Prepare and operate a powered vehicle

URN: LANCS9
Business Sectors (Suites): Agricultural Crop Production, Treework
Developed by: Lantra
Approved: 2019

Overview

This standard covers the preparation and operation of a powered vehicle such as an ATV, four-wheel drive, quad bike, sit-astride, mule, skid-steer and bob-cat. The standard does not cover the use of tractors. The standard covers the use of powered vehicles in a variety of weather conditions, ground conditions and 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 anyone who operates a powered vehicle on or off the public highway.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  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. check the immediate area for hazards and obstacles before moving off, and at all times during the operation of the powered vehicle
  8. use the correct warning signals at all times
  9. operate and manoeuvre the powered vehicle safely in accordance with the type of vehicle and operation being carried out
  10. modify the operating techniques to take account of changes in weather, ground conditions and types of terrain
  11. use efficiency factors to maintain an efficient performance by the powered vehicle through the appropriate handling and use of the vehicle
  12. stop and isolate the powered vehicle on completion of the activity
  13. leave the powered vehicle secure after use and in the correct condition for future use
  14. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
  15. follow industry and business guidance to minimise environmental damage
  16. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  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
  4. the different types of powered vehicles that are used 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 the correct powered vehicle for the required activity and how to carry 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
  11. the function of all controls and instruments on the powered vehicle you are using
  12. the correct use of warning signals and indicators
  13. the ways in which the powered vehicle should be operated and manoeuvred, and how different weather, ground conditions and types of terrain will affect the performance
  14. the capabilities and limitations of the powered vehicle and its operator, and the factors that may affect safety and efficiency
  15. the types of hazards and obstacles that may be encountered when operating a powered vehicle and how these should be dealt with
  16. the sort of problems that may occur with the powered vehicle, how to recognise them and the action to take
  17. the importance of carrying out routine checks and maintenance to confirm that the powered vehicle remains safe and in good working order
  18. the reasons why the powered vehicle should be left in the correct condition for future use
  19. why it is important to maintain the safety and security of the powered vehicle at all times
  20. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
  21. the potential impact that your activities could have on the environment and ways in which this can be minimised
  22. your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and business policies

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

Efficiency factors:

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

Ground conditions:

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

Instructions and specifications:

  • drawings/plans
  • schedules
  • method statements
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • manufacturer's guidelines
  • customer requirements
  • verbal instructions

Operator environment:

  • seat
  • steering wheel
  • mirrors
  • seat belt

Powered vehicles include:

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

Terrain:

  • hard surfaces
  • soft surfaces
  • uneven surfaces
  • slopes

Links To Other NOS

LANCS59 Prepare and operate a powered vehicle with attachments
LANCS7 Prepare and operate a tractor


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

lancs9

Relevant Occupations

Farmer, General Farm Worker, Greenkeeper, Groundsman, Arboriculture and forestry

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

Atv; Four wheel drive; Quad bike; Sit astride; Mule; Skid steer; Bob cat