Prepare and operate a powered vehicle with attachments

This standard covers the preparation and operation of a powered vehicle, such as an ATV, four-wheel drive, quad bike, mule, skid-steer and bob-cat, with attachments. The standard does not cover the use of tractors with attachments. The standard covers the use of a powered vehicle with a range of attachments in a variety of weather conditions and ground conditions and on a variety of terrain. These conditions will have an impact on the handling and use of the vehicle. When working with machinery or equipment you should be trained and hold current certification, where required. When using a powered vehicle on the public highway you must hold the relevant licences for both yourself and the vehicle. When carrying out your work you must consider the impact it will have on the environment. This standard is suitable for those who operate a powered vehicle with attachments on or off the public highway.

1. assess the risks associated with the required activity
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. prepare the required powered vehicle by carrying out pre-start checks and adjustments, in accordance with relevant legislation, instructions and specifications
4. confirm that the powered vehicle is safe and ready for use
5. mount and dismount the powered vehicle safely
6. check and adjust the operator environment to meet your personal requirements
7. select the appropriate attachments to carry out the required work
8. confirm that the attachments are suitable for the powered vehicle
9. confirm that the attachments are fitted securely and safely
10. confirm that the attachments are set or calibrated, if required
11. check the immediate area for hazards and obstacles before moving off, and at all times during operation of the powered vehicle
12. use the correct warning signals at all times
13. operate and manoeuvre the powered vehicle safely, in accordance with the type of vehicle, attachment and operation being carried out
14. use the attachment safely at all times
15. make sure that the attachment is in the transport position when not in use, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
16. modify operating procedures to take into account any changes in the weather, ground conditions or types of terrain
17. use efficiency factors to maintain an efficient performance by the powered vehicle and attachment through the appropriate handling and use of the vehicle
18. monitor the operation of the attachment and recognise any faults
19. stop and isolate the powered vehicle on completion of the activity
20. remove the attachment in accordance with instructions and specifications
21. leave the powered vehicle and attachment secure after use and in the correct condition for future use
22. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
23. follow industry and business guidance to minimise environmental damage
24. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies

1. how to identify hazards and assess risks
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the current legislation in relation to the preparation and operation of powered vehicles and attachments
4. the different types of powered vehicles for different activities
5. which powered vehicles are suitable to carry passengers
6. the different types of accessories available for powered vehicles and how they are secured to the vehicle
7. how to select a suitable powered vehicle for the required activity and how to prepare the powered vehicle and attachment by carrying out pre-start checks and adjustments
8. how to mount and dismount the powered vehicle safely
9. how to start and stop the powered vehicle safely
10. the types of safety equipment that should be available on the vehicle
11. the function of all the controls and instruments on the powered vehicle and attachment being used
12. the types of attachments and how they should be secured and removed from the powered vehicle
13. the types of attachments that are safe for use with the powered vehicle you are using and those that are not the conditions that should be taken into account when considering the use of attachments
14. how to set or calibrate attachments, where required
15. the correct use of warning signals and indicators
16. the ways in which the powered vehicle and attachment should be operated and manoeuvred, and how to take into account different weather, ground conditions and terrain
17. how to operate and use attachments safely on the powered vehicle
18. how to put the attachment into the transport position and the work position, as required
19. the capabilities and limitations of the powered vehicle and the operator and the factors that may affect safety and efficiency
20. the types of hazards and obstacles that may be encountered when operating a powered vehicle with attachments and how to deal with these
21. how to monitor the operation of the attachment and the actions that might be required
22. the common faults, defects and wearing parts on attachments used in your place of work
23. the sort of problems that may occur with the powered vehicle or attachment, how to recognise them and the appropriate action to take
24. the importance of carrying out routine checks and maintenance to confirm that the powered vehicle and attachment remain safe and in good working order
25. the reasons why the powered vehicle and attachment should be left in the correct condition for future use
26. why it is important to maintain the safety and security of the powered vehicle and attachment at all times
27. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
28. the potential impact that your activities could have on the environment and the ways in which this can be minimised
29. your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and business policies

Attachments: 

• include trailed or mounted equipment

Efficiency factors:

• gears
• hydraulics
• tyre pressure
• track condition
• brakes
• clutches

Ground conditions:

• wet
• dry
• frost
• ice
• mud
• loose ground

Operator environment:

• seat
• steering wheel
• mirrors
• seat belt

Powered vehicles include:

• ATVs
• four wheel drives
• quad bikes
• mules
• skid-steers
• bob-cats

Terrain:

• hard surfaces
• soft surfaces
• uneven surfaces
• slopes

LANCS9 Prepare and operate a powered vehicle

LANCS57 Prepare and operate a tractor with attachments