads. Collisions with automobiles on public roads are the most common cause of fatal ATV accidents. It may be illegal to operate an ATV on public roads; check your state’s laws.

 

Category
Vehicles Roads
References
Safety and Occupational Health Manual Handbook, BLM-1112-1


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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

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