Guidance Note 4-41

ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATVs) - UK

Introduction
ATVs are a great alternative to larger and less mobile vehicles and have become a useful asset
for many businesses. They have unique features that enable them to operate in harsh work
environments and where other vehicles cannot go.
There are two main types of ATVs:
 Sit-astride ATVs – also known as a quad bike, they are designed to travel on four low-
pressure tyres on unpaved (and paved) surfaces. They have a long seat designed to be
straddled by the operator and use handlebars for steering control. The long single seat is to
allow riders to move their body weight backwards and forwards, according to the terrain, a
technique known as ‘active’ riding. It is not for carrying passengers. Unless specifically
designed with two seats sit-astride ATVs must be used by a single operator only.
 Side-by-side ATVs – are small utility vehicles in which the driver and a passenger sit side-
by-side. Some have a second row of seating and can carry four people. Side-by-sides are
equipped with four wheels and a steering wheel. They are usually fitted with a strong roll-
over protection cage and seat or lap belts. Side-by-sides can be known as utility vehicles
(UTVs) or rough terrain utility vehicles (RTVs).
For use at work ATVs are often fitted with a tow hitch so that they can pull a trailer, trailed
appliance or other specialised work equipment.

Associated Hazards
There are many hazards associated with the use of both types of ATV and their improper use
can lead to fatal and serious injuries. They are designed for use across a wide range of terrain,
including steep and rocky slopes, in adverse weather conditions and more. But if they are used
beyond their design capabilities and outside their safe operating guidelines, they will become
unstable and dangerous. Serious and fatal injuries associated with ATVs result from:
 Being crushed or asphyxiated under an overturned ATV.
 Collisions with structures, trees, other vehicles.
 Pedestrians being struck-by or run over by ATVs.
 Being thrown from the vehicle due to loss of control.
The main, underlining causes and contributing factors to ATV accidents and injuries are
consistently:
 Lack of formal training and experience.
 Failure to practice “active riding”.
 The lack of, or incorrect use of personal protective equipment. In almost all fatal ATV
accidents the rider was not wearing an approved safety helmet.
 Excessive speed.

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  Poor maintenance, for example, faulty brakes, incorrect tyre pressures and damaged
suspension.
 Not reading the terrain ahead, leading to tipping and overturning on uneven ground, such as
ditches, banks, outcrops and ruts.
 Carrying passengers on a sit-astride ATV.
 Carrying an excessive or unbalanced load on the ATV.
 Towing excessive loads and or an insecure load.

Legal Duties
Employers have a legal duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees whilst at
work. To meet that duty where ATVs are used at work, they must-
 Ensure that any ATV in use is fully serviced and maintained to the maker’s instructions.
 Ensure that operators are fully trained for the terrain and conditions likely to be met during
their use. Training must cover the effects of, and any additional skills needed when loads
are carried, towed equipment is used or specialised equipment is mounted on the ATV; the
additional load and equipment affects the centre of gravity and stability altering the
handling characteristics.
In Ireland formal training is a mandatory legal requirement. As from 20 th November 2023
employers must provide formal training for ATV users. This must be provided by a
registered training provider to a QQI level 5 standard or equivalent formal training. The
users will need to successfully complete the training before confirmation of the training is
given.
In the UK formal independent training is always best practice. There are many recognised
providers.
 Provide operators with protective equipment, a helmet approved for the use of ATV
operations, eye protection and sturdy over ankle boots as a minimum.
 Not allow contractors or self-employed workers to use ATVs unless the same requirements
are met.
It is illegal to carry a child as a passenger on an ATV being used at work.
Road safety legislation applies to ATVs. Some models are not road legal and should not be
used on the road – check their status with your supplier. ATVs that are road legal must be
approved, registered, taxed and have statutory inspection (NVT or MOT, if needed) to be used
on the road.
ATVs used on the road must carry valid registration plates and have a minimum of third-party
insurance cover. Drivers must have a full car licence or if issued before January 1997 a
category B1 licence.
It may be possible to register a single seat ATV as a light agricultural vehicle for road use;
application should be made to the government driver or vehicle standards agency. Passengers
are not allowed and their use is limited to roads within 1.5 kilometres of the farm base.
The law also places requirements on ATV users. They must use a helmet and other PPE, follow
speed restrictions where applicable and always drive at speeds safe for weather and terrain.

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They should always drive in a safe manner and must not be under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.

Recognised Control Measures

A full risk assessment should be completed before working with an ATV. The risk assessment
will identify the hazards and risks so that you can select the most appropriate health and safety
measures to eliminate or reduce those risks to a reasonably practicable level.
Select the right machine
Before using an ATV, you should assess the suitability of the machine you intend to work with.
If you intend carrying heavy loads the ATV must designed to take the weight and it must be able
to carry the load across the terrain on which it will be used. Liaise carefully with suppliers
before deciding on a purchase.
Operator training
On sit-astride ATVs rider positioning is vital to their correct use. The position of the rider on
the machine needs to be changed, on the move, depending on the terrain and motion. Riders
must know how to move and balance the momentum of the ATV with their own body weight.
This is known as active riding and is a skill that must be carefully learnt.
Training is therefore essential. In Ireland it is a mandatory requirement (since November 2023)
for users to have successfully completed a QQI level 5 or equivalent training course run by a
registered training provider.
In the UK the enforcing authorities encourage theoretical and practical training to a recognised
standard by a suitable provider; it is always preferable to an ‘in-house’ provision. LANTRA,
the national training organization for agriculture and land-based industries (lantra-
awards.co.uk), the British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) (www.borda.org.uk), EASI
(European ATV Safety Institute), ATV dealers and some manufactures provide suitable training
courses; see their websites for details.
Employees must also be given any specific instruction, training, and information for the tasks
they are instructed to complete.
Route planning and Stability
ATVs have their limitations. Accidents can occur when ATVs are driven on terrain that is
unsafe or driven on for the first time. Operators must be reminded that in those situations they
must travel at slow speed, note the quality of the ground surface and look out for obstacles such
as fallen trees, ruts, wildlife, etc. Sometimes it may be necessary to come to a complete stop
and scout the route ahead on foot.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Sit-astride ATVs are not fitted with either a cab or roll bar, the operator’s only protection is
what they wear. Side-by-side ATVs have conventional sit-in seats and often have a cab or roll-
over protection structures (ROPS) and lap belts or seat restraints fitted. These reduce the risk of
injury but do not mean that personal protective equipment is unnecessary.
Most fatal injuries involving an ATV are caused by head injuries to riders without head
protection. The enforcing authorities are clear that many of these deaths were preventable had
head protection been used. Head protection is, therefore, vital and should be provided as a
personal issue to each operator. Helmets must have a chin strap and be made and tested to BS-
EN 397 or BS-EN 14052.
Eye protection will also be needed to remove the risk of ‘road’ dirt and other contamination to
the eye. This can not only cause injury but also distract the rider at a critical time as they
practice active riding.

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Riders are also recommended to wear clothing that covers their arms and legs and gloves as
protection from trail hazards and to keep them warm in cooler weather. Suitable sturdy and
waterproof footwear should always be worn.
In some parts of the world there is a legal requirement for new sit-astride ATVs to be fitted with
a roll bar or roll cage. After extensive research, the UK Health and Safety Executive does not
support this requirement. The research has shown that they may lead to an increased risk of
injury in case of an overturn by either preventing the operator from separating from the machine
or striking the operator as the machine overturns.
Safety Checks and Maintenance
Off-road use can be harsh. A pre-use inspection should be completed before and after starting
the engine. The ATV should be in good working order with adequate fuel and fluid levels. All
controls and lights must be clean, undamaged, and working. Hand, foot, and parking brakes
must be operating properly and the brake fluid level adequate.
Of particular importance is a daily pre-use tyre pressure check. ATV tyres are designed to run
at very low pressures typically around 2–7 psi. A small pressure differential between tyre
pressures, even a 1 psi (0.07 kg/cm2) difference can upset the stability of the ATV and can
cause vehicle control problems. Standard tyre pressure gauges are not accurate at these low
pressures. It is important to use a gauge designed to measure low pressures. A suitable gauge is
usually supplied with each new ATV.
In addition to daily checks routine servicing and maintenance as specified by the maker is
essential. It is important to correct small problems at the earliest opportunity before they
become serious.
Fuelling
Users should refuel at a designated fuel site whenever possible. The ATV should be refuelled
on even ground and not in the back of a pickup or on a trailer bed. The engine must be stopped
and refuelling must be away from heat and sparks. When refuelling in a remote location, ensure
spill pads or a non-spill container is used. Always refuel in a well-ventilated area and follow
manufacturers’ guidelines on fuel types.

Children
Children are prohibited from driving an ATV for work, other than on a farm.
On a farm, however, children over the age of 13 may use low powered ATVs in limited
circumstances for farm purposes provided they have received instruction and are closely
supervised. Children over 16 are prohibited from driving most adult sized ATVs. The ratio of a
child’s weight to that of an ATV is significant as this can affect handling. And should the ATV
overturn, the child may not be able to lift it unaided, serious crush wounds could be sustained.
This must be taken into consideration before allowing children to use an ATV along with
training and an assessment of their competence.

Records
Records of training, instruction and personal protective equipment issued to employees along
with the ATV maintenance records should be kept on file and readily available.
Details of completed risk assessments should be recorded, explained to the workforce and their
supervisors. They may be stored online or kept as hard copy with your safety management
records.

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 Further advice and guidance on any of the issues associated with all-terrain vehicles operations
or advice contained in this guidance note is available from our 24-hour advice service.

Guidance Notes are regularly updated to reflect changes in standards and official guidance. The latest version of every guidance
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